word names

  1. Amber
    • Origin:

      Word name, English
    • Description:

      Though perhaps not as currently stylish as Ruby, Jade, or Pearl, Amber has a colorful history (remember the notorious Forever Amber heroine?). Unfortunately, it does come with the "Amber Alert" connotation for modern parents (and their children).
  2. Ambrosia
    • Origin:

      Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
    • Meaning:

      "Immortal"
    • Description:

      Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.
  3. Amethyst
    • Origin:

      Gem and Color name
    • Description:

      As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.
  4. Anemone
    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "daughter of the wind"
    • Description:

      Anemone is a floral name that relates to the ancient Greek myth of the famous love story of Aphrodite and Adonis, in which Aphrodite transforms her wounded lover's blood into a flower, the crimson anemone, whose blossoms are opened by the wind — accounting for its other name, windflower.
  5. Anise
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.
  6. April
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to open"
    • Description:

      Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
  7. Archer
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "bowman"
    • Description:

      Archer is an Anglo-Saxon surname that feels more modern than most because of its on-target occupational and Hunger Games associations. And it's a nice way to bypass the clunky Archibald to get to the cool nickname Archie.
  8. Aria
    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"
    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  9. Arrow
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Words are not always easy to translate into baby names, but the implications of being straight and swift lend this one great potential as a name. It also has the popular o-sound ending, which brings it further into the realm of possibility. Rising rock star Aja Volkman pulled a gender switch when she named her daughter Arrow Eve.
  10. Ash
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Asher, English
    • Meaning:

      "ash tree"
    • Description:

      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 any other "Ash" name.
  11. Aspen
    • Origin:

      Nature and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "a poplar tree that quakes in the breeze"
    • Description:

      Aspen is part of two groups of stylish and unique baby names: nature names and place-names. The name of a graceful tree in the poplar family with heart-shaped leaves so delicate they quiver in the gentlest breeze, Aspen is also the name of a trendy Colorado ski resort. Aspen started as a unisex name possibility but now is much more frequently worn by girls.
  12. Auburn
    • Origin:

      Color name
    • Meaning:

      "deep reddish-brown"
    • Description:

      A strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.
  13. Axel
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Absalom
    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"
    • Description:

      A classic in its native Scandinavia, Axel has a cool rock 'n' roll flavor in the US, thanks to Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose (born William). With its distinctive letter 'x', it has an effortlessly cool vibe about it, and is currently growing in popularity.
  14. Azure
    • Origin:

      English color name
    • Meaning:

      "sky blue"
    • Description:

      Azure is a colorful gender-neutral choice, currently used equally for baby girls and boys in the US. It refers to a specific shade of blue seen in a cloudless sky. Elon Musk recently revealed Azure to be the name of his daughter with Shivon Zilis, twin sister to Strider. While X and Y didn't stand a chance at greater popularity, parents may be inspired to use the name Azure following this celebrity endorsement.
  15. Adder
    • Alchemy
      • Amulet
        • Anthem
          • Arbor
            • Armor
              • Astronomy
                • Axis
                  • Banner
                    • Origin:

                      English occupational name
                    • Meaning:

                      "flag bearer"
                    • Description:

                      An undiscovered option among occupational names, as of 2023, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. It does have charm however, much due to its associations with fêtes and phrases like "a banner year".
                  • Bard
                    • Origin:

                      Irish variation of Baird, Scottish
                    • Meaning:

                      "minstrel, poet"
                    • Description:

                      Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.
                  • Barley
                    • Origin:

                      English
                    • Meaning:

                      "grower or seller of barley"
                    • Description:

                      A bit too bad-boy (think bars, beer, Harley) for us, as well as being the name of a grain.
                  • Baron
                    • Origin:

                      English word name
                    • Meaning:

                      "a lord of the realm"
                    • Description:

                      If you're going to choose a noble word name, why not aim higher and pick Duke, Prince...or King. The Donald Trumps picked the Barron spelling for their little princeling.
                  • Basil
                    • Origin:

                      Greek
                    • Meaning:

                      "royal"
                    • Description:

                      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 Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
                  • Bay
                    • Origin:

                      English word, Old English
                    • Meaning:

                      "an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"
                    • Description:

                      One of the most usable of the pleasant, newly adopted nature/water names (like Lake and Ocean), especially in middle position. It's gentle, slightly whimsical, but grounded by its similarity to May or Rae.
                  • Bear
                    • Origin:

                      Animal name
                    • Meaning:

                      "bear"
                    • Description:

                      Bear has suddenly lumbered onto the baby name landscape. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael), first celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his boy Buddy, and Alicia Silverstone called her son Bear Blu, followed by Kate Winslet's Bear Blaize.
                  • Bee
                    • Origin:

                      Animal name or diminutive of Beatrice
                    • Meaning:

                      "she who brings happiness"
                    • Description:

                      We've seen Beatrice and Beatrix climb in popularity, along with traditional nickname Bea. And now there's Bee, giving it a buzzy nature world spin, plus a tie to popular late night TV''s Samantha Bee, not to mention Aunt Bee on the old The Andy Griffith Show TV show. Bee can theoretically be short for any girl names starting with B.
                  • Belladonna
                    • Origin:

                      English from Italian
                    • Meaning:

                      "nightshade, beautiful lady"
                    • Description:

                      Literally meaning "beautiful lady" in Italian, Belladonna is the name of a poisonous flower also known as nightshade. This connection gives an otherwise flowery name a darker, more dramatic edge.
                  • Berry
                    • Origin:

                      Nature name
                    • Description:

                      With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.
                  • Birch
                    • Origin:

                      Tree name
                    • Description:

                      Birch is a rarely used nature name that calls to mind the lovely image of the tall, strong but graceful white-barked tree.
                  • Bishop
                    • Origin:

                      English occupational name
                    • Description:

                      Reese Witherspoon's Deacon has opened this churchy direction for occupational names. It reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015.
                  • Blade
                    • Origin:

                      Word name
                    • Description:

                      One of the new crop of boys' names that manage to be unconventional and macho at the same time — though Blade verges on the threatening.
                  • Blaze
                    • Origin:

                      English word name
                    • Meaning:

                      "fire"
                    • Description:

                      Originally a form of the saint's name Blaise, though now more likely to be a hot word name used for both sexes, though heavily weighted toward the boys. It has been in the boys' Top 1000 since the year 2000. On the pop culture side of things, Blaze Bayley is a singer and musician who has been connected to the bands Wolfsbane and Iron Maiden.
                  • Bliss
                    • Origin:

                      English word name
                    • Description:

                      A sweet, uplifting and still fairly uncommon modern virtue name. Its single syllable makes it especially good as a middle name, but it would also make a big impact in the first spot.
                  • Blossom
                    • Origin:

                      English
                    • Meaning:

                      "to bloom"
                    • Description:

                      Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.
                  • Blue
                    • Origin:

                      Color name
                    • Description:

                      Among the coolest of the cool color names, particularly popular with celebs as a unisex middle name.
                  • Blythe
                    • Origin:

                      English
                    • Meaning:

                      "happy, carefree"
                    • Description:

                      Blythe is Nameberry gem — one of those names that visitors to the site are often searching for, despite the fact it's never ranked in the US charts as a given name.
                  • Boheme
                    • Origin:

                      French word name
                    • Description:

                      "Girls Gone Child" blogger Rebecca Woolf made Boheme a first name when she gave it to one of her twin daughters (the other one's name is Reverie). La Boheme -- "The Bohemian" -- is a Puccini opera that was transmogrified into the modern play Rent. Boheme means a literary or artistic person who lives outside conventional society.
                  • Booth
                    • Origin:

                      English and Scottish
                    • Meaning:

                      "small dwelling place, shed"
                    • Description:

                      Short but not particularly sweet surname.
                  • Brand
                    • Origin:

                      English
                    • Meaning:

                      "firebrand, sword"
                    • Description:

                      Rugged and straightforward brand-new name, though you might not like the idea of branding your son.
                  • Bravery
                    • Origin:

                      Virtue name
                    • Description:

                      This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so much. Could be used as a middle name, as Talisa Soto and Benjamin Bratt did.
                  • Briar
                    • Origin:

                      English
                    • Meaning:

                      "a thorny patch"
                    • Description:

