Geographical baby names - England

The sort of formal surname name more popular in another era; Dalton's a more modern relation.

The recent ascent of this English surname is due to two things: the megapopular Ash beginning and TV/movie hottie Ashton Kutcher. The name peaked at Number 76 in 2004, a year after Ashton Kutcher's (both Christopher Ashton) hit TV show Punk'd made its debut.

Blyth is a feminine name of Scottish and Old English origin, though it can occasionally be used for males as well. It derives from the Old English 'blithe,' meaning 'carefree,' 'cheerful,' or 'merry.' The name is also associated with the River Blyth in England and towns bearing the same name. As a surname, Blyth has been established for centuries before transitioning to occasional use as a given name. It carries connotations of happiness and light-heartedness, reflective of its etymological roots. The name's single-syllable crispness gives it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, Blyth appeals to parents seeking a name that is succinct, distinctive, and imbued with positive meaning. Its spelling variant 'Blythe' is somewhat more common, particularly for girls.

This name of a busy British port city -- as well as of several places in America -- has a brisk and bustling air. It will now--and for years to come--be identified as a Sarah Palin name, chosen for her eldest daughter, who is now a TV personality herself.

Prissy, no matter how you spell it.

Chester is a comfortable, little-used teddy-bear of a name that suddenly sounds both quirky and cuddly.

Corby is a unisex name, though more commonly used for females, with English origins. Derived from an Old Norse place name meaning 'raven settlement' or from old English elements 'cor' (raven) and 'by' (farm or settlement). As a surname-turned-first-name, Corby has the casual, friendly quality characteristic of this naming trend. Though never broadly popular, the name saw modest usage in the mid-20th century in English-speaking countries. Corby has a distinctively British feel and carries associations with the market town of Corby in Northamptonshire, England. The name's brevity, two-syllable rhythm, and friendly 'y' ending give it an approachable, contemporary sound despite its ancient origins. Corby remains an uncommon choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet unpretentious.

Derby might be considered a word name or a surname-name. In England, it would be pronounced darby, causing confusion with that similar name.

This spelling of Devon, as opposed to Devin or Devan, makes it a pretty and popular British place-name, evoking the beautiful county of farmlands and dramatic seascapes and moors in southwest England. A stylish ambi-gender name particularly well used in the early nineties, Devon remains an attractive option--though be aware that at this point in time, it is used more frequently for boys.

It's easy to love a name that rhymes with "cuddly" and is also attached to the surname Do-Right -- once you ignore the "dud" connection.

Russian form of Eli mainly used today by families with Russian Jewish heritage.

Hadley, an old surname-name best known as the name of author Ernest Hemingway's "Paris Wife," only recently broke onto the scene in a big way. While Hadley has considerable appeal, spelling variations such as Hadleigh—and onward to Hadleah, Hadleah, Hadli and so on—only emphasize its trendiness. Hadleigh made its first appearance on the US Top 1000 in 2014.

Jean Harlow (born Harlean Carpenter), the original platinum blonde bombshell, was a symbol of 1930s glamour, a factor that first Patricia Arquette and then Nicole Richie and Joel Madden probably had in mind when they gave their daughters the distinctive surname name Harlow.

Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll. Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.

Variant of Kendall

Chosen for their first son by musical couple Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, this Jamaican place and elegant British surname also boasts the more regal yet user-friendly short form, King.