names that are words

This is a list of words that are purported to be names: virtues, professions, adjectives, and more. Some of these would make great names, others might be a bit much, and some would work better for characters than human children.
  1. Acre
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a unit of land area equal to 4,840 square yards"
    • Description:

      Acre feels at home with other modern, fresh word names like Rumor, Snow and Ace. But with the feeling of wide open spaces and nature, Acre also offers a softer, earthier tone that will appeal to those seeking a unique name with a distinctly Americana feel.
  2. Affinity
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Sympathetic new twist on a Puritan virtue name.
  3. Afternoon
    • Origin:

      English, “afternoon”
    • Description:

      An early day name worthy of consideration today for someone seeking a truly unusual name.
  4. Alabama
    • Origin:

      Place-name; Choctaw
    • Meaning:

      "vegetation gatherers"
    • Description:

      Alabama is a hot southern place-name, picking up from Georgia and Savannah. This is not a geographical name come lately, though--there have been girls named Alabama dating back well over a century.
  5. Alas
    • Description:

      Alas is an uncommon masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indonesian, 'alas' means 'forest' or 'foundation,' connecting the name to nature and strength. In Lithuanian, it may be related to the word for 'beer' or derive from a surname. Some link it to the Spanish word 'alas' meaning 'wings,' symbolizing freedom and aspiration. The name could also be a rare variant of the Biblical name 'Atlas.' Alas has remained quite rare internationally, not appearing on most popularity charts. Its brevity and distinctive sound make it memorable, while its cross-cultural meanings offer rich symbolic potential. Parents might choose this name for its uniqueness and natural connotations.

  6. Alchemy
    • Origin:

      Latin word name
    • Meaning:

      "a medieval chemical science"
    • Description:

      One of the most extreme of the new word names, recommended only to the most mystical-minded parents. Actor Lance Henriksen spelled his daughter's name Alchamy.
  7. Alias
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "pseudonym"
    • Description:

      We think, probably, most parents who name their sons Alias are using it as a variation of Elias.
  8. Allegory
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      If Fable, Story and Saga are getting a look in, why not Allegory? Allegory offers the cute nickname Ally.
  9. Ambrosia
    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
    • Meaning:

      "Immortal"
    • Description:

      Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
  10. America
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Given to children of both sexes as far back as colonial times, this carries a lot of baggage. However, parents continue to take the risk. Actress America Ferrera may be have inspired some families to choose the name. Ferrera's Honduras-born mother shares her unusual name.
  11. Americana
    • Description:

      Americana is a distinctive feminine name that draws inspiration from patriotic American themes. As a given name, it's quite rare, making it a truly unique choice. The term 'Americana' traditionally refers to artifacts, cultural elements, or nostalgia relating to American heritage and history. As a name, it evokes images of American culture, traditions, and patriotism. While not common in historical records, it has occasionally appeared as a given name in recent decades, particularly for girls born to families with strong patriotic connections or an appreciation for American culture. The name carries a sense of national pride and cultural identity, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name that represents American values or heritage.
  12. Amity
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "friendship"
    • Description:

      Amity--what nicer gift to give your little girl than a name that signifies friendship and harmony? This virtue name is also more rhythmic and feminine than the single-syllable Hope, Faith, and Grace.
  13. Anchor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "heavy object used to moor a ship; provide with a solid foundation"
    • Description:

      Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.
  14. Anthem
    • Origin:

      American Word Name
    • Description:

      A musical word name with a lot of strength behind it
  15. Apple
    • Origin:

      English nature name
    • Meaning:

      "apple"
    • Description:

      When people talk about unique baby names, Apple is often one of the first examples they mention. Apple made international headlines when Gwyneth Paltrow chose this wholesome fruit name for her daughter. Many have called it ridiculous, but we have to admit, we find it appealing enough to list as one of our top cute baby names. Rocker Bob Geldof named one of his daughters Peaches; Banana Yoshimoto is a hipster writer. Another choice in this genre is the luscious Plum, though for different reasons, neither Prune nor Cherry will fly.
  16. Arcana
    • Origin:

      word name
    • Description:

      This name has many different connotations, from Tarot cards to a species of butterfly. It is related to the English word arcane, which means esoteric, mysterious, enigmatic.
  17. Archer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "bowman"
    • Description:

      Archer is an Anglo-Saxon surname that feels more modern than most because of its on-target occupational and Hunger Games associations. And it's a nice way to bypass the clunky Archibald to get to the cool nickname Archie.
  18. Argentina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "silver"
    • Description:

      South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.
  19. Arizona
    • Origin:

      Place-name from Papago Indian
    • Meaning:

      "little springs"
    • Description:

      We usually think of place-names as a modern invention, but in fact Arizona ranked on the US Top 1000 from its inception in 1880 until 1911, when it vanished below the surface. It peaked at Number 510 in 1882, before Arizona became a state. One notorious vintage bearer: criminal "Ma" Barker, born Arizona Clark.
  20. Arrow
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Words are not always easy to translate into baby names, but the implications of being straight and swift lend this one great potential as a name. It also has the popular o-sound ending, which brings it further into the realm of possibility. Rising rock star Aja Volkman pulled a gender switch when she named her daughter Arrow Eve.