Hobbit Halfling inspired names

Leif

Swedish; Danish; Norwegian

"heir, descendant"

Leif is one of the most recognizable Scandinavian names , thanks to Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson, and is still one of the best, with a pleasant aural association with the word leaf. Leif Erikson,…

Aspen

Nature and place-name

"a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"

As trendy as the chic Colorado ski resort, with a hint of whimsy from the shimmering trees, Aspen has been climbing the charts for boys since the early 90s. While it has always been more popular for…

Melvin

English and Scottish

"council protector"

This once perfectly respectable surname has suffered decades of abuse, not least by Jerry Lewis's character in the fifties. NFL running back Melvin Gordon stars for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Albion

Latin

"white, bright"

Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al…

Ash

Diminutive of Asher, English

"ash tree"

Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or…

Aven

English, Norwegian, and Frisian surname

"agreeable and handsome; from Ave; son of Ave"

Aven is used as a surname in various countries across the globe, and occasionally as an Anglicized variant of the Irish girl name, Aoibheann. In the US, Aven only started to see significant use in…

Balbo

Latin

"mutterer"

Balbo is more commonly seen as an Italian surname, but in the times of Milo, Otto, and Arlo, what's to stop parents from choosing this unusual name for their child. For aviation buffs comes the added…

Basil

Greek

"royal"

Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class…

Bilbo

Fictional name; Basque

The name of the eponymous Hobbit , Bilbo is said by Tolkien himself to be "of unknown meaning". It’s also an unusual place name: Bilbo is the local Basque name for the city of Bilbao.

Birch

Tree name

Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree. The best known bearer of the name is former high-ranking Democratic Senator…

Cedar

English and French from Latin tree name

"cedar tree"

Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic with a similar feel to more classic options like…

Colm

Irish variation of Latin Columba

"dove"

Colm is a popular Irish name for boys that could immigrate, especially with its peaceful meaning. Colm Toibin is a contemporary Irish novelist and critic, author of The Master and Brooklyn ; Colm…

Corrin

Corrin is a unisex name with Celtic roots, though more commonly used for males. It derives from the Gaelic 'coire' meaning 'cauldron' or 'hollow,' potentially referring to a round valley.…

Cotton

Word name

A name heard in Puritan times -- Cotton Mather was a minister involved in the Salem witchcraft trials -- which really deserves modern consideration as it blends nature and softness into a really…

Cove

English

"small bay"

Cove is an up-and-coming nature name whose cool sound and peaceful image saw it rising for both sexes... until COVID-19 hit. It remained steady in use for boys in 2021, but actually increased for…