Names Inspired by Nancy Meyers' Films

Howard

German, English

"high guardian; brave heart"

Howard, once hugely popular in the Top 50 from the 1870s to early 1950s, hitting Number 24 in 1920 -- has been stuck in Dad-Grandad limbo for decades, but is showing some signs of stirring back to…

Law

Law is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. As an English surname-turned-first-name, it derives from the Old English 'hlaw' meaning 'hill' or as a shortened form of Lawrence, meaning…

Ernie

Variation of Ernest, English from German

"serious, resolute"

Not too long ago, Ernie may have felt totally out of style: a clunky old man nickname, best reserved for grandpa alongside Merle, Errol, and Barney. Now however, it's a rising star, a vintage revival…

Austen

Literary surname and shortened form of Augustine, Latin

"great, magnificent"

Parents who love the great English novelist Jane Austen may choose this spelling of the popular name Austin to honor the author of Emma and Pride and Prejudice.

Nate

Diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel, Hebrew

"given"

Six Feet Under transformed Nate's image from crusty uncle to cool guy. Nate is one of a new generation of nicknames that go directly on the birth certificate. Other similar names: Sam, Jack, Mack.…

Wiatt

Wiatt represents a variant spelling of Wyatt, a name with Old English and Norman origins. Derived from the medieval given name Wyot or Guyot, diminutive forms of Guy, it ultimately traces back to…

Fritz

German, diminutive of Friedrich or Frederick

"peaceful ruler"

Since female cousins Mitzi and Fritzi have entered the realm of possibilities, there's a chance that Cousin Fritz could as well. Fritz is the name of several notables, from early German-born film…

Ken

Diminutive of Kenneth; Japanese

"born of fire or handsome; healthy and strong"

In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?

Hughes

English, Scottish, Irish surname

"mind, intellect; son of Aodh"

Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the…

Verne

Latin

"springlike"

Verne is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'vernus,' meaning 'spring-like' or 'flourishing.' This name gained recognition largely through the famous French author Jules…

Armand

French variation of Herman, German

"soldier"

Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country. Actor Armie…

Henri

French and Finnish variation of Henry, German

"estate ruler"

The chic Euro spelling of Henry is rising along with the original form.

Webber

Webber originated as an occupational surname for weavers, derived from the Old English 'webbere,' meaning 'one who weaves.' As a given name, Webber maintains its connection to craftsmanship and…

Yale

Welsh

"fertile upland"

An appellation that couldn't be more Ivy League or sound less Welsh. The name of the University is taken from the surname of college benefactor Elihu Yale. In the movie Manhattan , Yale Pollack is…