State Names California Edition

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

Common California place-name that could work for a girl.

Almond may seem like a hippy modern name, but its use for American boys goes right back to the mid-nineteenth century. In these cases, it was either a variation of Almund, meaning "noble strength," or the surname Aleman, meaning "German."

Amador is a masculine name of Spanish and Portuguese origin meaning 'lover' or 'one who loves.' Derived from the Latin 'amator,' it carries strong romantic and passionate connotations. The name has historical significance in several Spanish-speaking regions, including being the name of counties in California and New Mexico. Amador has a dignified, melodious quality with its balanced syllables and strong ending. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent use in Hispanic communities. The name projects warmth, devotion, and emotional depth, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with clear positive meaning and distinctive cultural roots.

Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.

Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew.

While Angel is primarily used among Hispanic baby boys, Angeles is overwhelmingly feminine. This is because it's typically a reference to Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, a title of the Virgin Mary.

A spiritually significant name used in honor of the Virgin Mary. In Spanish, her title is Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles, meaning "Our Lady the Queen of the Angels."

With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.

Barbara is back! Among the fastest-rising names of 2023, Barbara came back from oblivion at the very bottom of the Top 1000, gaining nearly 100 places on the popularity list.