Pink-related Names

Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.

Literary heritage: the "Loony Tunes" girlfriend of Porky Pig. But with the increasing popularity of all kinds of unusual botanical names, Petunia may be a name we start to hear more of. Perhaps-more-pleasing Petunia alternatives: Petal, Posy, Poppy.

Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.

Not long ago, Peppa may have been at risk for confusion with the name Pepper. But thanks to the British children's TV series Peppa Pig, Peppa is now a household name. If your household contains preschoolers, that is.

Penny as a masculine name represents an interesting naming trend, as it's more commonly recognized as a feminine nickname for Penelope. For boys, Penny likely functions as a nickname derived from names like Spencer, Pendleton, or Penn. It may also have originated as a surname before transitioning to given name usage, following a common naming pattern. The masculine usage remains quite rare in most naming statistics. The name carries associations with currency (the coin) and derives ultimately from the Old English 'penig' and earlier Latin 'pendo' meaning 'to pay'. For parents choosing Penny as a boy's name, it often reflects a desire for a friendly, approachable name with a touch of uniqueness and vintage charm.

Lovely Japanese name that would certainly be appreciated in Europe and the U.S. It was rarely used in Japan until the 1990s, and draws its current popularity from the fact that it is deeply connected to Japanese traditional culture without sounding frumpy and old-fashioned.

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

Unlike Jake or Sam, few parents put Mike on the birth certificate.

Unisex name around for several decades for boys and now ripe for girls.

Boo as a first name first achieved notoriety as the name of the child-man in Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird. Arthur "Boo" Radley was meant to be frightening, but only in a simple, non-threatening way. More recently, Boo has been used as the middle name of one of chef Jamie Oliver's children and the nickname in the middle of television's Honey Boo Boo. Boo is also the name of the world's cutest dog and of the adorable little girl in Monsters Inc. In a more basic way, Boo is a term of endearment.

Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example.

Attractive British place-name with a sense of humor. Fun fact: John Wayne played five characters with the first or second name of Kirby.

In its mid-20th century heyday, Deedee -- or Didi or Dede -- was not infrequently used as a name in its own right. It's a cute, or maybe cutesy, short form of names like Deanne.

Woods is a nature name that is a cousin to the stylish Brooks and Forest, evoking the entire world of trees. Sometimes used as a diminutive of Woodrow or Edward, Woods is rugged and outdoorsy, with a preppy surname-style feel too.

The singer known as Pink (born Alecia) brought this hue onto the name-possibility palette, especially as a middle choice. Could Pink be the next Blue?

Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.

This affectionate nickname was historically used for children with strong pink undertones, and was given as a first name several times throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. We prefer it as a pet name these days, or perhaps as a nickname for the stronger and more striking name Pink.

Boo may have started out as a nickname for the male character Arthur "Boo" Radley in To Kill A Mockingbird and these days may be closely associated with another male Boo, the "world's cutest dog" or with the adorable little girl in Monsters, Inc.

Gordy is a masculine name typically functioning as a diminutive of Gordon, which derives from a Scottish surname meaning 'spacious fort' or 'round hill fort.' The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its -y ending, giving it a perpetually youthful feel. Gordy gained some recognition through association with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and occasionally appears as an independent given name rather than just a nickname. Popular primarily in English-speaking countries, especially Scotland, England, and parts of the United States, Gordy has never been among the most common names but maintains steady, modest usage. The name conveys warmth, informality, and a certain unpretentious charm.