I love names list
- Andra
Origin:
Variation of AndreaDescription:
Arty seventies name usually pronounced AHN-dra.
- Arley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the rabbit meadow"Description:
Similar in sound to Harley, Marley, Arlo, and Ari, this surname-style name was a fast rising choice in the UK in 2023.
- Bernadette
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"brave as a bear"Description:
Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated with the saint who saw visions of the Virgin Mary—Saint Bernadette of Lourdes—it is now no longer strictly inhabiting the Catholic diocese.
- Branch
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Branch is an attractive name with associations both with trees and with branching out into brave new worlds. Baseball's Branch (born Wesley, with Branch as his middle name) Rickey broke the color barrier by hiring Jackie Robinson for the Dodgers. Like Leaf, Branch makes a nice, not-so-obvious, addition to the tree category.
- Briggs
Origin:
English variation of BridgesDescription:
Having only entered the US Top 1000 in 2012, Briggs is yet another ends-in-s surname name for boys currently on the rise, along the lines of Brooks and Hayes.
- Brittin
Description:
Brittin is a modern feminine name with Anglo-Saxon influences, likely developed as a variant of Brittany or Britain. The name inherently connects to British heritage and cultural identity, with the geographical name Britain itself deriving from ancient terms meaning 'people of the designs' or referring to the custom of body painting. This contemporary spelling gives a traditional concept a fresh appeal. Brittin offers a distinctive alternative to more common names like Brittany or Britten, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with unique presentation. The name has a crisp, clean sound with strong consonants that give it substance and character. While uncommon, it fits well with current naming trends that favor location-inspired names with personalized spellings.
- Buren
Description:
Buren is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Dutch surname Van Buren (famously held by the 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren), which originally referred to someone from the city of Buren in the Netherlands. The name could also have Germanic roots, possibly related to words meaning 'dwelling' or 'to dwell.' In some contexts, it might be connected to places named Buren across northern Europe. With its strong, concise sound and uncommon status, Buren appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical connections. The name has a sturdy, masculine quality while remaining simple to pronounce and spell, though it remains exceedingly rare as a first name in most Western countries.
- Burney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"island of the brook"Description:
Though they sound exactly alike, this spelling makes it much more elegant than Bernie.
- Cecil
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blind"Description:
Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B. DeMille, poet Cecil Day Lewis, father of Daniel, and photographer Cecil Beaton. Fictional Cecils appear in Oscar Wilde's play, Lady Windemere's Fan, E. M. Foster's A Room With a View and the film Lee Daniel's The Butler.
- Charmaine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"a singer"Description:
An ancient name soiled by toilet paper association.
- Cherlyn
Description:
Cherlyn is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variation of names like Cheryl, Charlotte, and Caroline. It combines elements of 'Cher' (from 'dear' or 'beloved') with the popular feminine suffix '-lyn.' First appearing in the mid-20th century in the United States, Cherlyn peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s when creative variations of traditional names became fashionable. The name has a sweet, melodious quality and conveys warmth and affection. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Cherlyn has maintained a steady if modest presence in English-speaking countries. The name offers a slightly distinctive alternative to more common feminine names while still being recognizable and easy to pronounce, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet somewhat uncommon.
- Coe
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"jackdaw"Description:
In keeping with other short names like PO/POE and BO, Coe is a surname that could easily move into first place. It has a sports hero factor as well, in Olympic runner Sebastian Coe--who later became a Member of Parliament.
- Colleen
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"girl"Description:
Midcentury Irish-American favorite, never used in Ireland itself, being the generic word for "girl"; rarely given today.
- Dorrie
Description:
Dorrie is a charming feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Dorothy, which means 'gift of God' from Greek elements. This sweet, vintage nickname has a friendly, approachable quality that feels both nostalgic and warm. Popular in the early 20th century, Dorrie has the classic appeal of names like Dottie and Dolly. While less common today as a formal name, it maintains appeal for those seeking vintage charm. Dorrie gained some recognition through characters in literature and film, including children's books. The name evokes imagery of the 1940s-50s era and carries associations of friendliness, warmth, and unpretentious charm.
- Dory
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
A Dorothy nickname name with a measure of nostalgic charm. Kids will associate it with the funny fish character voiced by Ellen DeGeneres in the Pixar animated instant classic Finding Nemo.
- Edwina
Origin:
Feminine variation of EdwinMeaning:
"wealthy friend"Description:
Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween.
