ances tree

Forget the furry blue Muppet, forget corpulent President Cleveland (not too difficult), and consider this name anew. We think it's spunky, a little funky, and well worth a second look.

Revolutionary choice.

Gunn is a masculine name with Norse and Scottish origins, derived from a surname that has several possible meanings. In Old Norse, it may come from 'gunnr' meaning 'war' or 'battle,' while in Scottish Gaelic contexts it could relate to 'gunna' meaning 'gown' or possibly a derivative of names like Gunnar. As a surname, it has historical presence throughout Scandinavia, Scotland, and northern England. When used as a first name, Gunn has a bold, concise quality—distinctive for its brevity and strength. The name remains quite rare as a given name in English-speaking countries, though it has more presence in Nordic regions. Its single-syllable punch and strong consonant ending give it a distinctively masculine character.

Guthrie, one of the most attractive Scottish names that's also a surname, has a particularly romantic, windswept aura, with a touch of the buckaroo thrown in.

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the 1950s. Now he hovers steadily below the Top 1000, in the sweet spot of familiar but not overused. With the meteoric rise of Kai, Guy may have potential with parents looking for a more classic name with a similar sound.

Gwyndolyn is a feminine name representing a creative spelling variant of Gwendolyn, which derives from Welsh elements 'gwen' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair,' and 'dolen' meaning 'ring' or 'bow.' This alternative spelling with 'y' instead of 'e' gives the traditional name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its Welsh roots and melodic pronunciation. The name carries connotations of brightness, purity, and beauty from its original elements. In Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend, Gwendolyn appears as a figure of significance, adding cultural depth to the name. While less common than the standard spelling, Gwyndolyn appeals to parents drawn to Celtic heritage who desire a slight variation on the classic form, offering both historical richness and a touch of uniqueness.

This is a Muslim female name particularly popular in Somalia and North Africa.

Haden is a masculine name with English origins, historically functioning as a surname derived from place names meaning 'heather valley' or 'heath hill' in Old English. As a first name, Haden gained modest popularity in the late 20th century, appealing to parents seeking modern-sounding names with historical roots. The name offers versatility with alternative spellings including Hayden and Haydon, though Haden represents the more concise form. It carries associations with natural landscapes and the outdoors, evoking images of rolling hills and open spaces. Haden strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness—recognizable without being overly common. The name's short, strong sound pattern has contributed to its appeal for boys, conveying a straightforward, unpretentious character.

Hemingway readers will recognize this as the name of Papa's first wife (and, eventually, actress Mariel's grandmother). But in Victorian times, Hadley and Hedley were actually more popular for boys.

A preppy surname of hidden German origin that would fit right in with currently trendy s-ending boy names like Brooks.

Hakon is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, historically spelled Hákon or Håkon in Scandinavian countries. The name combines the elements 'há' (high) and 'konr' (son, descendant), essentially meaning 'high son' or 'of noble birth.' With deep historical roots, Hakon was borne by numerous Norwegian kings and continues to be used in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland today. While maintaining strong popularity in Scandinavia, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though increasing interest in Norse heritage and mythology has brought attention to such traditional names. Hakon offers a strong, distinctive sound with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a name with authentic Nordic roots and a powerful meaning.

The second most popular spelling of this name is also the most straightforward.

A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.

Although this was the surname of a rugged World War II admiral, these days it has a feminine feel.

Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.