Some Names I Like
- Becker
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"baker"Description:
One of the less common members of the currently popular craftsmen's guild, Becker once had a self-named sitcom, and is also associated with Wimbleton tennis legend Boris Becker.
- Cole
- Edna
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rejuvenation, delight"Description:
Edna is one of those names that, until what it seemed like a few minutes ago, felt so terminally frumpy that no one could imagine a parent choosing it for an innocent modern baby girl. But with the great upswing in names honoring ancestral family members, several of them being other four-letter, e-ending names, we wouldn't be so sure.
- Elenore
Description:
Elenore is a graceful feminine name that serves as a variant of Eleanor, which derives from the Provençal name Aliénor, introduced to England by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 12th century. The name has roots in various ancient forms, possibly connected to the Greek 'helē' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' This particular spelling, with the final 'e,' gives the name a slightly more antique and romantic quality. Elenore has maintained a quiet presence throughout history, experiencing occasional revivals during periods when vintage names return to favor. Though less common than Eleanor, it carries the same sophisticated charm and historical richness, while offering a subtle distinction. The name evokes images of elegance and timeless beauty, appealing to parents drawn to classic names with a slight twist.
- Eliza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Eliza is a name with a wonderful combination of streamlined zest and Eliza Doolittle charm and spunk. It's a classic that's popular right now -- but not too popular.
- Evelyn
Origin:
English from French and GermanMeaning:
"desired; or water, island"Description:
After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.
- Faye
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fairy"Description:
Soft and simple, but no less magical, Faye is enjoying a quiet spell of popularity in the US. It broke the Top 1000 in 2014, and by 2023, was one of the fastest rising names on the charts. Faye is a perfect example of a name that fits in and stands out, recognizable and yet unexpected. It also makes a beautiful middle name option, if Mae and Rae are feeling too overdone.
- Genevive
Description:
Genevive is a feminine name that represents a variation of the more common spelling 'Genevieve.' Derived from the medieval Germanic name 'Genovefa,' it ultimately comes from Celtic elements possibly meaning 'woman of the tribe' or 'white wave.' This elegant name carries associations with St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, who according to legend saved the city through her prayers and leadership. While less common than the standard spelling, Genevive maintains the same sophisticated French charm and classic appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon today, giving it a distinctive quality while still being recognizable.
- Karen
Origin:
Danish variation of KatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine, an English name derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The etymology of Aikaterine is contested, but generally considered to have arisen from the Greek root katharos, meaning "pure." Kaja is a related name, as it is another Danish variation of Katherine.
- Lucille
Origin:
French variation of Latin LucillaMeaning:
"light"Description:
Lucille is a name that had long been overpowered by its link to Lucille Ball, with an image of tangerine-colored hair, big, round eyes, and a tendency to stage daffy and desperate stunts. But with the newfound craze for double-L names like Lily and Lila, Lulu and Luna, and as the choice of Lucille by hipster parents Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson, Lucille is breaking free from its old clownish image, moving rapidly up the charts over the past decade after a long nap.
- Margaret
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."
- Nicolette
Origin:
French, diminutive of Nicole, feminine variation of Nicholas, GreekMeaning:
"people of victory"Description:
Nicolette is the ultra-feminine name of an enchanting princess in the medieval French romance, Aucassin et Nicolette, a name that got stacks of publicity in the heyday of Desperate Housewives and its star Nicolette Sheridan. It was also the name of Chloe Sevigny's character in Big Love.
- Yvette
Origin:
French, feminine of YvesMeaning:
"yew tree"Description:
This French name has the elegance of other '-ette' names such as Colette and is a botanical name without being too obvious about it.