                      Fairy-tale memories of Sleeping Beauty inspire some parents—such as Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen—to call their daughters Briar Rose. But Briar plus a different middle name might work even better. It's one of the newly popular nature-word names, charting in the US for the first time in 2015 for both genders.
                  • Brick
                    • Origin:

                      Word name, various origins
                    • Description:

                      This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
                  • Burgundy
                    • Origin:

                      French place-name; also color name
                    • Description:

                      It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name.
                  • Badger
                    • Ballad
                      • Bannister
                        • Betony
                          • Bloom
                            • Brave
                              • Brazen
                                • Breeze
                                  • Brindle
                                    • Bronze
                                      • Cadence
                                        • Origin:

                                          Latin
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "rhythm, beat"
                                        • Description:

                                          The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
                                      • Cairn
                                        • Origin:

                                          Scottish
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "mound of rocks"
                                        • Description:

                                          In Scotland, a cairn is a heap of stones placed as a memorial or to support a beacon. This gives the name a rugged, timeless quality that is very appealing at present.
                                      • Calico
                                        • Origin:

                                          English word name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "cotton cloth imported from India; a blotched or spotted animal"
                                        • Description:

                                          A word name with fashionable o-ending that has associations with both the homespun fabric and the mottled cat. Alice Cooper named his daughter Calico decades ago.
                                      • Cameo
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name
                                        • Description:

                                          This evocative term for a stone or shell carved in relief could make a striking first name for a girl, though she would have a starring role in her story, rather than a cameo.
                                      • Cannon
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name
                                        • Description:

                                          Cannon sits amongst other weapon names like Colt, Pistol, Lance, and Remington. Definitely a name that offers bombast.
                                      • Canyon
                                        • Origin:

                                          Spanish word name
                                        • Description:

                                          Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.
                                      • Carol
                                        • Origin:

                                          English, feminine variation of Charles
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "free man"
                                        • Description:

                                          A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas. because of its association with Christmas carols.
                                      • Cassia
                                        • Origin:

                                          Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "cinnamon"
                                        • Description:

                                          Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
                                      • Cedar
                                        • Origin:

                                          English and French from Latin tree name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "cedar tree"
                                        • Description:

                                          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.
                                      • Cerulean
                                        • Origin:

                                          Color name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "deep sky-blue"
                                        • Description:

                                          Cerulean is just beginning to be heard as a name thanks to its distinctive sounds and the appealing electric-sky-blue it evokes. Reminiscent of Ocean, Aurelian, Cyrus, and Caspian, it was given to just 6 babies in 2023, but that could change in coming years.
                                      • Chase
                                        • Origin:

                                          French
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "to hunt"
                                        • Description:

                                          Chase, with its sleek and ultraprosperous aura, is redolent of the worlds of high finance and international banking. Chase has been well used during the last few decades, seen as a character on 24 and on several young-audience shows.
                                      • Cherry
                                        • Origin:

                                          Fruit name
                                        • Description:

                                          With other fruity names like Clementine, Olive and Plum ripe for the picking, sweet Cherry remains remarkably underused: just 27 baby girls received the name in 2017, down from 343 at its peak in 1948. The unsavory slang meaning no doubt goes a long way towards explaining its fall from grace.
                                      • Chrysanthemum
                                        • Origin:

                                          Greek
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "gold flower"
                                        • Description:

                                          One of the rarest of the flower names, that of the blossom celebrated in Japan as a symbol of the sun and a possible object of meditation. One of the rare flower names counted among names for autumn babies, Chrysanthemum is also one of the most unusual nature-themed girl names starting with C.
                                      • Clarity
                                        • Origin:

                                          English virtue name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "the quality of being clear"
                                        • Description:

                                          Clarity is one of the lightest of the newly rediscovered virtue names, with a bit of three-syllable sparkle, old-fashioned charm and a clear vision for the future. Clarity is a very desirable quality in this confusing world and it also, unlike some other newly coined word names, has real meaning and history as a name.
                                      • Clay
                                        • Origin:

                                          English word name; diminutive of Clayton
                                        • Description:

                                          Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
                                      • Cobalt
                                        • Origin:

                                          Color and nature name
                                        • Description:

                                          Even among the range of blue names on the current baby naming palette -- Blue itself, Azure, Cerulean, Teal, Aqua, Cyan, Indigo -- Cobalt remains the most unusual, not to mention the most masculine.
                                      • Colt
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "young horse"
                                        • Description:

                                          Colt is the kind of unconventionally macho name that is so trendy right now, because of or in spite of its association with horses and guns.
                                      • Comfort
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name
                                        • Description:

                                          This Puritan virtue name may be unstylish, but it is also sympathetic and appealing in these largely uncomfortable times.
                                      • Constance
                                        • Origin:

                                          English version of Latin Constantia
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "steadfastness"
                                        • Description:

                                          Constance is one of the more subtle of the virtue baby names, but still has quite a prim and proper image. One impediment to its revival has been the decidedly dated nickname Connie, though modern parents might well opt for using the strong and dignified name in full.
                                      • Coral
                                        • Origin:

                                          Nature name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "a rock like substance formed by sea creatures; pinkish-red; gemstone"
                                        • Description:

                                          A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.
                                      • Cord
                                        • Origin:

                                          Diminutive of Cordell
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "maker or seller of rope or cord"
                                        • Description:

                                          This is the kind of strong one-syllable boy's name many parents are seeking these days. The more musical Chord was introduced by hot young actor Chord Overstreet.
                                      • Cotton
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name
                                        • Description:

                                          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 trendy and wearable masculine name.
                                      • Court
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name, short form of Courtney
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "tribunal presided over by a judge, area marked out for ball games; short nose"
                                        • Description:

                                          As a word name, Court brings with it a plethora of potential meanings, from a legal gathering, to a stage for basketball or tennis, to a street. Sharp and strong, Court feels right at home with other rugged picks like Rhett and Jett. And yet, Court remains remarkably rare in the US. The alternate spelling Cort is only slightly more popular.
                                      • Cove
                                        • Origin:

                                          English
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "small bay"
                                        • Description:

                                          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 girls, although it remains a seriously rare and distinctive choice for either gender.
                                      • Creed
                                        • Origin:

                                          English word name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "I believe; statement of belief"
                                        • Description:

                                          Cool, solid, and often spiritual, Creed derives from the Latin word credo meaning "I believe". It appeared sporadically in the US Top 1000 back in the late 19th century, but remained only quietly used the 2000s. By 2016 it was back in the charts, and as of 2023, Creed is given to around 400 babies each year.
                                      • Crew
                                        • Origin:

                                          English word name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "a band or force of armed men"
                                        • Description:

                                          Crew is yet another word name that was added to the baby name lexicon when this one was chosen by The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow for his son. It debuted on the Top 1000 in 2010. We've also heard spelling variations Cru and Crue.
                                      • Cricket
                                        • Origin:

                                          Nature name
                                        • Description:

                                          Nickname name from the era of Father Knows Best, though we can see it making something of a comeback, a la Clover and Pippa. Cricket has new potential especially since it has recently been chosen by Busy Philipps. Still, it's one of the quirkier girl names starting with C.
                                      • Cross
                                        • Origin:

                                          English word name
                                        • Meaning:

                                          "cross"
                                        • Description:

                                          Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward. Overtones of Christianity and penalty. More subtle option: Cruz.
                                      • Curry
                                        • Origin:

                                          Word name; surname from Ó Comhraidhe
                                        • Description:

