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the next step names

  1. Nick

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nicholas and Dominick

    • Description:

      The classic strong-yet-friendly nickname name, much used for charming movie characters.
  2. Eldon

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "sacred hill"

    • Description:

      Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.
  3. Becca

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Rebecca

    • Meaning:

      "servant of God"

    • Description:

      The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
  4. West

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      West is the most fashionable of what you might call the direction names, with North and East (or Easton and Easter) coming up behind, and South not yet on the map.
  5. Kenzie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Mackenzie, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Kenneth"

    • Description:

      Overwhelmingly feminine in the US, where parent name Mackenzie is wildly popular, but masculine in the UK, where Kenzie ranks among the Top 1000 names for baby boys.
  6. Pete

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Peter

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Sixties-style short form that sounds cool again -- though the unscrupulous Pete on "Mad Men" is not a character to emulate.
  7. Davis

    • Origin:

      Surname derived from David, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Davis may seem an unlikely choice for a girl, but over 50 baby girls received the name in the US last year, perhaps in honor of an ancestral David. Viola Davis is a notable female namesake.
  8. Bartek

    • Description:

      Bartek is a masculine name of Polish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Bartholomew (Bartłomiej in Polish). The name derives from the Aramaic name meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' Bartek is widely used in Poland, where it strikes a balance between formal and friendly, often used as both a given name and a familiar form. The name carries a strong Slavic character while remaining relatively easy to pronounce for English speakers. Bartek conveys qualities of strength and reliability in Polish culture. Outside Poland, it remains uncommon but is occasionally found in Polish diaspora communities. The name offers a distinctive European option for parents seeking a name with clear cultural roots and a contemporary sound.

  9. Kathy

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.
  10. Gabi

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Gabriel

    • Meaning:

      "God is my strength"

    • Description:

      For English speakers, Gabi is usually short for Gabrielle. Elsewhere - such as Spain, Latin America and Israel - it can also be a male nickname for Gabriel. For rock musician Gabi Hun, it's short for Gábor.
  11. Chuck

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charles

    • Description:

      So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
  12. Richelle

    • Description:

      Richelle is a feminine name of French origin, created as a feminine form of Richard, meaning 'brave power' or 'strong ruler.' This elegant name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to parents seeking a sophisticated feminine name with traditional roots. The '-elle' suffix adds a soft, feminine quality to the strong foundation of Richard. While never reaching top-tier popularity, Richelle has maintained consistent usage across decades, often appreciated for its balance of familiarity and distinction. The name projects confidence and refinement while remaining accessible. Internationally, variations appear in several European languages, though the Richelle spelling is most common in English-speaking countries.

  13. Margie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margery

    • Description:

      Prime pert-teenager name in midcentury TV shows, replaced by Maggie.
  14. Cierra

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "mountain range or finish"

    • Description:

      Cierra is a feminine name with Spanish influences, possibly derived from 'sierra' meaning 'mountain range' or related to the Spanish word 'cerrar' meaning 'to close or finish.'

  15. Shantel

    • Description:

      Shantel is a feminine name that gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s and reached its peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It appears to be a modern creation, possibly derived from the French name Chantal, which means "stone" or "rocky place." The Americanized spelling with "Sh" instead of "Ch" gives it a distinctive pronunciation and contemporary feel. Shantel represents the trend of adapting traditional names with new spellings and sounds that characterized naming practices in the late 20th century. Though less common today than during its peak, Shantel continues to be chosen by parents drawn to its melodic quality and the balance it strikes between uniqueness and familiarity.

  16. Jacquie

    • Description:

      Jacquie is a feminine name that serves as a diminutive or variation of Jacqueline, which is the French feminine form of Jacques (James). With French origins, the name ultimately derives from Hebrew, meaning 'supplanter.' This particular spelling with 'ie' ending gives it a friendly, approachable quality compared to more formal versions. Jacquie peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common. The name carries a certain playful elegance and vintage charm. It strikes a balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, as most people recognize it while encountering it relatively infrequently. The nickname-style spelling often reflects a casual, warm personality.
  17. LaTroy