baby names i love
- Adonis
Origin:
Greek, from Semitic AdonaiMeaning:
"lord"Description:
The name of a figure from Greek mythology, Adonis is a high-pressure name often synonymous with masculine beauty. Nonetheless, many mythological names that would have previously been deemed off limits have made their way up the popularity charts—for instance, Penelope currently ranks highly for girls. And indeed, Adonis was one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2016, moving up 307 spots on the U.S. popularity chart in just one year.
- Anaïs
Description:
Anaïs is a feminine name of Provençal origin, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The distinctive dieresis over the 'i' creates its characteristic pronunciation (ah-nah-EES). The name gained international recognition through notable bearers like author Anaïs Nin. Popular in France and French-speaking regions for generations, it has seen increased usage in English-speaking countries since the 1990s, appealing to parents seeking an elegant name with European sophistication. Anaïs combines melodic beauty with literary associations, making it both cultured and accessible while remaining relatively distinctive in most Western countries.
- Apollo
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"destroyer; strength; father's light"Description:
With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, and melodic option. Similar in style to Atlas and Atticus and similar in sound to Arlo, Paolo, Paul, and Ollie, Apollo entered the US Top 1000 back in 2012, and was propelled upwards after it was chosen by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale in 2014.
- Arabela
Description:
Arabela is a feminine name of Latin origin, serving as a variant of Arabella, which derived from the Latin 'orabilis' meaning 'yielding to prayer.' This elegant name carries romantic, classical overtones with its flowing syllables. Historically, it gained prominence in medieval Scotland and England among aristocratic families. The name has literary associations, appearing in poems and novels across centuries, adding to its cultured image. This specific spelling with one 'l' is less common than Arabella, giving it a slightly distinctive quality while maintaining the name's graceful character. Arabela has a musical, rhythmic quality when pronounced, with emphasis typically on the third syllable. The name suggests refinement and femininity, appealing to parents drawn to vintage names with historical depth. While never extremely common, Arabela has maintained consistent usage, particularly appealing to those seeking names with both classical roots and uncommon status.
- Barbie
Origin:
Diminutive of BarbaraDescription:
Despite the voluptuous doll's various career choices, from astronaut to doctor, her name still remains a euphemism for "bimbo".
- Beau
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"handsome"Description:
Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.
- Bruno
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"brown"Description:
Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
- Cruz
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cross"Description:
For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.
- Dacre
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"trickling stream"Description:
A locational surname with its origins in the North of England, occasionally also used as a first name. Notable bearers include actor Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things) and author and filmmaker Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Dracula author Bram Stoker.
- Daphne
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"laurel tree, bay tree"Description:
In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.
- Dario
Origin:
Italian variation of DariusMeaning:
"possessing goodness"Description:
More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's popularity in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland?
- Dean
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"church official"Description:
Dean may sound to some like a retro surfer boy name, but it is once again climbing up the popularity chart in the USA. For decades it was associated with Dean (born Dino) Martin; more recent representatives include Dean Cain, Dean McDermott and Dean Koontz -- not to mention Jared Padalecki's dreamy Dean Forester in Gilmore Girls.
- Delano
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"from the forest of nut trees"Description:
Popular President Franklin Delano Roosevelt inspired a brief fashion for this as a first name in the 1940s; almost never heard today.
- Demi
Origin:
Diminutive of Demetria or GreekMeaning:
"half"Description:
Demi appeared in the US as a baby name thanks to a single celebrity, actress Demi Moore, who put it on the Top 1000 throughout the 1990s. As her star faded, so did the visibility of the name, though now it is rising again on its own steam. It's popular in Europe, too, especially in The Netherlands. Demi may be that unusual name that's launched by a celebrity and then maintains its visibility all by itself.
- Dora
Origin:
Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, GreekMeaning:
"gift"Description:
Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection, which has its pluses and minuses.
- Draco
Origin:
Greek from LatinMeaning:
"dragon"Description:
For as long as we all shall live, Harry Potter's sneering nemesis.
- Eden
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"place of pleasure, delight"Description:
Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the 17th century.
- Franco
Origin:
Italian variation of FrancisMeaning:
"Frenchman or free man"Description:
A classic Italian name still heard in the Italian-American community. Once tainted by the association with the Spanish dictator, it's now more likely to call up actor James Franco.
- Halle
Origin:
Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or NorseMeaning:
"Thor's stone"Description:
Until the beautiful actress Halle Berry inspired hundreds of parents to emulate her name, it was the diminutive Swedish families used for their sons christened Harald. Now, in a complete turnaround, it couldn't be more feminine. It is worth noting, however, that its popularity has fallen dramatically since 2002 when it reached a high of 316.
- Indie
Origin:
Short form of India, Indigo etcDescription:
Indie is an independent-sounding nickname name that is in the Top 100 in Wales. As a diminutive, it's growing in popularity -- along with indie films, indie publishing -- and the reason some parents are choosing names like India and Indigo. The Indie version seems more feminine, while Indy as in Indiana Jones tends toward the boyish.