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Unusable Known Names

  1. Brent

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the burnt land"

    • Description:

      One of several blunt B names just this side of the gender divide. While its short and to-the-point sound may feel modern, it has been declining steadily since the 1980s.
  2. Earl

    • Origin:

      English aristocratic title

    • Description:

      Earl is a title name - brought to England by the vikings - that's out of fashion right now, unlike King and Duke. Its peak popularity was in the 1920s, which gives it a dusty great-grandpa feel, but there are also younger Earls in pop culture, like the reformed criminal in "My Name is Earl".
  3. Weaver

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Description:

      Weaver, which made an appearance as a first name on the U.S. Top 1000 in the late 19th century and then vanished, may rise again along with its occupational brethren, from already-popular choices such as Cooper and Parker to au courant ones like Archer to occupational hotties of the future, including Booker and Sayer.
  4. Shirley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "bright meadow"

    • Description:

      Shirley Temple almost single-handedly lifted the gloom of the Great Depression, and in tribute (and perhaps wishing for a similarly curly-headed, dimpled darling of their own), thousands of parents of that generation gave their little girls her name. In 1935, Shirley was the second most popular girls' name in the country with more than 42,000 babies named Shirley.
  5. Coy

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "shy, taciturn"

    • Description:

      Though rarely heard now, Coy has been around for a century and was not an uncommon name a hundred years ago. There have been a couple of NFL players named Coy, Coy Bowles is in the Zac Brown band, and of course there was Coy Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard. Due to the flirty connotations of the word "coy", McCoy is a more popular and recommended choice today.
  6. Neely

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Cornelia, Eleanor, Helena, or McNeilly, English, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "horn; shining torch; son of the poet"

    • Description:

      A nickname style name, Neely could derive from the strong sounding Cornelia, as a playful alternative to Nelly from Eleanor and Helena, or as a variation of the Scottish surname McNeilly, with the cool meaning "son of the poet".
  7. Nikki

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Nicole or Indian, Punjabi, Sikh

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory; little one"

    • Description:

      Nikki was the it-girl name of the 1970s and '80s as both a short form of Top 10 favorite Nicole and as a given name itself.
  8. Dwayne

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Duane

    • Meaning:

      "swarthy"

    • Description:

      This is an offshoot of Duane, which is an old Irish surname. It took off in the 1960s, when it conveyed a surfer boy image, and reached as high as Number 111 in 1961. The most prominent current bearer is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. The basketball superstar spells his name DwYAne Wade.
  9. Neal

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "champion or cloud"

    • Description:

      Always the less common spelling of Irish classic Neil, Neal has been on a fifty-year slide, and now doesn't even make the Top 1000. It has a streamlined, surnamey appeal in this spelling.
  10. Gale

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Gail

    • Description:

      When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.
  11. Rashelle

    • Description:

      Rashelle is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling of Rachel or Rachelle. The name has Hebrew origins, derived from 'rachel' meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep,' symbolizing gentleness and innocence. This particular spelling adds a contemporary twist to the traditional name while maintaining its essential sound and character. Rashelle emerged primarily in the late 20th century when creative spellings of classic names gained popularity. While never reaching the top tiers of popularity charts, it experienced modest usage particularly in the 1980s and 1990s in the United States. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, offering parents a way to honor the traditional Rachel while giving their daughter a more distinctive spelling. Its soft sounds and feminine ending maintain the gentle quality of the original name.

  12. Marshal

    • Description:

      Marshal is a masculine name that originated as an occupational surname derived from the Old French 'mareschal,' referring to a person who cared for horses or a high-ranking military officer. The name carried significant prestige, as a Marshal was often a nobleman responsible for military affairs or household management in medieval courts. As a first name, Marshal emerged later, embodying qualities of leadership, authority, and service. While less common than the spelling variant 'Marshall,' Marshal maintains a strong, dignified quality. The name has never reached tremendous popularity but has maintained consistent usage, particularly in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents who appreciate its connotations of honor, discipline, and leadership.

  13. Tonya

    • Origin:

      Variation of Tanya

    • Description:

      This common variation of Tanya makes it less international and more ordinary.
  14. Joann

    • Description:

      Joann is a feminine name derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." It's a variant of Joanne or Joan, all stemming from the male name John. Popular throughout the mid-20th century in the United States, Joann reached its peak usage in the 1930s-1950s, reflecting the era's preference for clear, straightforward names. The name carries a classic, unpretentious quality that balances femininity with strength. While less commonly given to newborns today, Joann maintains a timeless appeal and recognition. Many notable women including actresses, athletes, and artists have borne this name, contributing to its enduring character. The spelling variant with no 'e' at the end gives it a slightly more streamlined appearance than Joanne, though both forms have been widely used.
  15. Dominque

    • Description:

      Dominque is a feminine name that appears to be a spelling variation of the more common Dominique. Derived from the Latin name Dominicus, meaning 'of the Lord' or 'belonging to God,' it has roots in both French and Spanish-speaking cultures. This particular spelling without the 'i' before the 'q' is less conventional, giving it a unique quality while maintaining the recognizable pronunciation. The name projects strength and dignity, characteristics associated with its masculine counterpart Dominic. Dominque saw modest usage in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s but remains relatively uncommon. It offers a blend of classical origins with a slightly unconventional spelling that sets it apart.