Oregon Trail era names - boys

Cortes

Cortes is a surname of Spanish origin that has been adopted as a masculine given name. It derives from the Old Spanish word 'cortés' meaning 'courteous' or 'polite.' The name gained historical…

Cuthbert

English

"famous, brilliant"

Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with clunky, old-fashioned names being so popular right now — consider Augustus, Stanley, Wilfred, etc — what's to stop Cuthbert from…

Cyprian

Greek

"man of Cyprus"

With a long and noble history -- Cyprian was one of the great Christian Latin writers -- this could make a highly unusual but meaningful choice. Cyprian has been in use since medieval times,…

Cyrille

French from Latin

"lordly"

A unisex French name, but you may want to simplify your son's life if you're English speakers by going with Cyril. It's an unusual enough name that it doesn't need further complications of spelling…

Darby

Norse

"from the deer estate"

Spirited and bubbly, but handsome and preppy too, Darby is a surname style choice that fits in well with the likes of Alby and Lennox. Derived ultimately from Old Norse, as a surname, it likely…

Darcy

English, French, Irish

"from Arcy; dark one"

The ultimate Jane Austen hero name, Darcy makes a handsome, surname style choice. Predominantly used for girls in England and Wales, across the pond in Australia, it is a stylish Top 100 name for…

Delbert

English

"day-bright"

Problematic, even if not for Dilbert.

Demetrius

Greek

"follower of Demeter"

Classical and Shakespearean name that may appeal if you like your names long, flowing and multicultural.

Dewitt

Flemish

"blond"

Vintage surname that's fallen out of use, but perhaps deserves a revival.

Dixon

Scottish

"son of Dick"

A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than…

Dugald

Variation of Dougal, Scottish

"dark stranger"

A Scottish variant of Dougal, Dugald is also a Harry Potter name. In fact, there are not one but two characters name Dugald in the Harry Potter books. Dugald McPhail is a former Minister of Magic and…

Duncan

Scottish

"dark warrior"

Duncan is jaunty, confident, and open, a Scottish royal name that's brimming with friendly charm and makes it into our golden circle of names that are neither too popular nor too strange. Popularity…

Dwight

German and Dutch

"white or blond"

This presidential name is in style limbo today - or, some might say, in the the sweet spot of familiar but little-used.