Presidential names
- Harding
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the courageous one"Description:
For fans of Warren G. All two of them.
- Washington
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"home of the Wassa people"Description:
Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.
- 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.
- Garfield
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"triangular field"Description:
Despite the presidential pedigree, it's still hard to shake the image of the cartoon cat (named after his creator Jim Davis's grandfather). However, there are other Garfields, such as Barbadian cricket player Sir Garfield Sobers, who carries it with gravitas.
- Taft
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"building site"Description:
A solid, brief but not brusque single-syllable surname with a presidential pedigree.
- Fillmore
Description:
Fillmore is a masculine name of English origin, classified as an occupational surname that has occasionally transitioned into use as a given name. It literally meant 'one who works with a file' (a metalworking tool), derived from the Middle English 'fyle' and 'more' meaning 'greater' or sometimes indicating a location. The name gained some recognition through Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, which helped establish it as a potential first name. Fillmore has never been common as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. It carries a certain formal, traditional quality with literary and historical overtones, appealing to parents looking for a distinguished name with substance.
- Polk
Description:
Polk is a masculine name with multiple origins. Most commonly, it's recognized as a surname derived from Scottish and Northern English sources, meaning 'pool' or 'small lake.' It gained some recognition as a first name in America largely due to James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. President. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and distinctive 'k' ending. Polk carries associations of leadership and determination, thanks to its presidential connection. While never widely used as a first name, it falls into the category of surname-to-first-name conversions that appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically substantial. The name has a certain rugged Americana quality that conveys strength and individuality.
- Cleveland
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hilly land, from the cliff"Description:
A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.
- Bush
Description:
Bush is an uncommon masculine given name derived from an English surname. The surname originally referred to someone who lived near a bush or thicket, coming from the Old English word 'busc.' As a first name, Bush is exceedingly rare, known primarily for its association with the political family that produced two U.S. presidents. The name has strong nature connotations, evoking imagery of vegetation and wild landscapes. While some might choose it to honor the political family, others might select it for its simple, strong sound and natural associations. Its brevity gives it a distinct, memorable quality, though its primary recognition remains as a surname rather than a given name.
- coolridge