Namespiration: Names of Towns and Villages in Northern Ireland

Dawson

English

"son of David"

Dawson was scarcely heard as a first name before the debut of Dawson's Creek in 1998, at which point it leaped up more than 550 places in one year. The character Dawson Leery, played by James Van Der…

Grey

Color name

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Grey/Gray is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative—if…

Gibson

English

"Gilbert's son"

An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the…

Garrison

English

"son of Garret"

As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.

Sion

Welsh variation of John

"God is gracious"

This Welsh form of John is pronounced Shaun. But most Americans certainly wouldn't know that. Siôn Corn (showing the extra-authentic spelling) is the Welsh name for Santa Claus.

Randal

Randal is a masculine name with Germanic roots, originating as a variant of Randall, which comes from the Old Norse elements 'rand' (shield) and 'varr' (warrior). This 'shield warrior' meaning…

Tully

Irish, Scottish

"flood, peaceful; hill"

Tully is a relaxed, rarely used Irish surname possibility which might provide an alternative to Tommy, Eli, or Troy. It has a long history of usage and a number of meanings, depending on which root…

Caledon

Irish place-name from Caledonia

"hard or rocky land"

Caledon, the name of the arrogant Billy Zane character in "Titanic," is an Irish place-name related to Caledonia, the Latin word for Scotland thought to be derived from the ancient Celtic word for…

Curran

Irish surname from O Corrain

"descendant of Curran"

Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.

Tynan

Irish

"dark, dusty"

A much fresher Ty name than Tyler or Tyson.

Acton

English

"village with oak trees"

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist -…