Names on my list but not at the top

Telly emerged as a nickname for names like Aristotle or Telemakhos, but gained recognition primarily through Greek-American television personality Telly Savalas, famous for his role as Kojak in the 1970s. The name has a distinctive, friendly quality with its approachable sound and modern feel. Despite its association with television (which sometimes serves as a playful reference), Telly has Greek roots and maintains connections to classical naming traditions. It remains relatively uncommon as a formal given name, though it enjoys occasional use in Greek-American communities and among families seeking short, memorable names with cultural significance. Telly's brevity and recognizability make it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Young rocker Tennessee Thomas has brought this former one-person name over to the girls' side -- though the census roles of North Carolina in 1850 included a female named Tennessee and called Tincy.

After being one of the hot upscale surnames of the nineties, Garrett has left the Top 100 and this streamlined spelling is dawdling near the bottom of the Top 1000.

Pippy is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname form, often derived from Philippa (meaning 'lover of horses' in Greek) or simply as an affectionate name inspired by the sound. The name has a playful, cheerful quality with its repeating 'p' sounds and diminutive '-y' ending. Pippy gained some recognition through children's literature, notably with the character Pippi Longstocking, though the spelling differs. As a given name rather than a nickname, Pippy remains quite uncommon, appealing to parents seeking something distinctively whimsical and informal. The name evokes qualities of spunkiness, youthful energy, and charm. While rarely appearing on popularity charts, Pippy has maintained steady, if minimal, usage throughout English-speaking countries over recent decades.

Hymie is a masculine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Chaim or Hyman, names of Hebrew origin meaning 'life.' Popular among Jewish communities in the early-to-mid 20th century, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom, it was commonly used as a familiar form among Ashkenazi Jewish families. Unfortunately, the name later became associated with ethnic stereotypes in some contexts. Usage declined significantly from the 1950s onward as younger generations preferred either the full form Chaim or more mainstream names. Today, Hymie is rarely given as a formal name, though it may still appear as a nickname in some families with strong traditional ties. The name carries connections to Jewish cultural heritage and the deeply significant concept of life in Hebrew tradition.

This unusual boys' name ending in O survives thanks to the missionary priest who founded the first of the California missions. With Juniper becoming a more popular name, especially for girls, Junipero may actually become fashionable.

Geordi is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through the character Geordi La Forge from the television series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' portrayed by LeVar Burton. The name appears to be a variation of George, which derives from Greek origins meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' While relatively uncommon, Geordi has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft ending, distinguishing it from the more formal George. The Star Trek association gives the name a modern, futuristic feel that appeals to science fiction enthusiasts. The name bridges traditional and contemporary naming styles, offering familiarity while remaining distinctive.

Philomina is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'philos' meaning 'lover' or 'friend' and possibly 'menos' meaning 'mind' or 'strength.' It's a variant of Philomena, a name associated with Saint Philomena, a virgin martyr from the early Christian church. The name fell out of common usage after Saint Philomena was removed from the Roman Catholic calendar of saints in 1961, though devotion to her continues. Philomina carries connotations of love, devotion, and inner strength. While not as popular as it once was, the name maintains a classic, vintage charm with its musical quality and rich historical associations. It suggests a person who is loving, steadfast, and intellectually curious.

Long before the current place-name craze, a pair of the more daring pop singers of the Age of Aquarius picked this name for their daughters. Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick used the conventional spelling, the Mamas and the Papas's Michelle Phillips went further afield with Chynna (of the group Wilson Phillips).

Cherry Anne combines the fruit name Cherry with the classic feminine name Anne. Cherry derives from the French 'cerise' and ultimately from Latin, referring to the sweet red fruit that symbolizes sweetness and innocence. As a standalone name, Cherry gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century. Anne, with Hebrew origins meaning 'grace,' has been a perennial favorite across cultures for centuries. This double name creates a charming, vintage-feeling combination that balances the playful, somewhat whimsical quality of Cherry with the timeless elegance of Anne. The pairing suggests a personality that is both sweet and dignified. Cherry Anne likely peaks and wanes with the fashion for double names and nature-inspired choices.