                                          Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
                                      • Caliber
                                        • Caraway
                                          • Care
                                            • Castle
                                              • Cavalry
                                                • Char
                                                  • Charisma
                                                    • Charming
                                                      • Chicory
                                                        • Chord
                                                          • Comfrey
                                                            • Common
                                                              • Corduroy
                                                                • Coriander
                                                                  • Courage
                                                                    • Creek
                                                                      • Crimson
                                                                        • Daffodil
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Flower name, from Greek
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "asphodel"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Yes, though it seems so extreme, girls were actually sometimes given this name a century ago; now it is so uncommon it would make a strong springtime statement. Biggest obstacle: the nickname Daffy.
                                                                        • Daisy
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, English
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "day's eye"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), Daisy comes from the phrase "day's eye," because it opens its petals at daybreak.
                                                                        • Dash
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Diminutive of Dashiell, meaning unknown
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Dash is a nickname that can stand on its own and sounds, well, dashing. Connected these days with Kardashian enterprises.
                                                                        • Day
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            English word name
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "the time of light between one night and the next"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Many African tribes have a tradition of naming children for the day or time they were born -- Friday, Afternoon -- a practice finding new life in the Western world as word names become more popular.
                                                                        • December
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            English word name
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "tenth month"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Cooler than April, May, or June, but also a tad icy. December gets its name from the number ten as the old Roman calendar only had ten months, and as now, December was the last.
                                                                        • Delight
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            English word name
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "gratification or pleasure"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.
                                                                        • Delta
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Greek
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "fourth letter; island formed at the mouth of a river"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Delta is an unusual vintage option with a lazy-day-down-by-the-river feel. Delta is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and also the geographical name given to an island formed at the mouth of a river.
                                                                        • Diamond
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Gem name
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
                                                                        • Dove
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Nature name
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "dove, a bird"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.
                                                                        • Drummer
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            Occupational word name
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Drummer entered the baby name lexicon thanks to blogger No Big Dill, who chose it for her newborn son, who joins five older sisters. Drummer is right in step with other occupational names in vogue now, from Archer to Gardener. Let's just hope Drummer doesn't prefer to play the piano.
                                                                        • Duke
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            English rank of nobility
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            While John Wayne and Duke Ellington are worthy role models, the reason Duke is currently enjoying a revival and returned to the Top 1000 in 2013 as one of the year's fastest-rising boys’ names is more likely due to the name given to high-profile TV couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Christened Edward Duke, he has always been called by his middle name, just as Edward Duke Ellington was. Duke is just one of several aristocratic titles being increasingly used by ordinary citizens.
                                                                        • Dulcet
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Dulcet is an unusual feminine name derived from the Latin word 'dulcis,' meaning sweet or pleasant. While primarily known as an adjective describing something melodious or soothing to the ear, Dulcet's use as a given name is extremely rare. The name evokes qualities of gentleness, harmony, and a pleasant disposition. As a name, it carries musical connotations, suggesting someone with a sweet voice or artistic sensibilities. Dulcet has never appeared in popular name rankings, making it an extraordinarily distinctive choice. The name's literary quality gives it an elegant, sophisticated character that might appeal to parents seeking something genuinely unique. Though uncommon as a name, its meaning is immediately accessible, conveying sweetness and melodious charm.

                                                                        • Dune
                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                            English word name
                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                            "sand hill"
                                                                          • Description:

                                                                            Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.
                                                                        • Darling
                                                                          • Darling
                                                                            • Dill
                                                                              • Duet
                                                                                • Early
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Word name
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Early is a word-turned-name, pleasantly suggesting the start of a bright new day. Of the new word and day names, Early is one of the best. Early James is the stage name of singer-songwriter Fredrick James Mullis Jr.
                                                                                • Echo
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Greek mythology name
                                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                                    "echo or sound"
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Echo, the pretty, resonant name of a legendary nymph, was the heroine of Joss Whedon's sci-fi series Dollhouse. Nick Hexum, of the band 311, named his daughter Echo Love.
                                                                                • Ember
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    French variation of Amber
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Unlike Amber, which is in decline, this name still has a bit of a glow left -- though confusions between the two will inevitably arise.
                                                                                • Emerald
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Gem name; Persian
                                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                                    "green"
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.
                                                                                • Epiphany
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Word name, Greek
                                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                                    "manifestation, striking appearance"
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Epiphany is based on the ancient Greek word for a feeling or realization that comes upon you suddenly. It often relates to the divine, as in the realization that Christ is the son of God. The Feast of the Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus, takes place on January 6, ranking Epiphany among the unique January baby names. As word names and spiritual names become more popular, the attractive Epiphany becomes a more viable choice.
                                                                                • Essence
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    English word name
                                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                                    "the most significant element of a thing or person"
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Heavily perfumed word name that peaked a few years ago.
                                                                                • Eternity
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Word name
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Might have a shot as a name, à la Genesis and Destiny, if it weren't for yet another perfume connection.
                                                                                • Evening
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Day name
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too? It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a perfect addition to this newly stylish group.
                                                                                • Ever
                                                                                  • Origin:

                                                                                    Word name
                                                                                  • Meaning:

                                                                                    "always, eternally, constantly"
                                                                                  • Description:

                                                                                    A simple, unusual word name with an evocative meaning, Ever feels similar enough to Eva, Evelyn, and Everly that it shifts easily into name territory. Actor Robert Carradine was ahead of the trends when he named his now grown-up actress daughter Ever back in the 70s, while more recently, it was used by both Milla Jovovich and Owain Yeoman.
                                                                                • Edge
                                                                                  • Fable
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Word name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Inventive name for the child of a writer.
                                                                                  • Faith
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Virtue name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Faith is one of the most straightforward of the virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the seventeenth century, many parents still choosing it as an indicator of their religious conviction. Faith peaked in 2002 at Number 48.
                                                                                  • Falcon
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Bird name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
                                                                                  • Fancy
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Diminutive of Frances
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "free man"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Old fashioned nickname that some girls just might be able to pull off. You'd just have to be sure your little Fancy was one of them.
                                                                                  • Fate
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Short form of Lafayette, French, English word name
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "faith; predestined, destiny, chance"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Briefly in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Fate likely emerged as a short form for the old French name, Lafayette. In the contemporary landscape however, it may well be perceived as a word name among English speakers, akin to Destiny, Chance, Blessing, and Chosen. Around six boys are given the name Fate each year in the US, though 2023 saw it rise a little, with ten babies receiving the name.
                                                                                  • Fennel
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Vegetable and herb name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      In the garden of herb names, Rosemary and Basil are perennials and Sage is a new upshoot, but Fennel is a real rarity. The aniseed-tasting plant, used to add flavor to dishes around the world, gets its name from the Latin word feniculum, meaning "little hay".
                                                                                  • Fern
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "plant name"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of #152 in 1916. We can certainly see her rejoining the long list of popular greenery names.
                                                                                  • Field
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Nature name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      More unusual than Forest or Forrest, Field is a nature name that is simple, evocative, and fresh--sort of the male equivalent of Meadow.

                                                                                      Field and Fields are both relatively common surnames, noted bearers including department store owner Marshall Field, poet Eugene Field (Wynken, Blynken and Nod) and actress Sally. Those with the plural include W.C. Fields, cookie company founder Debbi, and entertainers Gracie and Kim Fields.

