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Only 17 Babies in 2020 England and Wales

AuntieofGretel
By AuntieofGretel
Updated Thu Dec 02 2021
  1. Alexa

    • Origin:

      Greek, English

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexa was a steadily popular modern classic until Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa was released in 2013. It remains relatively well used in the US despite this, though its standing keeps dropping for obvious reasons. Too bad, because it's a strong and pretty name (which is probably why Amazon used it.)
  2. Amelia-lily

    • Description:

      Amelia Lily is a melodious double name combining two popular feminine choices. Amelia, derived from the Germanic 'amal' meaning 'work,' has been beloved for centuries and carried by notable figures including Amelia Earhart. It conveys strength with a feminine quality. Lily, from the flower name, symbolizes purity, innocence, and beauty in many cultures. Together, they create a name with both substance and delicacy, balancing traditional strength with natural grace. The combination gained recognition in the UK when singer Amelia Lily Oliver rose to fame on The X Factor in 2011. As a double name, Amelia Lily offers versatility—it can be used in full or shortened to either component depending on personal preference, giving the bearer multiple options throughout life.
  3. Bernadette

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Betsi

    • Description:

      Betsi is a charming feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Elizabeth or Betsy. The distinctive spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a sweet, playful quality while differentiating it from the more common 'Betsy.' Elizabeth, the name's root, has Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my oath' and has been used throughout history across many cultures. Betsi maintains the friendly, approachable nature of Betsy but with a modern twist. While not among the most popular names, Betsi appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive. The name carries a sense of nostalgia combined with contemporary flair. In Welsh culture, there is some usage of Betsi as a variant spelling, adding a cultural dimension to the name. Its short, bright sound makes it memorable and easy to pronounce across language barriers.

  5. Bridie

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"

    • Description:

      Swap two letters of Birdie and you get Bridie, a traditional diminutive of Bridget. Bridie fits perfectly with the trend for standalone vintage nicknames like Betty and Sadie, but is surprisingly rare.
  6. Calliope

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful voice"

    • Description:

      Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.
  7. Chanel

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the canal"

    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
  8. Cici

    • Origin:

      English, nickname

    • Description:

      An alternative spelling to Cece that would make a more intuitive nickname for names with a "Ci" spelling, like Cicely or Lucille.
  9. Clarissa

    • Origin:

      Elaboration of Clara

    • Meaning:

      "bright, clear"

    • Description:

      Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title character of Mrs. Dalloway—not to mention the 1990s teen sitcom, Clarissa Explains it All.
  10. Clemmie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Clementine, French

    • Meaning:

      "mild, merciful"

    • Description:

      Cutesy pet form of Clementine.
  11. Deanna

    • Origin:

      English variation of Diana, feminine form of Dean

    • Meaning:

      "divine; valley"

    • Description:

      Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.
  12. Drew

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Andrew

    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly"

    • Description:

      Drew is an elegant formerly male-only alternative to Andy that joined the stylishly upscale Paige-Brooke-Blair sorority, thanks largely to Drew Barrymore. Barrymore comes by her first name legitimately: it was the maiden name of her paternal great-grandmother, Georgiana 'Georgie' Drew Barrymore, one of many esteemed actors in her family history.
  13. Elaine

    • Origin:

      French and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"

    • Description:

      This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the mother of Sir Galahad, referred to as 'Elaine the fair' and 'Elaine the lovable', to being the name of the most famous of New York's celebrity restaurants, to being the archetypal New York neurotic on Seinfeld.
  14. Ethel

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble maiden"

    • Description:

      Ethel is a name we once declared as 'So Far Out They'll Probably Always Be Out,' but with the return of other names on that list and with its new starbaby cred via Lily Allen, its soft sound and admirable meaning, we're not so sure.
  15. Eva-rose

    • Description:

      Eva Rose pairs the classic name Eva with the eternally popular floral middle name Rose, creating a timeless yet sweetly feminine combination. Eva, derived from Hebrew meaning 'life' or 'living one,' has been used across numerous cultures and languages for centuries. Rose comes directly from the flower, symbolizing love and beauty. The combination has gained increasing popularity in the 2010s as part of the trend toward short, vintage first names paired with meaningful middle names used as part of a compound first name. Eva Rose appeals to parents seeking a name with traditional elegance that still feels fresh and not overly common. The pairing balances simplicity with romantic charm.
  16. Ebony-Rose
    • Harmony-Rose
      • Leanne

        • Origin:

          Combination of Lee and Anne

        • Meaning:

          "meadow grace"

        • Description:

          One of the quintessential midcentury combination names, Leanne was spelled any number of ways: Lianne, LeeAnn, Leigh-Anne, and so on. Like many similar combo names -- Joanne, Maryann -- they're all dated now.
      • Lexi-may

        • Description:

          Lexi May combines the contemporary nickname Lexi with the traditional middle name May. Lexi, a diminutive of Alexandra or Alexis, derives from Greek meaning 'defender' or 'helper of mankind,' and has gained popularity as a standalone name since the 2000s, appreciated for its upbeat, modern sound. May, derived from the month name (ultimately from the Roman goddess Maia), adds a classic, nature-inspired touch. This combination creates a name that balances contemporary style with traditional charm. Lexi May has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining feminine grace. As a compound name, it offers the flexibility of using either component separately, giving the bearer options throughout life.

      • Lilah-Rose