good names for children
- Bald
Description:
Bald is an uncommon masculine name with ancient Germanic origins. Rather than relating to hair loss, the name derives from the Old English element 'beald' meaning 'bold' or 'brave.' It was found in Anglo-Saxon England, often as part of compound names like Baldwin (bold friend) or Archibald (genuinely bold). As a standalone name, Bald has become exceedingly rare in modern times. Historically, it was associated with courage and fearlessness in battle. The name experienced a decline after the Norman Conquest when French-influenced names gained popularity. Today, Bald might be encountered more as a surname or nickname than as a given name, though it preserves its heritage of connoting courage and daring.
- Bean
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"an immature bean pod used as a vegetable"Description:
The unisex word name Bean, distant cousin of the infamous Apple, was used for the name of a child of mysterious gender in Louise Penny's novel "A Rule Against Murder." While we can imagine Bean as a cute nickname for a yet-unnamed and unborn baby, we don't recommend it for real life.
- Bingo
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A name best for pets.
- Cookie
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"cookie"Description:
Cookie is most often used as a dog name, and it should stay that way.
- Crocket
Description:
Crocket is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, primarily derived from the surname Crockett. The surname itself has two possible origins: it may be a diminutive form of the Old French name 'Croc,' meaning 'hook,' or it could be derived from the Old English 'crocc,' referring to a pot or pitcher maker. The name gained notable recognition through American folk hero Davy Crockett, the frontiersman and politician who died at the Alamo. As a first name, Crocket is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking an unconventional choice with historical undertones and a rugged, pioneering spirit.
- Dodo
Origin:
Diminutive of DorothyDescription:
Dodo is one of the few names of the cute repeating-sounds genre that is not alas so cute, being a slang word for someone brainless as well as the name of the infamous extinct bird. Dot, Dottie, Dory, or Thea are all preferable.
- Favorite
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Maybe if you're planning to have only one child -- and iffy even then.
- Ham
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hot, warm"Description:
Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.
- Jimbo
Description:
Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.
- Madog
Description:
Madog is a masculine name of Welsh origin with deep historical roots. It derives from the Welsh elements 'mad' meaning 'fortunate' or 'good' and a diminutive suffix, essentially meaning 'fortunate little one.' The name has significant historical connections, most notably through Madog ab Owain Gwynedd, a legendary Welsh prince who, according to folklore, discovered America in the 12th century before Columbus. While uncommon outside Wales, Madog represents an authentic piece of Welsh heritage and language. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with its emphasis on the first syllable. For parents interested in Celtic names with historical significance, Madog offers both cultural depth and a distinctive quality that stands apart from more common Welsh exports like Dylan or Owen.
- Munch
Description:
Munch is an uncommon masculine name with Scandinavian and Germanic origins, functioning primarily as a surname before occasional adoption as a given name. It likely derived from an Old Norse nickname meaning 'monk' or possibly from the German 'München' (Munich). The name gained cultural recognition through Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch, creator of the iconic artwork 'The Scream.' As a first name, Munch remains extremely rare, projecting an artistic, unconventional character. Its short, punchy sound gives it a distinctive quality, though some might associate it with the English word 'munch' (to eat). Parents choosing this name likely appreciate its artistic connections, brevity, and uniqueness, though they should be prepared for occasional pronunciation clarifications and references to either the painter or eating.
- Nacho
Origin:
Word name or short form of IgnacioDescription:
Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
- Peabody
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"having the body of a gnat"Description:
Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.
- Pinky
Description:
Pinky is an unconventional masculine name that originated as a nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It typically refers to the smallest finger on the hand or the pinkish color. As a given name for boys, it remains quite rare in Western countries but has seen some usage in India and other South Asian communities. The name carries playful, endearing qualities that challenge traditional masculine naming conventions. Pinky may be used as a diminutive for names like Peter or Paul in some cases, though increasingly it stands on its own. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its cheerful connotations and distinctive character that sets their son apart from more conventional names.
- Science
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"knowledge"Description:
Actress Shannyn Sossamon used this as the middle name for her son Audio; one of the most do-not-try-this-at-home combos we've heard.
- Speck
Origin:
English word name, German surnameMeaning:
"speck; one from Speck, bacon, butcher"Description:
Not only did rocker John Mellencamp name his son Speck, but he appended the middle name Wildhorse to it.
- Street
Origin:
English, Word nameDescription:
An unusual kind of place-name, going beyond a country, state, or city, it was used by actress Elisabeth Shue as a middle name for her daughter Stella.
- Tata
Origin:
Diminutive of any T-starting nameDescription:
Some sources connect Tata to. variety of origins and meanings, most often "father", but as a name in English-speaking countries it might be a nickname for Tatiana or something similar.
- Whizdom
Origin:
Spelling variation of WisdomDescription:
Configuration coined by troubled former NBA star Jayson Williams for his daughter.
- Zaza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"movement"Description:
Funky choice with za-za-zoom. Zaza could be used as a nickname for almost any name with the "za" cluster, including Elizabeth and Esperanza.