                                                                                  • Finch
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English word and nature name
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "to swindle"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      It feels like Finch should be a modern bird name that's as popular as Wren or Lark, but that's not the case - so it's one to consider if you're looking for a nature name that's familiar but rare.
                                                                                  • Fisher
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Occupational name
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "fisherman"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      As a member of two trendy name categories, animal and occupational, this name broke into the Top 1000 in 2004 and would make a nice tribute to an angler Grandpa.
                                                                                  • Flint
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "born near outcrop of flint"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Flint is one of the new macho names on the rise today, part old-school tough guy, part rebel. You won't find a tougher, steelier-sounding name; it's part of a genre on the rise along with cousins Slate, Stone and Steel.
                                                                                  • Forever
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Word name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Eternal--or eternally pretentious?
                                                                                  • Forrest
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "dweller near the woods"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Forrest is one of the earliest appealingly sylvan, outdoorsy choices, borne by newsman Sawyer, actor Whitaker, and football Hall of Famer Gregg. Forrest Gates was a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
                                                                                  • Fox
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      Animal name
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Fox is one animal name backed by a longish tradition, and then popularized via the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files. Fox is simple, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting middle name.
                                                                                  • Freedom
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "the quality or state of being free"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Like Justice and Peace, this word name makes a very strong statement. Ving Rhames chose it for his boy.
                                                                                  • Frost
                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                      English
                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                      "freezing"
                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                      Long heard as a last name, as in venerable poet Robert, U.K. talk show host David, British actress Sadie and old Jack Frost, Frost has suddenly entered the scene as a possible first, along with other seasonal weather names like Winter and Snow.
                                                                                  • Fender
                                                                                    • Friday
                                                                                      • Gale
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Nature name
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Gale for boys is more a storm name than a short form of Abigail. Since Gale has resurfaced as the name of Liam Hemsworth's daring character in The Hunger Games, it has new force for boys.
                                                                                      • Gardenia
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Flower name, from English surname
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "Garden's flower"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          More uncommon and powerful than garden varieties like Rose and Lily. Named for Scottish botanist Dr Alexander Garden.
                                                                                      • Gem
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Gem is a concise, evocative feminine name derived directly from the English word for precious stones. This nature-inspired name conveys qualities of rarity, beauty, and value. As a given name, Gem has never been widely common but has maintained steady, limited usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era when longer names are often popular. Gem can also function as a nickname for longer names like Gemma, Gemini, or even more distantly related names like Jemima. The name evokes positive associations with brilliance, durability, and natural beauty. Its simplicity makes it easy to spell and pronounce across cultures while carrying rich metaphorical meaning.
                                                                                      • Gentry
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          English
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "aristocracy"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.
                                                                                      • Ginger
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          English diminutive
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Originally a unisex nickname for a redhead -- red hair is called "ginger" in Britain -- or for the name Virginia, Ginger perennially wears pink gingham and spike heels.
                                                                                      • Glade
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Nature name
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "clearing in a forest"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Shady, leafy nature-boy name.
                                                                                      • Glimmer
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Word name
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Glimmer is shimmery but a little too showy, as is Glitter, a character on a TV sitcom-- while Glimmer appears in The Hunger Games.
                                                                                      • Golden
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Word name
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Like Silver, a shimmering metallic color name, almost too dazzling for an ordinary boy.
                                                                                      • Grace
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          English, virtue name
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.
                                                                                      • Grant
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Scottish from French
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "large"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          One-time beach-boy compadre of Glenn, Greg, and Gary that originated as a nickname for a tall person, Grant has become a no-nonsense, career-oriented grown-up and one that is seeing new appreciation. It was chosen for his son by actor Morris Chestnut. It has cultural cred via artist Grant Wood, whose best known painting is 'American Gothic.'
                                                                                      • Gray
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Color name, also diminutive of Grayson
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative--if slightly somber-- choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney recently named their son Leo Grey.
                                                                                      • Griffin
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Welsh, variation of Griffith
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "strong lord"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          Griffin is one of the newer and most appealing of the two-syllable Celtic surnames. In English, griffin is the name of a mythological creature, half eagle, half lion. It re-entered the list in 1983 after an absence of 75+ years.
                                                                                      • Grove
                                                                                        • Origin:

                                                                                          Nature name
                                                                                        • Meaning:

                                                                                          "grove of trees"
                                                                                        • Description:

                                                                                          If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.
                                                                                      • Galaxy
                                                                                        • Garden
                                                                                          • Given
                                                                                            • Glamour
                                                                                              • Glory
                                                                                                • Glow
                                                                                                  • Go
                                                                                                    • Halo
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English, word name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Halo is a glowing word name that's both cosmic and spiritual, and with its shiny imagery and bright sounds, it was one of the fasted rising names in 2023.
                                                                                                    • Hanalei
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Hawaiian
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "crescent bay or garland valley"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        An appealing Hawaiian name which belongs to a town, river and bay on Kauaʻi island in Hawaii. The two possible meanings of the name, "crescent bay" or "garland (lei) valley" both describe the beauty of the place.
                                                                                                    • Harbor
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
                                                                                                    • Harmony
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "harmony"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        If Melody and Lyric are on your style sheet, the peaceful Harmony, popularized by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, should be too. Girls names starting with the "Har" sound like Harper, Harley, and Harlow have been trending in recent years. This musical choice fits right in, and it is no wonder that Harmony has been in the Top 200 since 2014.
                                                                                                    • Hart
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "stag"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Hart could be the hero of a romantic novel, but on the other hand, it's short, straightforward, and strong sounding. The most famous bearer of the name was tragic poet Hart (born Harold) Crane, but it also has musical cred via Lorenz Hart, of the classic Rodgers & Hart songwriting duo and a literary tie to playwright Moss Hart.
                                                                                                    • Haven
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name, English
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "a place of safety"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven.
                                                                                                    • Hawk
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Nature name
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "hawk, a bird"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        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.
                                                                                                    • Herb
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Herb is a masculine name that originated as a shortened form of Herbert, which comes from Germanic elements 'hari' meaning 'army' and 'beraht' meaning 'bright.' Primarily used in English-speaking countries, Herb peaked in popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. The name has a friendly, unpretentious quality that reflects its association with everyday herbs and plants, despite its martial etymological origins. Herb gained cultural recognition through notable bearers like American bandleader Herb Alpert and basketball player Herb Williams. While rarely given as a formal name to newborns today, it retains a warm, vintage charm that evokes the mid-century era. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation give it an accessible, down-to-earth character.
                                                                                                    • Hero
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Greek
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "demi-god"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero in Greek myth was a woman. Myleene Klass got that when she chose Hero for her daughter, and Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson used it as their daughter's middle--and we wouldn't be surprised to see more girls with this heroic name.
                                                                                                    • Hill
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "someone who lives by a hill"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Simple and down-to-earth, but would probably work best as a middle name.
                                                                                                    • Holiday
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English word name
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "holy day"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Free and fun name if you don't want to be pinned down to Noelle, Pasqua, or Valentine.
                                                                                                    • Honey
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        A term of endearment turned cute British celebrity baby name, used by actress Kate Winslet, chef Jamie Oliver, and TV presenter Fearne Cotton, among others. Honey was given to only 40 girls in the US in 2017, but it's relatively popular across the pond, where it ranks in the current Top 500 baby names for girls.
                                                                                                    • Honor
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English word and virtue name
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "honor"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Honor is a somewhat more straight-laced virtue name than Hope or Grace, placing a high standard on any girl carrying it, but it's a goal worth setting. By choosing Honor for her daughter, Jessica Alba brought it very much into the modern world.
                                                                                                    • Hope
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Virtue name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Can a name as virtuous as Hope be cool and trendy? Strangely enough -- yes. But though this optimistic Puritan favorite is experiencing substantial popularity, Hope is too pure and elegant to be corrupted, a lovely classic that deserves all the attention it's getting.
                                                                                                    • Horizon
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        A name with vision.
                                                                                                    • Hunt
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Blunt. Stick to Hunter.
                                                                                                    • Hunter
                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                        "one who hunts"
                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                        Hunter has been dropping a bit for the past few years but is still one of the leaders of a distinctive band of boys' names that combines macho imagery (Hunter, Austin, Harley) with a softened masculinity. Hunter was for years attached to gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson; Josh Holloway used it for his son.
                                                                                                    • Heart
                                                                                                      • Hollow
                                                                                                        • Indigo
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Greek
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "Indian dye"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys. Although most people don't think of it like this, Indigo might also be considered among the most stylish Greek baby names in use today. Some cultural references: The Indigo Girls are a folk duo, 'Mood Indigo' is a classic Duke Ellington jazz composition, and there is a 1970's New Age theory that Indigo children possess special, sometimes supernatural abilities. Indigo is the name of a character in the Ntozake Shange novel Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and was used for his daughter by Lou Diamond Phillips.
                                                                                                        • Iris
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Flower name; Greek
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "rainbow"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.
                                                                                                        • Ivory
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Word name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000.
                                                                                                        • Ivy
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Botanical name
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.
                                                                                                        • January
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "month name"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.
                                                                                                        • Jasper
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Persian
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "bringer of treasure"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
                                                                                                        • Jersey
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            English place name, Old Norse
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "Geirr's island"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            An established place name, associated with a sunny island in the English Channel, the Garden State in the US, knitted pullovers, reality TV, and a Broadway musical. It peaked in the late 2000s and though it is now in decline, 130 girls and nearly 50 boys received the name in 2023.

