ultimate favourites

  1. Dan
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"
    • Description:

      Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here.
  2. Laurie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Laura
    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"
    • Description:

      Laurie morphed into the more streamlined Lori in the sixties but now feels dated for a girl in either spelling. Update Lauren has been renovated as Laurel or Laura itself.
  3. Alcott
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the old cottage"
    • Description:

      Alcott evokes shades of nineteenth-century New England, and memories of the author of the books Little Women and Little Men. Louisa May Alcott was the daughter of Amos Bronson Alcott, noted educator, writer and philosopher, and colleague of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
  4. Brigham
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "little village near the bridge"
    • Description:

      A distinguished sounding place and surname borne by religious leader Brigham Young, second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  5. Paddy
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patrick, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"
    • Description:

      Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
  6. Talbott
    • Description:

      Talbott is a masculine name derived from an English surname with Norman French origins. It stems from the Old French personal name 'Talebod,' which combined elements meaning 'discussion' and 'messenger.' The name gained recognition through several notable historical figures and families, including the Earls of Shrewsbury. As a first name, Talbott remains uncommon, giving it distinction and sophistication. The double 'tt' ending provides a classic English appearance. Talbott conveys a sense of tradition and heritage, often associated with aristocratic lineage. The name strikes a balance between formality and approachability, making it suitable for those seeking a distinguished yet versatile masculine name.
  7. Garnet
    • Origin:

      Jewel name, from the French
    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"
    • Description:

      One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.
  8. Florrie
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Florence and Flora
    • Description:

      A sweet Bobbsey-twin era nickname, fluffy and floral.
  9. Willie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of William, German
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      There have been many great Willies (Mays, Nelson, Wonka), but a boy with this name could never ever go to England. Most people will also assume it is short for the more traditional William, which might be the best avenue for achieving this nickname.
  10. Trudie
    • Description:

      Trudie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Gertrude, which comes from Germanic elements meaning "spear" and "strength." This shortened version softens the more formal Gertrude, giving it a friendly, approachable quality. Popular in the early 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, Trudie has a vintage appeal that's beginning to see renewed interest among parents seeking nostalgic yet distinctive names. The name carries a sweet, unpretentious character while maintaining a connection to its strong historical roots. Often associated with trustworthiness and authenticity (possibly due to its phonetic connection to "true"), Trudie combines pleasant sounds with subtle strength.

  11. Larkspur
    • Origin:

      English botanical name
    • Description:

      A rarer-than-rare floral name with a sting in the tail!
  12. Lake
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
  13. Winters
    • Origin:

      English surname-name
    • Description:

      Now that Winter is officially a first name, the surname Winters can be drawn into the pack of appropriate names for winter babies. Or summer babies, if it's a family name.
  14. Rivers
    • Origin:

      Nature name and surname, English
    • Meaning:

      "rivers"
    • Description:

      Rivers is an indisputably unisex surname with is strong nature connotation and its connection to the character Diana Rivers from Charlotte Bronte's novel Jane Eyre. Rivers is also the first name of one of the girl Sweet Home sextuplets.