Listed
- Aleanor
Description:
Aleanor is a feminine name that appears to be a spelling variation of Eleanor, a classic name with Greek origins meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'light.' This alternative spelling maintains the elegant sound and historical significance of Eleanor while offering a slight distinction. The traditional Eleanor has royal connections across European history, including notable queens and noblewomen. Aleanor, while much rarer in usage, carries the same sophisticated air and timeless appeal. The name has never ranked among popular choices, making it an uncommon alternative for parents who appreciate the classic Eleanor but desire something slightly different. The name suggests brightness, intelligence, and nobility of character, just like its more common counterpart.
- Basil
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"royal"Description:
Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
- Bramwell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"well where the gorse grows; bramble well"Description:
An unexpected route to nicknames Bram or Wells, this English surname derives from a historical hamlet in England, whose exact location has been lost to time. It comes from the Old English word for "bramble bush", giving it a connection to the natural world.
- Branwell
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"well where the gorse grows; bramble well; raven's well"Description:
Best associated with painter and writer Branwell Brontë, the only brother among his more famous, literary sisters, Branwell has the vibes of rugged, lonely, windy moors and brooding heroes.
- Cesare
Description:
Cesare is the Italian form of Caesar, a name with ancient Roman origins. The name derives from Latin, possibly meaning "hairy" or, more likely, from the verb "caedere" meaning "to cut," referring to birth by caesarean section. Julius Caesar is the most famous historical bearer, whose name became synonymous with leadership and imperial power, eventually becoming a title for Roman emperors. Cesare has been used in Italy for centuries, with notable bearers including Renaissance figure Cesare Borgia and artist Cesare Maccari. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Italy. The name carries connotations of strength, authority, and classical sophistication, pronounced cheh-ZAH-ray in Italian, giving it a melodious, romantic quality.
- Crane
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"crane"Description:
This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.
- Dane
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from Denmark"Description:
Dane is a more masculine Dana alternative, with added style edge. Dane has been on the US Top 1000 for more than seventy years, having entered the list in 1945.
- Doutzen
Origin:
Dutch, meaning unknownDescription:
Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its bearer.
- Dugan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"swarthy"Description:
Dugan is an open, friendly, and cheery Irish surname that would be suited to a dark-haired boy.
- Flip
Origin:
Nickname for Philip, Phillip, or FelipeMeaning:
"lover of horses"Description:
Flip is a cute, attitude-filled nickname for the very proper Philip and variations. A perfect choice if you're looking for a buttoned-up proper name with an informal short form.
- Giada
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"jade"Description:
Popular in its native Italy, Giada has been quietly and stylishly used in English-speaking countries for several years now. Television cook Giada De Laurentiis made this a possibility — then semi-subtly self-referenced when she named her daughter Jade.
- Arnaud
Origin:
French variation of ArnoldMeaning:
"ruler, strong as an eagle"Description:
French given and surname.
- Arnold
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"ruler, strong as an eagle"Description:
Strange as it may now seem, the venerable St. Arnold was a Greek by birth, a musician who became a member of the court of Charlemagne. The name is said to have been introduced into Britain by the Normans in the form Arnaud.
- Hal
Origin:
Diminutive of Harold and HenryDescription:
Could Hal be the Jack, Max, or Gus of the future? It just might happen in the new nickname environment. Hank Azaria put it on his son's birth certificate.
- Halloran
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"male descendant of a pirate or stranger from overseas"Description:
Halloran could be your solution if you love the nickname Hal, but not Harold or Henry.
- Hamp
Description:
Hamp is a masculine name with English origins, primarily derived as a shortened form of Hampton, which was originally a place name meaning "home town" or "settlement." It may also function as a nickname for Hampshire or Hammond. Historically, Hamp has been more common as a surname or nickname rather than a given name. Its concise, single-syllable structure gives it a strong, straightforward quality that embodies a certain rugged simplicity. The name carries a traditional English feel with connections to place names and geography. As a given name, Hamp remains quite rare, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible. Its brevity makes it practical while still having character and a subtle connection to English heritage.
- Harp
Origin:
Music nameDescription:
Feels as if it's missing a syllable.
- Indy
Origin:
Short form of IndianaDescription:
Indie — as in indie films — is the more girlish version of the name, but earthy, gender-neutral Indy is catching up slowly and steadily. Indy entered the Top 1000 for girls for the first time in 2023 after rising over 100 places. For a longer full name, vibrant Indigo remains more and more stylish each year.
- Jillie
Description:
Jillie is a feminine name with English origins, functioning primarily as a diminutive form of Jill, which itself derives from Gillian or Julian. The name has a cheerful, friendly quality with its soft sounds and playful ending. While Jill peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, Jillie has remained a less common variant, giving it a distinctive charm. Some parents choose Jillie as a given name rather than a nickname, appreciating its informal warmth and approachability. The name evokes a spirited, youthful personality and carries associations with the traditional nursery rhyme 'Jack and Jill.' Though never ranking highly on popularity charts, Jillie maintains consistent, if modest, usage in English-speaking countries.