                                                                                                            -ey meaning "island". Alternative theories suggest it comes from jarl ,meaning "earl" or hjǫr meaning "sword".
                                                                                                        • Jet
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Mineral and word name
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            This super-charged variation of Jett is on the rise -- along with the unlikely newcomer Jetson.
                                                                                                        • Jewel
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Word name
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Just like Flora is for botanicals, Jewel is the generic gemstone name, not used much since the early twentieth century, when it was seen as a symbol of how precious a daughter could be. The French version, Bijou, feels more modern, as do Pearl and Ruby.
                                                                                                        • Journey
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "passage from one place to another"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            One of the new word names, appealing to parents attracted to the idea of a spiritual -- or even an actual -- voyage. The Journee spelling is also being used. Unisex alert: Jenna Jameson used Journey for one of her twin boys, as did the Black Eyed Peas rock musician known as Taboo.
                                                                                                        • Joy
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "joy"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Joy is from an older generation of word names, which also included Merry, Bliss, and Glory -- all of which exert a certain amount of personality pressure on a child. However, Joy, like Grace, Hope, and Rose, has crossed more into name-territory than other word choices, which lightens some of that pressure.
                                                                                                        • Jubilee
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Hebrew
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "ram's horn"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.
                                                                                                        • June
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Latin
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "young"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.
                                                                                                        • Juniper
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            Latin tree name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "young"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.
                                                                                                        • Justice
                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                            "the quality of being just, impartial, or fair"
                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                            Justice, one of the rare virtue names for boys, entered the popularity ranks in 1992, and has remained on the list ever since. Parents' search for names implying virtue has led to a mini-revival of this long-neglected name in both its German homonymic form, Justus, and as the word itself. Steven Seagal was ahead of the curve when he used it back in 1976.
                                                                                                        • Jester
                                                                                                          • Jonquil
                                                                                                            • Kismet
                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                Word name
                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                "fate"
                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
                                                                                                            • Kitty
                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                English, diminutive of Katherine
                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                "pure"
                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related names, Kitty is sounding cute and cuddly again—she's already jumped back onto the U.K. list, at number 199.
                                                                                                            • Knight
                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                English word name
                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                " a mounted man-at-arms serving a feudal superior"
                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                Knight (as opposed to Night) is a name clad in shiny armor. This high-ranking word name was introduced by singers Kelis and Nas. Knight might join brothers King, Royal, and Noble in a new definition of royal baby names.
                                                                                                            • Kestrel
                                                                                                              • Kestrel
                                                                                                                • Kin
                                                                                                                  • Lace
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lace is a delicate feminine name derived from the English word for the ornate fabric made from intricately looped threads. As a given name, it emerged primarily in the late 20th century when word names and short, distinctive choices gained popularity. The name evokes images of elegance, intricacy, and feminine beauty. Lace has never been a common choice for girls, maintaining its status as a rare and distinctive option. It falls into the category of subtle virtue or aesthetic names, alongside choices like Grace, Pearl, or Ruby. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, while its meaning connects to traditions of craftsmanship and refinement. For parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with graceful associations, Lace offers an understated elegance.
                                                                                                                  • Lacey
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "from Lassy"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      A unique combination of a surname feel and dainty femininity. It's currently associated with actress Lacey Chambert.
                                                                                                                  • Lake
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Nature name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.
                                                                                                                  • Lane
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "a small roadway or path"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lane is a recent hit name, that could be used for either gender, but is much more popular for boys. It's a surname that projects the pleasant picture of narrow, tree-lined country roads.
                                                                                                                  • Lark
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English bird name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.
                                                                                                                  • Lavender
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "purple flower"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names like Clementine and Marigold.
                                                                                                                  • Law
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      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 'from Laurentum' (an ancient Italian city). The name also carries obvious associations with legal systems and moral principles. While traditionally uncommon as a first name, Law gained some recognition through actor Jude Law. Its brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer male names, offering a strong, commanding presence in just one syllable. The name's simplicity, powerful connotations of justice, and contemporary feel have attracted parents seeking something unconventional yet meaningful with professional gravitas.

                                                                                                                  • Lawyer
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Occupational name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      One professional surname that won't pass the Bar.
                                                                                                                  • Leaf
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Nature name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
                                                                                                                  • Liberty
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Word name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Less common than other virtue names, Liberty is nonetheless a name with a long American heritage.
                                                                                                                  • Linden
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Variation of Lyndon
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "linden tree hill"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      The graceful, natural image of the verdant shade tree transcends any connection with President Johnson.
                                                                                                                  • Link
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Word name or diminutive of Lincoln
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "ring, loop, connection; town by the pool"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Perhaps best associated today with the character from The Legend of Zelda game franchise, Link also has ties to the retro crime drama, The Mod Squad, to the presidential surname Lincoln, and of course, to links on the internet. Part fantastical, part retro cool, part futuristic, Link was chosen for 200 boys in 2022, and 144 in 2023.
                                                                                                                  • Lock
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "a fastening (as for a door) operated by a key or a combination"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Interestingly, Locke is a gender-neutral name used only for boys, while word name Lock is so rare it was given to fewer than five children of either gender in the US last year.
                                                                                                                  • Lotus
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Greek
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "lotus flower"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lotus is one of the most languorous of the flower names, with intriguing significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism, symbolizing purity, grace and spiritual growth — not to mention a familiar yoga position.
                                                                                                                  • Love
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Word name
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "love"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Love makes an endearing middle name, as in Jennifer Love Hewitt. However, more parents are considering Love as a first name — enough for it to enter the charts for the first time in 2022 as one of the fastest-rising names of the year. Other love-related alternatives include Juliet, Valentina, and Amor.
                                                                                                                  • Loyal
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "faithful, loyal"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Loyal is one of the few virtue names suitable for boys, an honorable and principled Boy Scout-esque appellation with a surprisingly long and distinguished history.
                                                                                                                  • Luck
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Luck is a masculine name that embodies the concept of good fortune and favorable circumstances. Derived from Middle English and Old English roots, it originated as a nickname for someone considered fortunate or blessed with success. While uncommon as a first name throughout history, Luck carries powerful positive connotations related to chance, destiny, and prosperity. In contemporary usage, Luck remains a rare choice for boys, appealing to parents drawn to short, meaningful word-names with optimistic qualities. As a given name, it projects confidence and positivity, suggesting someone destined for good things.
                                                                                                                  • Lucky
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "having good fortune"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Recently chosen by singer Elle King for her son. Lucky is a name that could see a considerable rise in the near future, as word names continue to heat up.
                                                                                                                  • Lute
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Lute is a concise masculine name with multiple potential origins. Most directly, it references the stringed musical instrument popular during the Renaissance, deriving from Arabic 'al-ʿūd.' As a name, Lute may function as a short form of Luther (meaning 'army people' from Germanic roots) or Luthor. It might also derive from older English surname usage, possibly related to 'lute-player' as an occupational name. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality that aligns with the current trend toward short, impactful masculine names. While extremely rare in contemporary usage, Lute carries appealing musical connotations and a vintage charm that might attract parents seeking an uncommon yet accessible name with artistic associations and a straightforward, masculine sound.
                                                                                                                  • Lynx
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Animal name
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      One of the fierce new animal names new to name lists, helped by its strong x-ending.
                                                                                                                  • Lyric
                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                      Greek
                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                      "of the lyre; songlike; a personal, emotive poem"
                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                      Associated with poetry, pop music, and the Greek lyre, Lyric has a light and zippy sound to it and joins the likes of Melody, Harmony, Cadence, and Aria as musical names that have become baby names. A unisex name, it is currently three times more popular for girls in the US where it sits in the Top 600. It has declined in use since its 2014 peak, but was still given to around 560 girls in a recent year.
                                                                                                                  • Lemon
                                                                                                                    • Lore
                                                                                                                      • Lullaby
                                                                                                                        • Mace
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "heavy club"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Has a slight aura of danger, from its being two types of weapons and a looming character in the Star Wars films. Best left as a nickname for Mason.
                                                                                                                        • Magenta
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Color name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Magenta is a vivid Crayola color name, that could make a vivid, colorful choice. It was named in 1859 after the Napoleonic Battle of Magenta, a town in Northern Italy.
                                                                                                                        • Maple
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English tree name from Latin
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "maple tree; tree of the Acer genus"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Maple is one of those sweet-spot word names that sounds so almost name-like that it doesn't feel outlandish or strange, despite its relative newness as a given name. Just as Juniper is adjacent to June or Pippa, Clover like Chloe or Clara and Ember like Emma or Ebba, Maple is enough like Mabel, Maisie and Mae that it blends in well and has a touch of borrowed vintage charm.
                                                                                                                        • March
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "month name"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Along with August, March is one of the month names perfectly suited to boys. This brisk single-syllable name – which derives from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war – is worth considering as either a first or middle option. As a surname, it brings warm memories of the girls of Little Women, and of twentieth century actor Fredric.
                                                                                                                        • Marigold
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Flower name, from English
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "golden flower"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Marigold, once found almost exclusively in English novels and aristocratic nurseries, is beginning to be talked about and considered here. It has a sweet, sunny, quirky feel. The marigold was the symbol of the Virgin Mary.
                                                                                                                        • Marjoram
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            botanical name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Marjoram is a herb and flower. With nicknames like Margie and Jo at the ready, we think that if Marigold can make a comeback, why not Marjoram?
                                                                                                                        • Marsh
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English nature name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.
                                                                                                                        • May
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Diminutive of Margaret and Mary; month name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            May is a sweet old-fashioned name that hasn't been on the national charts in several decades, but is definitely sounding fresh and springlike. Parents are beginning to see it once more as one of the prettiest middle name options. May was as high on the list as Number 57 in the 1880s; it's now 228 on Nameberry.
                                                                                                                        • Meadow
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Nature name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Meadow's upward popularity trajectory certainly suggests that the name has transcended its connection to The Sopranos.. In the US, more than 750 baby girls were named Meadow last year, a number we expect to keep rising.
                                                                                                                        • Melody
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Greek
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "song"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            A melodious choice big in the sixties, Melody is now starting to pick up tempo again. It cracked the Top 150 for the first time ever in 2015. Melody is also the name of Ariel's equally curious and more tom-boyish daughter in The Little Mermaid sequel. Read more about Melody and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
                                                                                                                        • Mercy
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English word name
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "compassion"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            The quality of mercy makes this lovely Puritan virtue name a quiet favorite today. Although it was most popular in the late nineteenth century, Mercy is on its way to a comeback -- it rose 143 spots between 2012 and 2013, making it one of the year's fastest-rising names. Right now, it's still stylish and distinctive, a rare and wonderful combination.
                                                                                                                        • Midnight
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English, word name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Nicole Richie and Joel Madden added this rocking name to the lexicon of day names, which have their roots in the African tradition of naming a child after the day of the week, time of day, or season in which he or she was born. But they wisely used it as a middle name.
                                                                                                                        • Misty
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "mist"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            The Play Misty for Me jokes will get old really fast.
                                                                                                                        • Modesty
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Latin
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "modesty"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Modesty is a virtue name dating to Roman times, but never widely used, except for hot 1960s movie spoof heroine, Modesty Blaise, based on a comic strip.
                                                                                                                        • Moss
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            English
                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                            "descendant of Moses"
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            This evocative green nature name, heard much more frequently as a surname, is associated with playwright Moss Hart (born Robert), who co-wrote (with George S. Kaufman) such enduring Broadway comedies as The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take it With You.
                                                                                                                        • Muse
                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                            Greek mythology name
                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                            Remember, the Muse is passive: someone else's inspiration.
                                                                                                                        • Marzipan
                                                                                                                          • Maze
                                                                                                                            • Meadowlark
                                                                                                                              • Memory
                                                                                                                                • Merit
                                                                                                                                  • Merry
                                                                                                                                    • Mist
                                                                                                                                      • Moment
                                                                                                                                        • Moon
                                                                                                                                          • Myth
                                                                                                                                            • Neon
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Greek
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "New"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Bright and energetic, Neon seems like it would be a modern coinage, borrowed from neon lights.
                                                                                                                                            • Noble
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Latin
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "aristocratic"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of character, dignity, and high moral ideals?
                                                                                                                                            • North
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                English word name
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "cardinal direction of north"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.
                                                                                                                                            • November
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                English word name
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "month name"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                The menu of usable month names seems to expand every, well, month, with such choices as November, October, and January joining more established names like April, May, June and August. Logical November nicknames include Nova, Novi, or Ember, making this a natural (if adventurous) choice for a baby girl. November is also, obviously, one of the perfect names for November babies.
                                                                                                                                            • Olive
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                English, from Latin, nature name
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "olive tree"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Though greatly overshadowed by the trendy Olivia, Olive has a quiet, subtle appeal of its own -- and is now enjoying a remarkable comeback. Olive is one of only four girl names starting with O on the US Top 1000. Cool couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen chose it for their daughter, reviving the name to stylishness, and now Drew Barrymore has a little Olive too, as has country singer Jake Owen.
                                                                                                                                            • Onyx
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Word name
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "gem stone; claw, nail"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Onyx is a fresh and trending gemstone name for boys, currently in the US Top 500, having climbed the charts rapidly since 2018. Now, an increasing number of girls are receiving the name, with a recent count revealing nearly 200 baby girls were called Onyx in 2023.
                                                                                                                                            • Opal
                                                                                                                                              • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                Sanskrit
                                                                                                                                              • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                "gem"
                                                                                                                                              • Description:

                                                                                                                                                Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.
                                                                                                                                            • Oath
                                                                                                                                              • Obsidian
                                                                                                                                                • October
                                                                                                                                                  • Oleander
                                                                                                                                                    • Orchard
                                                                                                                                                      • Otter
                                                                                                                                                        • Palace
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            English
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "royal residence"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Royal names are on the rise. Along with names such as King, Prince, and Royal, why not Palace? Why not indeed.
                                                                                                                                                        • Patience
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Latin virtue name
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's and 2000s, having been absent for a century.
                                                                                                                                                        • Peach
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Fruit name
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Peach is one of those names that, a generation ago, would have been placed in the wacky celebrity baby name category. But now with the proliferation of word, nature, and yes, food names, Peach sounds adorably baby-ready.
                                                                                                                                                        • Peaches
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            English fruit name
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly.
                                                                                                                                                        • Pearl
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Latin gem name
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "pearl"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Pearl, like Ruby, has begun to be polished up for a new generation of fashionable children after a century of jewelry box storage. The birthstone for the month of June, Pearl could also make a fresher middle name alternative to the overused Rose. Cool couple Maya Rudolph and Paul Thomas Anderson named their daughter Pearl Minnie, followed by Jack Osbourne picking Pearl Clementine. Several celebs have put it in the middle spot, as in Busy Philipps's Cricket Pearl, Jake Owen's Olive Pearl and Caleb Followill's Dixie Pearl .
                                                                                                                                                        • Petal
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            English from Greek
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "leaf"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Petal is the soft and sweet-smelling name of a character in the novel and film, The Shipping News. With the rise of such flower names as Poppy and Posy, we believe Petal — down-to-earth yet romantic — has its own appealingly distinctive style.
                                                                                                                                                        • Phoenix
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Arizona place-name and Greek
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "dark red"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Effortlessly cool with a hint of the mystical, Phoenix rolls a lot of trends into one: it's a place-name and a bird name, it ends in the stylish letter x, it's got in-built nicknames, and it's unisex too. Familiar but not over-popular, Phoenix ranks in the US and UK Top 1000s.
                                                                                                                                                        • Poem
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Literary name, English word name
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "a composition in verse"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            A handful of baby girls were named Poem in the US in the most recent year, along with Poet and Poetry. But of course, these word names can work for boys too.
                                                                                                                                                        • Poet
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Word name
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Poet is a new entry in both the trendy word and occupational categories as well as a member of the growing group of gender neutral names. A handful of baby boys received the name in the US last year. A perfect choice, especially in the middle, for the child of writers or those with a poetic bent. And Po is an adorable nickname for either gender.
                                                                                                                                                        • Poppy
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            English from Latin
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "red flower"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Poppy, unlike most floral names which are sweet and feminine, has a lot of spunk. Long popular throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Poppy is finally starting to rise toward the top in the US, where it entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
                                                                                                                                                        • Prairie
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            English nature name
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "prairie"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Unspecific place name with a wonderfully wide-open, spacious, western feel; used for a character in Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland.
                                                                                                                                                        • Price
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Welsh
                                                                                                                                                          • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                            "son of Rhys"
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
                                                                                                                                                        • Puck
                                                                                                                                                          • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                            Literary name
                                                                                                                                                          • Description:

