Maine Place Names
- Caswell
Description:
Caswell is a distinctive masculine name of English origin, derived from Old English elements meaning 'watercress spring' or 'cress stream.' Originally used as a surname, it has transitioned into occasional use as a first name. The name carries an aristocratic, refined quality with its connection to English place names and family lineages. Caswell projects strength and dignity with its two-syllable structure and hard consonants. While never extremely common, it has maintained a steady presence particularly in areas with Anglo-Saxon heritage. For parents seeking a distinguished name with historical roots and a gentlemanly character, Caswell offers classic appeal while remaining uncommon enough to be distinctive.
- Clifton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place on a cliff"Description:
A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
- Clyde
Origin:
Scottish river nameDescription:
Even though in the past Clyde may have been identified as half of the infamous outlaw duo with partner Bonnie Parker—especially after the 1967 movie in which he was played by Warren Beatty—Clyde has always had an element of jazzy cool that could overcome all the rest.
- Cooper
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"barrel maker"Description:
The genial yet upscale and preppy Cooper was one of the first occupational last names to catch on -- and Cooper remains a pleasing option.
- Corinna
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Delicate and gentle old-fashioned name, the kind found in early English poetry. While Corinna and the original Green Korinna are technically diminutives of the ancient Kore, now the popular Cora, this name will often be mistaken for other similar-sounding though unrelated names, such as Karenna. But it's pretty and is backed by more tradition than you'd guess.
- Crosby
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"village with crosses"Description:
Crosby is an attractively laid-back Irish surname with retro musical associations to Bing and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and with a jaunty air. Crosby Braverman was the name of a character on the TV show Parenthood, played by Dax Shepard.
- Cutler
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"knife maker"Description:
Cooper would be a more engaging C-starting occupational choice.
- Casco
- Castine
- Damaris
Description:
Damaris is traditionally a feminine name of Greek origin appearing in the New Testament as a woman who converted to Christianity after hearing St. Paul speak in Athens. Despite being listed as masculine in this case, it is historically used for girls. The name means 'gentle' or 'heifer' (young cow). Damaris has never been extremely common but has maintained a steady presence across centuries, particularly in Christian communities. It has a soft, melodious sound while remaining distinctive. The name experienced a slight increase in usage in the late 20th century as parents sought biblical names that weren't overused. Damaris combines religious significance with a gentle meaning and elegant sound, appealing to those looking for a name with spiritual heritage.
- Dexter
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dyer, right-handed"Description:
The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism.
- Dover
Origin:
British place-nameDescription:
Two-syllable place-names are stylish, and this one is attached to a British city noted for its white chalk cliffs, but there are a couple of minuses: associated with the fish, Dover sole, and also rhymes with the doggy Rover.
- Dresden
Origin:
German place nameMeaning:
"people of the forest"Description:
Sad tinge to the name of the beautiful German city firebombed during World War II. Its name derives from Sorbian drezga, meaning "forest".
- Daicey
- Easton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"eastern town"Description:
Easton is a stylish Ivy League-ish place and surname name, more modern than Weston, on its way up for both sexes as part of the new direction baby names are taking, as in North and West. Easton was used for her son by Jenna Elfman--and by Elizabeth Rohm for her daughter.
- Eliot
Origin:
Variation of ElliotMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Sleekened spelling.
- Ellsworth
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"nobleman's estate"Description:
One of the many El- names for boys that boomed in the 1910s and 1920s, but has long been out of fashion. This surname/place name has an aristocratic flavor, and a creative namesake in the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth also gives it an adventurous connection.
- Etna
Description:
Etna is a feminine name derived from Mount Etna, the famous active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. The name carries strong associations with natural power and intensity. In Greek mythology, Mount Etna was believed to be the workshop of Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, or the location where the monster Typhon was trapped by Zeus. As a personal name, Etna remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation are practical advantages, while its volcanic association conveys an impression of strength and fiery spirit. Some parents might be drawn to this name for its connection to Sicilian heritage or its natural symbolism.
- Franklin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"free landholder"Description:
A doubly Presidential name, via Pierce and Roosevelt, Franklin was given an initial boost via the fame of Benjamin Franklin. It also has a literary tie to the main character of the Wilkie Collins classic The Moonstone.
- Hale
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"someone who lives in a hollow"Description:
This name projects a sense of well-being - hale and hearty - is unusual but accessible, with a clear simple sound, and a worthy namesake, Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, as an added bonus.