Aussie Inspirations - PLACES
- Fairy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Fairy's reputation as a slur directed at gay men takes it off the table as a baby name option. Go with Pixie or Faye instead.
- Falcon
Origin:
Bird nameDescription:
There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
- Crescent
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"increasing, growing"Description:
Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Cressie could make for a cute nickname, as used in the Worst Witch children's TV series, short for Crescentmoon.
- Scotland
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin's daughter Ireland opened up the map for names like Scotland, and now that it's been chosen by Kourtney Kardashian for her daughter Penelope's middle name -- in honor of daddy Scott Disick -- Scotland is sure to appear on more birth certificates. Can Scotlyn be far behind?
- Grove
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"grove of trees"Description:
If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
- Bell
Origin:
English and Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"ringer of the bell"Description:
These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
- Tasman
Origin:
Dutch, unknownDescription:
When Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman became one of the first Europeans to find Australia, he gave his name to a sea and to an island. in turn some parents have chosen to honor their homeland by choosing this name for their child. Tasma is the feminine version.
- Jervis
Description:
Jervis is a masculine name with Germanic origins, being a variant form of Jarvis. The name ultimately derives from elements meaning "spear" and "warrior." Historically, it was more common as a surname, as in the notable British naval officer Sir John Jervis. As a first name, Jervis has never been widely popular but has maintained a steady, if minimal, usage over centuries. It has an aristocratic, somewhat old-world feel that distinguishes it from more common names. The name sounds similar to the more familiar Jarvis but with a softer pronunciation. Jervis might appeal to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a gentlemanly quality that remains uncommon.
- Bonny
Description:
Bonny is a charming feminine name of Scottish and English origin that literally means 'pretty,' 'attractive,' or 'fair.' It derives from the Old French word 'bon' meaning 'good.' The name gained recognition through the Scottish folk song 'My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.' While primarily used as a given name for girls, Bonny has occasionally been used for boys as well. Throughout history, it has been more commonly used as a nickname or term of endearment rather than a formal name. Bonny enjoyed modest popularity in the early to mid-20th century but has since become less common, giving it a sweet, vintage appeal for modern parents seeking something simple yet distinctive.
- Eagle
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"eagle, a bird"Description:
Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.
- Fowler
Description:
Fowler is a masculine name of English origin that began as an occupational surname. It originally referred to a person who hunted wild birds or was a bird-catcher (from the Old English 'fugelere'). As a first name, Fowler is quite uncommon, representing the trend of using traditional surnames as given names. This practice became more popular in the United States during the 20th century, especially for boys. Fowler has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic sound that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical roots and a professional tone. Its rarity as a first name makes it distinctive while still being recognizable and straightforward to pronounce and spell.
- Cable
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"rope"Description:
Drop the C and arrive at an established biblical name.
- Forster
Origin:
English, variation of FosterMeaning:
"scissors maker"Description:
Forster, a variation of Foster or potentially even Forester, is associated with British novelist E.M. Forster, author of A Passage to India, Howard's End, and A Room with a View. But if you choose Forster, you'd always have to force that 'r'.
- Denham
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"village in a valley"Description:
Legitimizes the newly coined Denim, as does the Scottish place-name Denholm (both pronounced DEN-um).
- Hobart
Origin:
English and Dutch variation of HubertDescription:
More user-friendly than the original.
- Manly
Description:
Manly is an unusual masculine name deriving from Old English, literally meaning 'masculine' or 'resembling a man.' As a given name, it emerged during the Victorian era when virtue names and descriptive names were fashionable. Though uncommon today, Manly experienced modest popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name carries obvious associations with masculinity, courage, and strength. Some bearers may have been named after Manly Hall, a notable Canadian author, or in reference to Manly Beach in Australia. The direct meaning can make it feel somewhat heavy-handed in modern contexts, which has contributed to its decline. Today, it's an extremely rare choice that stands out for its straightforward meaning.
- Diamond
Origin:
Word name, English from GreekMeaning:
"diamond"Description:
Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
- Cathie
Description:
Cathie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Catherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' This friendly, approachable variation peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s when nickname forms were commonly used as given names. Cathie offers a warmer, more casual alternative to the more formal Catherine while maintaining its classic roots. The name has a vintage charm that evokes the mid-century era. While less common today than in previous generations, Cathie maintains appeal for parents seeking a familiar yet not overly used name with nostalgic connections. Its unpretentious quality and easy pronunciation give it an enduring accessibility.
- Burleigh
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"meadow belonging to a manor"Description:
Let's hope he's "burly".
- Mackay
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Aodh"Description:
MacKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay.