Alternatives to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is the hottest New York place name as of now, following names like Katelyn and Madison to wider use. Here are some similar names.
  1. Addison
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"
    • Description:

      Newly fashioned but familiar and with an on trend, unisex feel, Addison seems like the perfect solution for anyone who can’t decide between Madison, Adeline, and Alison.
  2. Ashlyn
    • Origin:

      Variation of Aislinn, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "dream"
    • Description:

      Though it relates to the Irish original, Ashlyn and its next most popular form, Ashlynn, owe more of their popularity as baby names in the US to the megastar Ashley, though all three have been dropping on the charts lately.
  3. Bailey
    • Origin:

      Occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "law enforcer, bailiff"
    • Description:

      Bailey -- a jaunty surname -- was first used for a female TV character in 1978 in the show WKRP in Cincinnaati, then caught on big time. Bailey's still an appealing choice, though, and a celebrity fave. Parents of daughters named Bailey include Scot Baio and Stella McCartney.
  4. Banksy
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Description:

      Credit, of course, to the artist for inventing this secretive pseudonym, but we actually have Hilary Duff to thank for Banksy as a baby name. Banksy is Duff's nickname for her daughter Banks, born in 2018. Banksy debuted on the charts in 2020, when it was used for seven baby girls.
  5. Beckett
    • Origin:

      English, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "bee hive; bee cottage; little brook"
    • Description:

      A modern unisex update for Rebecca.
  6. Beckham
    • Description:

      Beckham emerged as a feminine given name following the rise to fame of British soccer star David Beckham, though it originated as an English surname derived from place names meaning 'homestead by the stream.' While initially more common for boys, Beckham has gained traction as a girls' name in recent years, reflecting the trend of using surnames and traditionally masculine names for girls. The name carries associations of athletic prowess, style, and celebrity through the Beckham family. As a feminine name, Beckham offers a strong, modern alternative to more traditional choices, appealing to parents seeking gender-neutral options or names with contemporary cultural references. Its usage remains relatively rare but has been increasing in the 21st century.
  7. Beckley
    • Description:

      Beckley is a feminine name that originated as an English surname derived from Old English elements 'becca' (brook or stream) and 'leah' (woodland clearing or meadow), literally meaning 'clearing by the brook.' As a first name, it represents the modern trend of repurposing surnames and place names for given names, particularly for girls. With its bright, cheerful sound and natural imagery, Beckley appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to English heritage and natural settings. While still uncommon as a first name, Beckley fits with popular styling elements like the '-ley' ending found in names such as Hadley, Kinsley, and Ashley. Its rarity offers individuality while its familiar sounds make it approachable.
  8. Bellamy
    • Origin:

      English and Irish from French
    • Meaning:

      "fine friend"
    • Description:

      Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.
  9. Bergen
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "lives on a hill"
    • Description:

      Norwegian city name heard much more often as a last name than a first.
  10. Berkeley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "where birches grow"
    • Description:

      Despite the strong association with the University of California, Berkeley, the more common version of this name omits the second E, Berkley.
  11. Berklee
    • Description:

      Berklee is a modern feminine name likely inspired by the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. This institutional association gives the name artistic and musical connotations. As a personal name, Berklee emerged primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting the trend toward place names and institutional names becoming personal names. The distinctive double 'e' ending creates a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional names like Berkeley. While relatively uncommon, Berklee has gained modest recognition, particularly among families with musical interests or connections. The name carries creative and artistic associations while offering a modern sound. Its rarity ensures individuality while its musical connections provide cultural meaning.
  12. Bexley
    • Origin:

      English place-name
    • Description:

      The name of an affluent suburb of Columbus, Ohio and a section of Greater London, Bexley is increasingly being coopted by parents looking for a novel name in the Kinsley/AInsley/Paisley family. Bexley debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2016 and is definitely one of the trendiest girl names starting with B. Think of it as a 21st century Becky.
  13. Blaire
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Blair, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "dweller on the plain"
    • Description:

      Blair with a little something extra, which some parents may feel feminizes the name. The Blaire spelling was given to a surprising number of baby girls, with about a third of baby girls with the name given this spelling. The final e also is reminiscent of Claire.
  14. Blakeley
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "dark wood or clearing"
    • Description:

      Blakeley is one of the many -ley ending surnames that is being adopted as a first name, updating the 80s darlings Blake and Ashley.
  15. Boston
    • Description:

      Boston as a feminine name represents the growing trend of using place names for children. Originally known primarily as the Massachusetts city named after an English town (derived from 'Botolph's stone' or 'Botolph's town'), Boston has transitioned into personal use in recent decades. While more commonly given to boys, its use for girls has increased, especially since the early 2000s. The name carries associations with American history, intellectualism, and New England charm. Parents may choose Boston for girls as a modern-sounding geographical name that expresses connection to the city or appreciation for its cultural significance. Boston projects strength and distinction as a feminine name, appealing to those seeking contemporary naming options with recognizable roots.

  16. Brecklyn
    • Description:

      Brecklyn is a modern feminine name that emerged in the early 21st century as part of the trend toward place-inspired names with the popular '-lyn' suffix. It appears to blend elements of Brooklyn (the New York borough) with other trendy sounds like 'Breck' (possibly evoking Breckenridge, Colorado). This contemporary creation embodies the American preference for unique, location-inspired names with a melodic quality. Brecklyn has gained modest popularity since 2010, particularly in the United States, appealing to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name carries an urban, sophisticated image while the 'lyn' ending adds a feminine touch. Though lacking historical roots, Brecklyn represents the modern trend of creating fresh-sounding names that combine familiar elements in new ways.

  17. Bree
    • Origin:

      Irish, from Brid, Brigh, Brigid
    • Meaning:

      "strength or exalted one"
    • Description:

      A short, breezy name with a sophisticated yet upbeat image, that doesn't betray its Irish roots. Bree first came to notice here in 1971 via the complex prostitute character in the movie Klute, which earned Jane Fonda an Oscar. More recently, it was tied to the character of Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives.
  18. 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.
  19. Brighton
    • Origin:

      English place-name
    • Description:

      Out-of-the-way place name (it's an antiquated holiday spot on England's south coast) that might make a brilliant choice. Actor/director Jon Favreau named his daughter Brighton Rose.
  20. Brinkley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "woodland clearing"
    • Description:

      This English surname turned girls' first name owes its rise to supermodel Christie Brinkley, who first rose to fame in the late 70s and early 80s. Brinkley appeared on the charts for the first time in 1985, peaking at 90 births in 2012 and 2013. It probably derives from the Old English masculine name Brynca + "ley" (woodland clearing).