Namespiration: Names of Towns and Villages in Northern Ireland

Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.

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 Beek, was a teen favorite until the show's demise in 2003.

Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.

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 you follow.

Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes, Moira Shearer.

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 slightly somber—choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney named their son Leo Grey.

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 popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.

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 "hard." Cal is a wonderful nickname, and Caledon an inventive way to get there.

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.

Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.

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.

A much fresher Ty name than Tyler or Tyson.

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 - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

This is an English surname dating back to 1086, but we don't see it having much of a first name future in the twenty-first century.

Glynn is a masculine name with Welsh and Irish origins, derived from the word 'glin' meaning 'valley' or 'glen.' It can be both a surname and first name, sometimes used as a variation of Glenn or Flynn. In Welsh contexts, it relates to geographical features, literally referring to someone who lived in or near a valley. Glynn has maintained modest usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in Celtic regions and their diaspora communities. The name has a concise, strong sound while maintaining a touch of Celtic mystique. Notable bearers include various athletes, musicians, and actors, though it has never reached mainstream popularity. The distinctive double 'n' spelling gives this short name a visual interest while honoring its Celtic linguistic roots.

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

Irish surname derived from the name Gairbhín, a diminutive of garbh, "rough". It's barely been used as a first name, but could be a similar-yet-different alternative to names like Nolan and Sullivan.

Irvine is a masculine name derived from a Scottish place name and surname, ultimately from Celtic origins meaning 'green water' or 'fresh water,' referring to the River Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland. As a first name, Irvine gained modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in Scottish communities and among those with Scottish heritage. Notable bearers include American author Irvine Welsh and basketball hall-of-famer Irvine Clifton Turner, lending the name cultural resonance. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, Irvine maintains appeal as a distinguished name with clear geographic roots. It offers parents a distinctive option with authentic Scottish heritage while avoiding the more common Celtic names. The name carries connotations of natural beauty and freshness through its water-related meaning.

Grange is an uncommon masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old French word meaning 'granary' or 'farm.' Initially a surname or place name describing someone who lived near or worked at a granary, Grange has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. The name carries rustic, earthy connotations, evoking images of pastoral landscapes and agricultural heritage. It has a strong, single-syllable structure that gives it a certain solidity and straightforwardness. While rare as a first name, Grange offers a distinctive option for parents seeking something unique with historical roots. The name's connection to farming and land management gives it a grounded quality that resonates with values of productivity, sustainability, and connection to the earth.