                                                                                                                                                            Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell.
                                                                                                                                                        • Pleasant
                                                                                                                                                          • Praline
                                                                                                                                                            • Prism
                                                                                                                                                              • Quill
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Irish, diminutive of Quillan or Quiller; also English word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Quill is a unique possibility for the child of writers -- even if they do use computers rather than pens; could also serve as a rhyming tribute to an ancestor named Gil, Phil, or Bill (or Jill).
                                                                                                                                                              • Race
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Race is a masculine name with English origins, functioning as both a word name and a shortened form of the historical name Horace. As a modern English word name, it evokes qualities of speed, competition, and athletic ability. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, it has seen some usage in the United States, particularly in the 21st century as part of the trend toward short, strong-sounding masculine names. Race has a dynamic, energetic quality that appeals to parents looking for names that project vitality and determination. Its brevity and familiar word status make it easily recognizable while still being distinctive as a personal name.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rain
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Among a small shower of rain-related names, this pure version can have a cool, refreshing image.
                                                                                                                                                              • Ranger
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  French
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "forest guardian"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  The list of occupational boys' names continues to expand, and this is one of the latest to ride onto the range. With a hint of cowboy and Western, a sprinkle of preppy surname, an outdoorsy, nature-connected vibe, and a soft-but-strong sound, Ranger has a lot going for it. More than doubling in use over the last decade, it was given to around 120 boys in 2023.
                                                                                                                                                              • Ransom
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "shield's son"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Ransom may be rakish and handsome, but it carries an unavoidable association with holding someone for ransom. But that kind of bad boy image might be exactly what attracts you to Ransom in the first place.
                                                                                                                                                              • Raven
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Make that bird name, and while it does work for both genders, it's far more popular for girls, via Raven Symone.
                                                                                                                                                              • Reason
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "a statement offered in explanation or justification"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.
                                                                                                                                                              • Reed
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "red-haired"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  A slim, elegant, silvery surname, Reed could be a banker or a sculptor, and therein lies the appeal of this simple yet distinctive name. The versatile Reed can be seen as a grass-like nature name and a musical name.
                                                                                                                                                              • Reef
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "ridge of rock or coral on sea floor"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Reef is an uncommon nature name with mainstream potential. Its laidback, beach-y vibe makes it a perfect choice for ocean lovers.
                                                                                                                                                              • Reverie
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Reverie is a strong-sounding word for an ethereal, dreamlike state -- a perfect contrast and meaning for a word that intends to become a first name. Popular mommy blogger Rebecca Woolf of Girls Gone Child named one of her twin daughters Reverie, setting off a groundswell of interest.
                                                                                                                                                              • Ridge
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "an elevated body part or structure"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Ridge may be the quintessential daytime drama name, but it's still better than most. This is one word name rising rapidly through the ranks, reentering the US Top 1000 in 2015 for the first time since 1989.
                                                                                                                                                              • River
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Nature name
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  River shares the tranquil feeling of all the water names, and seems to have pretty much escaped its past strong association with River Phoenix and his unfortunate fate. Actor Joaquin Phoenix named his son with actress Rooney Mara after his brother River.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rock
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Word name or diminutive of Rocco
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "rock or rest"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Rock definitely has a macho image, if a somewhat caricatured one, ala The Rock. But with the rise of word names and also of tough guy names, Rock feels more plausible than it did a generation ago.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rose
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Latin
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "rose, a flower"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Rose is derived from the Latin rosa, which referred to the flower. There is also evidence to suggest it was a Norman variation of the Germanic name Hrodohaidis, meaning "famous type," and also Hros, "horse". In Old English it was translated as Roese and Rohese.
                                                                                                                                                              • Royal
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English word name
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "royal"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Even less subtle than Duke or Earl, this name shot up the popularity charts in 2013, the same year young Prince George was born and the craze for all things royal (and Royal) began. Today, it's a leading boys' name on Nameberry's own popularity charts.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rune
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  German and Swedish
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "secret"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Name with connotations both mystical and tragic, newly popular in Europe. For English speakers, though, this name might be ruined by its homonym ruin.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rush
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  English
                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                  "basket weaver"
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Might suggest speed, excitement, even danger, were it not for its best-known bearer, conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.
                                                                                                                                                              • Rusty
                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                  Short form of Russell
                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                  Though as a formal name Rusty is a little, well, rusty, it spent half a century among the Top 1000, departing only in 1995. Only 45 baby boys received the name in the US in one recent year and it's difficult to imagine it as the winning choice of many modern parents. Whether you want an informal name or a spin on a traditional name or even a word name or a name that means red, there are simply too many better options.
                                                                                                                                                              • Ratchet
                                                                                                                                                                • Remember
                                                                                                                                                                  • Revere
                                                                                                                                                                    • Rook
                                                                                                                                                                      • Rumor
                                                                                                                                                                        • Russett
                                                                                                                                                                          • Saffron
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Spice name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sage
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Herb name, Latin
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "wise and knowing"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Sage is an evocatively fragrant herbal name that also connotes wisdom, giving it a double advantage. It entered the Top 1000 at about the same time for both genders in the early 1990s, but it has pulled ahead for the girls. Toni Collette named her daughter Sage Florence.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sailor
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Occupational word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              A word name that has sailed onto birth certificates of both genders, especially since Liv Tyler used it for her son. For boys, Saylor and Sailor are used about equally, but were together given to about 100 baby boys last year....and 1000 baby girls.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sandy
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Nickname name in the era of Grease. Sandy fits well in the era of boyish nicknames for girls - a la Scottie and Stevie - or as an alternative to the rapidly rising Goldie. While it peaked in 1960, Sandy is still given to about 60 baby girls each year.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sapphire
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "blue"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the pseudonym of Romona Lofton, who wrote the book Push, which was turned into the movie Precious. Sapphire entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, and is proving to be one of the freshest gem names for girls. Another intriguing variation is the lovely Sapphira.
                                                                                                                                                                          • September
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "month name"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Parents are beginning to turn away from springtime months like April and June and are moving toward the cooler and crisper three-syllable September, October, November, and December.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sequoia
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Sequoia is a masculine name derived from the name of the massive redwood trees native to California, which were themselves named after Sequoyah (c.1770-1843), the Cherokee silversmith who created a syllabary for the Cherokee language. As a given name, Sequoia evokes qualities of strength, longevity, and natural majesty—sequoia trees are among the largest and longest-living organisms on Earth. This name has gained modest popularity in the United States since the late 20th century as part of the trend toward nature-inspired names. While still uncommon, Sequoia appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with Native American connections and powerful natural symbolism. Though listed here as masculine, it's worth noting that Sequoia is used for children of all genders.

                                                                                                                                                                          • Serenade
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Music name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Peaceful and melodic, but a bit pretentious.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Serendipity
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "unexpected good fortune"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              A unique virtue name with a sound as happy and lively as its meaning.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Serenity
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Latin
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "peaceful"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Peaceful, calm, and untroubled: these are qualities parents may be hoping for, either on their parenting journey or in their child’s life. The name Serenity encapsulates these hopes, conjuring up a sense of balance, composure, and ease.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Shepherd
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Occupational name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "sheep hearder"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Shepherd is an occupational surname with a pleasant pastoral feel. It was chosen for their son by the Jerry Seinfelds, which might inspire others to follow their lead.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Silver
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              This shimmery Age of Aquarius unisex flower child name is making a comeback, along with metal and gem names like Steel, Jade, and Ruby.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sky
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Nature name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Sky is an ambigender nature name that was first legitimized as the character of Sky Masterson in the 1950 musical Guys and Dolls, played in the film version by Marlon Brando. It's a name we appreciate for its clear, wide-open feel, less hippyish than others like Rainbow and Starlight, and makes an appealing middle name possibility.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Snow
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sonnet
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English from Italian
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "little song"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Could there be a more poetic name than Sonnet? Actor Forest Whitaker was inspired to choose it for his daughter.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Star
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Most parents today would prefer the softer-sell Stella. But Star has symbolic power related to Christmas, so this could make one of the perfect names for December babies.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Stone
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Though some may find such names rather harsh and severe, increasing numbers of parents are gravitating toward this kind of flinty, steely, stony single-syllable name.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Storm
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Windswept and dramatic, but perhaps asking for trouble. Quite popular in Denmark and Sweden, where it derives from Stromr, which is a fairly common surname. Storm Thorgerson is a famous bearer of the name - he designed iconic album covers for Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, the Cranberries, Anthrax, and Pink Floyd.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Story
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              English word name
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "an account of incidents or events"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              A new unisex word name with a lot of charm, especially appropriate for the child of writers. Soleil Moon Frye named her second baby boy Story and Jenna Elfman called her son Story Elias.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Sunday
                                                                                                                                                                            • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                              Day name, English from Latin
                                                                                                                                                                            • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                              "day of the Sun"
                                                                                                                                                                            • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                              Sunday is among the most usable of the day names with its sunny first syllable, its sweet sound, and its potential to be both a sassy or a spiritual choice. The name initially made headlines in 2008 when Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban chose it for their daughter, Sunday Rose. Although it had been widely written that Kidman and Urban named their baby after art patron Sunday Reed, Kidman says this was a myth, they just liked the name.
                                                                                                                                                                          • Shadow
                                                                                                                                                                            • Shimmer
                                                                                                                                                                              • Silhouette
                                                                                                                                                                                • Solemn
                                                                                                                                                                                  • Song
                                                                                                                                                                                    • Soul
                                                                                                                                                                                      • Sparkle
                                                                                                                                                                                        • Sparrow
                                                                                                                                                                                          • Spirit
                                                                                                                                                                                            • Stardust
                                                                                                                                                                                              • Stevia
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Sylvetta
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Taffeta
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English, from Persian, word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      A few boys have adopted fabrics like Denim and Suede; here's a singular one for the girls, with a distinctively silky sheen.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Talon
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      French word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "large claw of a bird of prey"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Despite its somewhat menacing meaning, this name has been widely used in recent years, probably due to the appeal of its trendy on ending.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Tawny
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "golden brown"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Y-ending color adjectives like Tawny and Rusty are nowhere near as stylish as the more sophisticated Lilacs and Violets.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Teal
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bird and color name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Teal is one of the prettiest and most straightforward of the new color names -- an ideal middle name choice.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Tempest
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "turbulent, stormy"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Tempest is one of those names that could go either way. Cool, evocative modern word name? Or asking for trouble? Your call, but if you decide the former image is dominant, be warned that some people will see it as the latter.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Thorn
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "prickle"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorn? Add an E to give it a surnamey spin.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Timber
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Nature name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Timber as a name is given to slightly more girls than boys each year. It's actually got a cute sound, ala Kimber(ly) and may be an original tree choice for a girl. Timberly and Timberlee are also found (but not encouraged).
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • True
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "true"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      An inspirational and aspirational word name that evokes ideas of loyalty, faith, honesty, and accuracy, True is a unisex name, which is just slightly more popular for boys. Like an updated form of Trudy and Prue and with the virtuous feel of Grace, Faith, and Hope, True was given to around 200 girls in 2023.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Truly
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "in a truthful way"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Truth
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "the state of being the case"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Tuesday
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      English
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "Tiu's Day,"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When actress Susan Ker Weld changed her name to Tuesday, she opened up a whole calendar of possibilities. This was decades before the arrival of Sunday Rose Urban.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Tulip
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Flower name, from Persian
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      "turban"
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                      One of the most unusual flower names, Tulip is cute but tough to pull off as a first. It has some celebrity cred via Charlie Tamara Tulip, twin daughter of Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell. It derives from Persian dulband "turban", due to the distinctive shape of the flowers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Thistle
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Tinsel
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Tomorrow
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Train
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Tranquility
                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Twilight
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Umber
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Color name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A rich brown hue, but can be misheard as Amber, said with a pretentious accent.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Urban
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Latin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "of the city"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both urban and rural. Yet in this era of word name appreciation and trend for 'an'-ending boys' names, we're thinking it might be ready for a return.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Valiant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  English word name from Latin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "brave"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Valley
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "valley"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A natural phenomenon that makes a stylish baby name. Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry used it for her daughter, twin to Verse.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Valor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "courage and bravery"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in the last decade.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Van
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dutch
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "of"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Velvet
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "a fabric characterized by a short soft dense warp pile"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Velvet is a name that couldn't possibly be softer or more luxuriant. Many people have fond memories of it via the character of Velvet Brown, played by the young Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet, an intrepid young woman willing to masquerade as a boy to race her horse in a dangerous steeplechase.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Verbena
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Latin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "sacred foliage"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Verity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Latin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "truth"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Viridian
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "blue green color"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Unusual and beautiful blue green color and name possibility, a la Cerulean.
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Venture
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Vivid
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Vow
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wade
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "at the river crossing"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wade has never been outside the US Top 1000 for boys - there's a reason for that. It has a clean spelling, fresh sound and is neither too trendy (unlike Kade or Cade) or too old-school (like Richard or Albert). We think Wade is a winning name.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wash
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wash is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Washington, which itself began as an English surname meaning 'estate of a person named Wassa.' The name gained prominence in America due to the first U.S. president, George Washington. As a standalone name, Wash has a concise, strong quality that appeals to parents seeking brief, distinctive names. While uncommon as a given name, it has occasionally appeared in Southern U.S. naming traditions and literature, notably in the science fiction character Hoban 'Wash' Washburne from 'Firefly.' The name carries connotations of simplicity, straightforwardness, and American historical connections, while its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wednesday
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Woden's day"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Made famous by the iconic and macabre character Wednesday Addams, this name has the spooky and Halloween-inspired feel that some parents might be looking for. The character has appeared in various adaptations of The Addams Family over the years, but the 2022 television series starring Jenna Ortega has given the name an unexpected boost in popularity.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • West
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        West is the most fashionable of what you might call the direction names, with North and East (or Easton and Easter) coming up behind, and South not yet on the map.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Whimsy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "whimsical or fanciful"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Whimsy is a new entry to the ever-expanding word name lexicon, sister for Pixie and Bliss. While it has an undeniable offbeat English aristocratic charm (maybe we're thinking of Dorothy Sayers' fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey, whose middle name was Death?), we see this as more fitting for a middle than a first name.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Whisper
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In 2014, fifteen newborns were named Whisper, all of them girls. We can see the attraction of the name but if you are in Australia be warned - Whisper is a well-known brand of sanitary products, so a teenaged Whisper will find life more embarrassing than usual.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wild
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Asking for trouble.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Win
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Diminutive of Winslow, Winthrop, or Winston
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Win is an upbeat, can-do name that can be a short form of one of the buttoned-up British choices above or can stand on its own. Welsh Wyn is another possibility.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and singer Ciara named their son Win Harrison. Harrison is Wilson's father's first name.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wisteria
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Flower name, from English surname
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "Wister's flower"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A frilly southern-accented flower name yet to be planted on many birth certificates. In the language of flowers, the wisteria is a symbol of devotion. It is named for American horticulturalist John Caspar Wister.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wolf
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, German
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        " traveling wolf"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wood
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English word name
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Actor Wood Harris, best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire, brought this one into the lexicon. Wood is Harris's nickname -- his real name is Sherwin David -- but it's the name he's exclusively known by. And it fits right in with the current hot trend for woodsy names for boys.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Worth
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "enclosure, homestead"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        No low self-esteem for this kid, or so his parents hope.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Wren
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        "small bird"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wren, a lilting songbird name, could be the next Robin. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012 and is among the new wave of popular English names for girls.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Winsome
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Wisdom
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Wish
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Wonder
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Wondrous
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Yarrow
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Botanical name, English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "rough stream"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Yarrow is a flowering herb that grows wild in Europe and North America, and has long been used in several Native American and European cultures as a healing plant. Named for the mythical god Achille, Yarrow is a symbol of enduring love.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Zen
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Japanese
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "meditation"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A spiritual word name used by actor Zoe Saldana for her son as well as more recently Nick Cannon and Alyssa Scott for their late son. Zen has been trending in recent years along with other spiritual names such as Bodhi and Zion, and recently entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2022.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Zenith
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  English
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "the point in the sky or celestial sphere directly above an observer"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Zenith is an uplifting if quirky word name, meaning the top or the peak. Eight boys received the name in one recent year, only a third of those who were called Nadir -- the low point!
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Zephyr
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Origin:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Greek
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Meaning:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  "west wind"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Description:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.