Strong OR Sound Names

The goddess name Aurora has consistently been on the US popularity list since the nineteenth century, but has really taken off in the past 30 years. Aurora also enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 throughout the English-speaking world as well as in Italy, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and several other European and Latin American countries.

Avory is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old French name Aubri, meaning 'elf ruler,' or from the English surname Avery, which originated from the Norman French names Alberich or Alfred. Traditionally used for both genders, Avory has more recently leaned feminine, though remains gender-neutral. This spelling variation, with the 'o' rather than the more common 'e' in Avery, gives the name a distinctive quality while maintaining the same melodic sound. The name has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Avory carries a sophisticated, slightly vintage feel with its soft sounds and literary associations.

With place names extending their range, this is an unmapped possibility, though a bit stiff. Baltimore, Maryland was named after Cecil Calvert, the 2nd Baron Baltimore. Baltimore is ultimately derived from the Irish Baile an Tí Mhóir, meaning "town of the big house."

Chancelor is a masculine name derived from the occupational title 'chancellor,' which historically referred to a high-ranking official or secretary in various governmental, legal, or ecclesiastical contexts. The name carries associations with leadership, authority, and academic excellence. This spelling variation, omitting the second 'l' found in the word 'chancellor,' gives the name a more streamlined appearance while maintaining its distinguished quality. While uncommon as a first name, Chancelor gained some recognition through rapper Chancelor Bennett, better known as Chance the Rapper. The name appeals to parents seeking a distinctive option with built-in gravitas and professional connotations. Chancelor has a strong, masculine sound while its occupational roots connect it to a tradition of names like Mason, Cooper, and Taylor that originated from professional titles.

Eleanor's straightforward feminine image combined with its royal medieval history is striking just the right note for parents in search of a girls' name that combines substance and style.

Fiora is a lost name that's now been found, a sleeker version of the antique Fiorella. There's an Italian river called the Fiora as well as a character in the video game League of Legends: Fiora is known in that game as "The Grand Duelist".

The Greek name of sixteen popes and fifteen saints, the gregarious Gregory became big in the United States with the emergence of admirable actor Gregory Peck (born Eldred) in the late 1940s. From 1950 to 1973, it was in the Top 30, with nickname Greg becoming a Cool Dude name.

Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000.

Lorelie is a feminine name variant of Lorelei, which originates from German folklore about a beautiful siren who sat on a rock above the Rhine River and lured sailors to their doom with her enchanting singing. The name carries connotations of haunting beauty and allure. While less common than the Lorelei spelling, this variation maintains the melodious quality and mythological connections. The name gained some recognition in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Lorelie offers the friendly nicknames Lori or Lelie, and appeals to parents drawn to names with romantic literary associations and a softly musical sound. Its distinctive spelling gives it a subtle uniqueness while preserving its legendary charm.

Early 1980s sitcom (Family Ties) name that has been well used ever since, with an upbeat three-syllable sound and a slightly tomboyish edge.

Marjory is a feminine name derived from the medieval French form of Margaret, which comes from the Greek word "margarites" meaning "pearl." This charming variation gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late Middle Ages and saw peaks of usage in the early 20th century. Marjory exudes a vintage elegance and literary quality, partly due to its association with Scottish history and notable women including Marjory Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce. While less common today than in previous generations, the name maintains a timeless appeal with its soft sounds and historical depth. Alternative spellings include Margery and Marjorie, with the latter being more commonly used in modern times.

In Japan, color names symbolize human qualities (in this case, fame); name of gifted violist Midori, but also a Japanese melon liqueur.

Orlando, the ornate Italianate twist on the dated Roland, with a literary heritage stretching back to Shakespeare and before, has appealing book-ended o's, and is open to combination with almost any last name, a la British actor, Orlando Bloom.

A common epithet of Christ, frequently heard in the Hispanic community, Salvador could also be a great choice for artistic parents, given the continuing popularity of Dada and Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. (If Monet and Raphael get a look in, why not Salvador?)

Classic and elegant but with boyish charm, Theodore has become hit name in recent years, vaulting into the US Top 10 in 2021 for the first time ever and into the Top 5 in 2024. A favorite in English speaking countries, it also ranks highly across the UK and Ireland, and in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Valorie is a feminine name representing a variation of Valerie, which derives from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' This spelling with an 'o' instead of an 'e' gives the classic name a slightly unique touch while maintaining its traditional pronunciation. Valorie peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. The name carries associations with strength and valor from its Latin roots, making it appealing for parents seeking a name with both substance and gentle femininity. Valorie balances familiarity with distinction in its slightly unconventional spelling.

Zachory is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of the more common Zachary, which derives from the Hebrew name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה), meaning "God has remembered." This variant spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly different visual impression. Zachary, in its traditional form, has ancient roots, appearing in the Bible as the name of several figures, including the father of John the Baptist. While Zachary peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1990s, reaching the top 20 boys' names, the Zachory variant has remained significantly less common. This alternative spelling emerged as part of the modern trend toward personalized name spellings, offering a subtle distinction for parents who appreciate the traditional name but desire something slightly different.