- Eliot
Origin:
Variation of ElliotMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
Sleekened spelling.
- Emerald
Origin:
Gem name; PersianMeaning:
"green"Description:
Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.
- Esmeralda
Origin:
Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"emerald"Description:
Esmeralda came into use as an applied use of the Spanish word for emerald, esmeralda. In the 1831 Victor Hugo novel Notre-Dame de Paris, also known as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, the heroine was born Agnes, but called La Esmeralda in reference to the jewel she wears around her neck. The name Esmeralda got increased visibility via the Disney version of the story.
- Federica
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of Frederick, GermanMeaning:
"peaceful ruler"Description:
Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that first r.
- Fielder
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller in open country"Description:
An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.
- Fifi
Origin:
French diminutive of Josephine, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as Josephine or Federica.
- Gem
Description:
Gem is a concise, evocative feminine name derived directly from the English word for precious stones. This nature-inspired name conveys qualities of rarity, beauty, and value. As a given name, Gem has never been widely common but has maintained steady, limited usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era when longer names are often popular. Gem can also function as a nickname for longer names like Gemma, Gemini, or even more distantly related names like Jemima. The name evokes positive associations with brilliance, durability, and natural beauty. Its simplicity makes it easy to spell and pronounce across cultures while carrying rich metaphorical meaning.
- Hedda
Origin:
Scandinavian, diminutive of HedvigDescription:
Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke names like Hedda Hare.
- Hedi
Description:
Hedi is a gender-neutral name, though more commonly used for females, with multiple cultural origins. In German contexts, it often serves as a diminutive of Hedwig, meaning "combat" or "duel." In North African and Middle Eastern cultures, particularly Tunisia, it can be a masculine name meaning "peaceful" or "calm." The name gained some recognition through fashion designer Hedi Slimane. With its simple two-syllable structure, Hedi offers a minimalist appeal that works well across different languages and cultures. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel while its varied cultural connections provide depth. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Hedi represents an accessible international option that's straightforward to pronounce and spell.
- Hildi
Description:
Hildi is a feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins, functioning as a diminutive of Hilda or Hildegard. These parent names derive from the Old Germanic element 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'conflict,' suggesting strength and warrior-like qualities. Hildi has a friendly, approachable quality while retaining the powerful heritage of its longer forms. While never widely common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained some usage in Nordic nations and German-speaking regions. The name has a distinctive, slightly whimsical sound that balances its strong etymological roots. In contemporary contexts, Hildi might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical depth and a touch of Scandinavian charm.
- Janice
Origin:
Variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.
- Jaynie
Description:
Jaynie is a feminine name that serves as a modern, playful variant of Jane. Originating from the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning 'God is gracious,' Jane has evolved through many languages before this contemporary spelling emerged. The 'ie' ending adds a diminutive, affectionate quality to the traditional name. Jaynie gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It offers a friendly, approachable alternative to the more formal Jane while maintaining its classic roots. The name carries associations of cheerfulness and warmth while still honoring the timeless appeal of its origin.
- Krishna
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"dark, black"Description:
Krishna, in Hindu tradition, was the human incarnation of the god Vishnu, a heroic figure representing love and joy--the familiar "Hare Krishna" is a chant to this deity.
- Locke
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"enclosure or fortified place"Description:
Usually adding an e to the end of a name makes it more feminine, but Locke is at most recent count used only for baby boys. Still, this stylishly strong one-syllable name is theoretically gender-neutral.
- Nedda
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"born on Sunday"Description:
Midcentury macramé-maker.
- Nehemiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"comforted by God"Description:
Nehemiah is an Old Testament name used by the Puritans, whose white-bearded image kept it out of favor for centuries, until it suddenly reappeared in 1998, along with the more user-friendly Josiah and Isaiah.
- Odell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Bland compared to the Irish-sounding O-starting names, but fans of football star Odell Beckham Jr. may like the name for other reasons.
- Ola
Origin:
Norwegian and Swedish form of OlafMeaning:
"ancestor's relic"Description:
Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.
- Olaf
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"ancestor's relic"Description:
Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.
- Olin
Origin:
Swedish, Norwegian, EnglishMeaning:
"ancestor, to inherit, legacy; from the low-lying land"Description:
Distinctive yet familiar, Olin is both a Scandinavian name and an English surname. Currently a rare choice, yet reminiscent of popular options, like Oliver, Orion, and Colin.
