Buried in Berries
- Rand
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"living on riverbank"Description:
The new Randy -- though a bit commercial, as in Rand Corporation, Rand McNally, et al.
- Vergie
Description:
Vergie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Virginia, derived from the Latin 'virgo' meaning 'maiden' or 'virgin.' It peaked in popularity in the United States in the early 1900s through the 1930s, reflecting the era's preference for affectionate nickname-style given names. Vergie has a vintage, down-to-earth quality that evokes rural America and simpler times. While uncommon today, it represents a tradition of shortened forms becoming independent names in their own right. The name carries echoes of the American South and Appalachia, where such nickname forms often persisted as given names. Vergie has a friendly, unpretentious sound that balances old-fashioned charm with simplicity.
- Maynard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"hardy, brave, strong"Description:
Sometimes pronounced MAY-nerd, which is death to a name. However, the name Maynard was given to 25 boys in 2022.
- Holland
Origin:
Dutch place-nameMeaning:
"wooded land"Description:
Holland, like most place names, is intrinsically gender neutral, but in practice today it's mostly female. There's about one boy Holland born in the US these days for every five girl Hollands. That's a reversal of the last century, when Holland peaked as a boys' name in 1893, falling off the Top 1000 completely in 1913.
- Jean
Origin:
English and Scottish, from French variation of JohannaMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Originally a feminine of John, Jean was popular in Scotland long before it found favor elsewhere, and had its most shining moment here in the era of Jean Harlow (born Harlean), ultimate symbol of silver screen glamour. Now, though there are many grandmas and even moms with the name, it doesn't seem all that baby-friendly. Though that could change, and Jean could join Jane.
- Wilhelmina
Origin:
German and Dutch, feminine variation of WilhelmMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Wilhelmina might once have been condemned as a clunky relic best left in the past, but a steadily increasing number of parents are dusting it off for their 21st century babies. A reasonably popular choice in the 19th century, but out of favor by the 1950s, in the last decade, Wilhelmina has attracted more attention, and was given to around 110 babies in a recent year.
- Bingham
Origin:
British surnameMeaning:
"homestead at a hollow"Description:
Bingham is the unusual surname name chosen by Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy for their son. It was Bellamy's mother's maiden name, and the nickname Bing, coincidentally, belongs to almost-stepfather Kurt Russell's dad. We haven't heard Bing since crooner Crosby, but it does have a lot of zing.
- Rousseau
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"little redhead"Description:
Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri Rousseau.
- DELI
- Delias
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from Delos"Description:
A rarely used name meaning from Delos, a sacred island to the ancient Greeks. A more interesting and musical choice might be Delius, after the British-born composer of lush rhapsodies.
- Lynch
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"mariner"Description:
One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.
- Manny
Origin:
English, diminutive of EmmanuelDescription:
He can get it for you wholesale.
- Lally
Origin:
Diminutive of any La- nameDescription:
A likable nickname-name in the Callie, Hallie mode.
- Ayelet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"deer, gazelle"Description:
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
- Ayala
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"doe, gazelle"Description:
This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.
- Tipper
Origin:
Diminutive or variation of Irish surname TabarMeaning:
"water pourer"Description:
A nickname with quirky, old-fashioned charm, Tipper likely comes from the Irish surname, Tabar, meaning "water pourer", though it may also just be used as a playful pet name for a girl, if it happens to suit. Former Second Lady of the United States, Tipper Gore (born Mary Elizabeth), is possibly the most famous bearer, having been bestowed the nickname because her favorite childhood lullaby was "Tippy Tippy Tin".
- Tabar
Origin:
ScythianMeaning:
"ax"Description:
The name of a type of battle ax used in the Middle Ages in the Ottoman Empire and beyond, and the source of the word for "ax" in a host of modern languages, including Russian. Parents have been gravitating toward names with violent and militaristic meanings for years now, and compared to Hunter and Blade, this one feels both subtle and novel.
- Brighid
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strength or exalted one"Description:
Brighid is the original Gaelic form of the name of the mythological goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. More commonly found these days in any number of different guises: Bridget, Brigid, Brigitte et al. Whatever form it takes, Brighid is one of the most classic and enduring Irish names for girls.
- Elysia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from Elysium"Description:
While this might be used as an alternative spelling to Elisa, Alyssa, Alicia, and similar, this form stands out from the pack as Elysia relates to Elysian Fields, the home of the blessed dead in Greek and Roman mythology. Far less popular than other similar choices, it did rank in the UK Top 1000 until the 2020s, albeit near the latter end of the list.
- Alban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, or, man from Alba"Description:
An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
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