Southern Millennial Baby Names

  1. Breanna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Brianna, English
    • Meaning:

      "strong, virtuous and honorable"
    • Description:

      The further you move away from the original Briana, the feminine form of Brian first used by Edmund Spenser in The Faerie Queen, the more invented and less authentic you get. But many parents want the distance from Brian as Breanna -- or Breana or Breeanna or any of the other variations -- feels more like its own name.
  2. Mikaela
    • Origin:

      Swedish and Finnish variation of Michaela, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Variation of Michaela often used in Scandinavian countries. Oscar-winning actress Mikey Madison's formal name is Mkaela, spelled this way. Mikaela is a Top 20 name in Puerto Rico.
  3. Coleman
    • Origin:

      English and Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little dove"
    • Description:

      The name of three hundred saints, a mustard, and your own baby boy. Coleman was off the US Top 1000 list for much of the 1960s and 1970s, but it was a mainstay before and has been for most years since. It could be an interesting way to honor a Colin or Cole.
  4. Tawny
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "golden brown"
    • Description:

      Y-ending color adjectives like Tawny and Rusty are nowhere near as stylish as the more sophisticated Lilacs and Violets.
  5. Regan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little king"
    • Description:

      Like somewhat more popular twin sister Reagan, this vibrant last-name-first Irish choice makes a strong, straightforward option.
  6. Mitch
    • Description:

      Mitch is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Mitchell, which itself began as a surname derived from the name Michael, meaning "who is like God?" in Hebrew. Mitch emerged as a standalone given name in the mid-20th century, reflecting the American tendency to use nicknames as formal names. It peaked in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, conveying a friendly, approachable quality with its short, punchy sound. The name carries associations with masculinity and straightforwardness. While its usage has declined since its peak, Mitch maintains a steady presence and evokes a certain unpretentious charm. Famous bearers include baseball player Mitch Williams and author Mitch Albom, adding to the name's cultural resonance.

  7. Kaitlin
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Caitlin
    • Description:

      Kaitlin is a variation of Caitlin that's on a steep decline; it dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2013, after more than three decades on the list.
  8. Paxton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "peace town"
    • Description:

      Set apart from other once-male-only surnames because of its peaceful element. This is one of the newest and trendiest names that mean peace.
  9. Tamika
    • Description:

      Tamika is a feminine name with African origins, particularly derived from Swahili. It means 'sweet' or 'sweetheart' and gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name embodies warmth and affection, reflecting positive personality traits. Tamika reached its peak popularity in 1975 but has gradually declined since then. Despite this decline, it remains recognized and appreciated for its melodic sound and positive connotations. The name is often associated with strength and sweetness, making it a meaningful choice that balances distinctive character with familiarity.
  10. Alyson
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Alison
    • Description:

      Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.
  11. Meagan
    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Margaret
    • Meaning:

      "pearl"
    • Description:

      The many spellings of Meagan each seem to suggest a different pronunciation. This one suggests Reagan or the pronunciation MAY-gan.
  12. Devonte
    • Description:

      Devonte is a modern American name with African-American origins, created as a variant of Devon or DeVon. The distinctive ending gives it a more melodic quality while maintaining its strong masculine sound. The name gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly within African-American communities. While not among the top-ranked names nationally, Devonte has maintained a steady presence in naming patterns. It carries connotations of uniqueness and individuality, often associated with creativity and personal expression. Some notable namesakes include athletes and musicians who have helped familiarize the name in popular culture.
  13. Catelynn
    • Description:

      Catelynn is a modern feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Caitlin, which itself derives from the Irish name Caitlín, a form of Katherine. This particular spelling gained recognition in the United States through media exposure, notably through reality television personality Catelynn Lowell. The name reached its peak popularity in the early 2000s, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with distinctive spellings. Catelynn carries the same elegance as its traditional counterparts while offering a contemporary twist. The name balances familiarity with uniqueness, as its sound is recognizable while its specific spelling sets it apart from the more common Caitlin, Katelyn, or Kaitlyn variations.

  14. Tamia
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Variation of Tamara, popularized by Canadian singer Tamia.
  15. Chael