- Ollie
Origin:
Diminutive of Oliver, LatinMeaning:
"olive tree"Description:
Down-home nickname name once associated with the friendly dragon on kids' TV. As Oliver rises, we may well hear more Ollies.
- Olsen
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"Olaf's son"Description:
Too tied to those well-publicized twins.
- Padma
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"lotus"Description:
A name rich in Hindu tradition as the alternate name for the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty and charm; currently borne, appropriately, by model-actress-writer Padma Lakshmi.
- Petra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.
- Roald
Origin:
NorwegianMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
This intriguing Scandinavian name is associated with Roald Dahl, author of the juvenile classics James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You can honor an ancestral Ronald just by dropping that middle 'n'.
- Shana
Origin:
Diminutive of Shoshana or Shannon, variation of ShainaDescription:
Part of a group of similar midcentury names rarely given to babies today.
- Shani
Origin:
Indian mythological name; Hebrew, SwahiliMeaning:
"scarlet, marvelous"Description:
It would be easy to dismiss this girlish name as invented fluff, but it has roots in several cultures with evocative meanings and references. Shani refers to the "scarlet thread" or theme of a story. Shani is also the name of a Hindu god and the Sanskrit word for the planet Saturn. And it's a Swahili name also found in other African cultures that means marvelous.
- Soren
Origin:
Danish, NorwegianMeaning:
"stern"Description:
This gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, is being discovered in a major way by parents in the US. It's most closely identified with the nineteenth century philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, but there have been modern fictional Sorens as well, in The Matrix Reloaded and the book series Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Charlie and Lola, and Underworld.
- Spencer
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"house steward, dispenser of provisions"Description:
Spencer is a name that has everything: it's both distinguished sounding and accessible, dignified but Spencer Tracy-like friendly. Picked by several celebrities (a couple of times even for a girl), adding up to an enthusiastically recommended choice.
- Suzi
Description:
Suzi is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Susan or Suzanne, names deriving from the Hebrew Shoshana meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This cheerful, perky nickname gained independent usage during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s-70s when shortened forms became fashionable. The 'i' ending gives it a playful, youthful quality compared to the variant spelling 'Suzy.' While less common today as a formal given name, Suzi maintains appeal for parents seeking something sweet and unpretentious. The name evokes a friendly, approachable personality and carries nostalgic connections to mid-century popular culture, including singer Suzi Quatro who helped popularize this spelling.
- Tabitha
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"gazelle"Description:
Though never as popular as the name of her Bewitched mother, Samantha, Tabitha has its own quirky, magical charm. The name of a charitable woman who was restored to life by Saint Peter in the Bible, it was a popular Puritan choice. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick chose it for one of their twin daughters, which gave it a slight boost. Nonetheless, Tabitha remains in decline.
- Thea
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"goddess, godly"Description:
Thea is a diminutive of names ending in -thea, including Dorothea, Althea, and Anthea. It is also the Anglicized spelling of Theia, the Titan of sight, goddess of light, and mother of the moon. She was the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.
- Theta
Origin:
Eighth letter of Greek AlphabetDescription:
Theta is the name of the eighth letter of the ancient Greek alphabet, which is also the symbol of death. As such, it has rarely been used as a baby name.
- Tibby
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Cute and unusual as a nickname, but lacking the legs to stand on its own.
- Tiuu
Description:
This name of an Estonian supermodel might more sensibly by translated as Thea.
- Wayland
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"land beside the road"Description:
Way out.
- Weiland
Origin:
German, from EnglishMeaning:
"craft, cunning"Description:
A variant of Wayland, most often seen as a German surname.
- Willard
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"resolutely brave"Description:
Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.
- Winford
Description:
Winford is a masculine English name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining elements meaning 'pleasant' or 'friend' (win) and 'ford' or 'river crossing.' Originally a surname denoting someone who lived near a fordable river, it transitioned to given name status in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Winford enjoyed modest popularity in rural America, particularly in southern states, but has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades. The name carries associations with pastoral English countryside settings and traditional values. With its distinctive sound and vintage appeal, Winford might appeal to parents seeking a rare masculine name with authentic historical roots and a gentle strength that stands apart from contemporary naming trends.
- Winnie
Origin:
English diminutive of WinifredMeaning:
"holy peacemaking, gentle friend"Description:
This pet form of such names as Winifred and Edwina and Gwendolyn has loads of vintage charm, a la Millie and Maisie, with a decidedly winning vibe. And it just got celebrity cred as the baby daughter of Jimmy Fallon.