User-created list
By AdelaideSchreiber · Updated May 2023
Across 19 pages
of 19
Irish diminutive of Rose
"rose, a flower"
The name of a sympathetic character in the best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees , though it feels more stylish these days spelled Rosaline.
German
"peace"
Freda, along with near-identical twin sisters Frida and Frieda, has not been popular in the US for decades. After the two world wars, German names fell out of favor in the US and UK. The…
Italian variation of Guinevere or Jennifer
"white shadow, white wave"
Arty and elegant, Ginevra is one of the most popular girls' names in Italy at the moment, ranking at #3 in a recent year. Ultimately from the Arthurian Guinevere, it's a relative of Jennifer, meaning…
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky. Bessie has been in use since…
French form of George, from Greek
"farmer"
The S may confuse English speakers, but it's a French classic.
Greek
"young goat"
One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
"horse protection"
This lovely, quintessentially British appellation, also spelled Rosamond, is the name of a legendary twelfth-century beauty. Rare on these shores, it is more than worthy of importation. There was a…
Scottish variation of Elizabeth
Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of…
Short form of Alfreda or Frederica
Freddie, especially with the ie ending, is one of the old-school boy-names-for-girls that came into vogue at the turn of the last century. Freddie, all on its own, ranked among the Top 1000 girl…
Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The…
English variation of Cecilia
"blind"
This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard. Literary Cicelys can be found in Sir…
Irish
"sorrowful"
Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.
Roddy is a masculine name functioning primarily as a diminutive of Roderick, Rodney, or other names beginning with 'Rod.' It derives from Germanic origins meaning 'famous power' or 'renowned ruler.'…
Merlina is a feminine name that appears to be a diminutive or feminine form of Merlin, the legendary wizard from Arthurian tales. The name carries mystical connotations and evokes images of wisdom,…
French variation of Achilles
"thin-lipped"
The French spin on the name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel seems somewhat more portable into the modern world.
Variation of Mabel
Is Mabelle pronounced like Mabel or like May-belle or like the French words for "my beauty" — mah belle — in the Beatles song Michelle? This is a decision you'll have to ponder and a question you'll…
Latin
"loved; friend"
Distinctive and contemporary in appearance, Amyas has in fact been used since Renaissance period. More popularly spelled as Amias today, the name likely derives from the Medieval names, Amis and…
Scottish
"fort of Michael"
Most parents would prefer to leave the car part parked in the garage.
English
"family farm"
On the staff of a manor house.
English, diminutive of Robert
"bright fame"
Kids love Bob the Builder, but do they want to be Bob the Builder? Bob and Bobby have been out of style since the 1960s, but as vintage nickname-names -- Fred, Archie -- come back into vogue, Bob may…
