Names inspired by towns and cities

  1. 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.
  2. Bell
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"
    • Description:

      These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
  3. Bellerose
    • Origin:

      French and English
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful rose"
    • Description:

      A felicitous combo of two sweet names; also a Queens, New York neighborhood.
  4. Bernardino
    • Description:

      Bernardino is a masculine name of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from Bernard, which combines the Germanic elements 'bern' meaning 'bear' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong.' This extended form adds a melodic, romantic quality to the more common Bernard. The name carries associations of strength and courage inherited from its Germanic roots. Bernardino has historical significance in Catholic traditions through Saint Bernardino of Siena, a renowned Franciscan preacher. While more common in Italian and Hispanic communities, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries. The name offers a distinctive option for parents seeking something with classical roots and international flair. Its four-syllable length provides numerous nickname possibilities while maintaining its distinguished full form.

  5. Berwyn
    • Description:

      Berwyn is a masculine name of Welsh origin meaning 'fair' or 'blessed hill.' This distinctive name combines 'ber' (meaning hill or mound) with 'gwyn' (meaning white, fair, or blessed). Berwyn has strong connections to Welsh geography, as the Berwyn Range is a significant mountain range in northeastern Wales. The name carries a dignified, somewhat scholarly tone and evokes imagery of natural landscapes. Though uncommon outside Wales, Berwyn has maintained consistent, if limited, usage throughout the English-speaking world. The name's Celtic roots give it an appealingly distinctive quality while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell for English speakers.

  6. Bethel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "house of God"
    • Description:

      A rarely used Biblical place-name with a soft and pleasant sound.
  7. Boston
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Unseen in the USA since 1901, Boston rocketed back into the Top 1000 in 2004 and, like other place-names such as Brooklyn, London and Paris, is now a reliable presence on the list.
  8. Buren
    • Description:

      Buren is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Dutch surname Van Buren (famously held by the 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren), which originally referred to someone from the city of Buren in the Netherlands. The name could also have Germanic roots, possibly related to words meaning 'dwelling' or 'to dwell.' In some contexts, it might be connected to places named Buren across northern Europe. With its strong, concise sound and uncommon status, Buren appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical connections. The name has a sturdy, masculine quality while remaining simple to pronounce and spell, though it remains exceedingly rare as a first name in most Western countries.

  9. Cabot
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "to sail"
    • Description:

      Cabot is an attractive English surname associated with the daring early Italian-born British explorer known as John Cabot; his birth name was Giovanni Caboto.
  10. Chandler
    • Origin:

      English from French occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "candle maker"
    • Description:

      For a generation, this name will always be linked to 1990s hit TV series Friends. Whether this is a positive or a negative will depend on your fondness for the show, and character Chandler Bing, but this name deserves consideration beyond these connotations: Chandler is a fresh take on the professional surname names.
  11. Charlotte
    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  12. Chelsea
    • Origin:

      London and New York place-name
    • Description:

      Chelsea is still being used, with about 400 baby girls named Chelsea in the US last year. But it was much more popular a few decades ago, peaking at Number 15 in 1992.
  13. Christi
    • Description:

      Christi is a feminine name primarily used as a diminutive form of Christina or Christine, both derived from the Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' This shorter variant gained independent usage particularly during the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, reflecting the trend toward abbreviated forms as given names. Christi has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its connection to Christian heritage. The name may also be used as a spelling variation of Kristy or Kristie. While its peak popularity has passed, Christi continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its religious connotations, its brevity, and its sweet, unpretentious charm. The name carries a somewhat retro feel today, evoking the casual warmth of late 20th century naming patterns.
  14. Cicero
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "chickpea"
    • Description:

      Roman statesman's name with a cool and quirky sound. Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman scholar, orator and lawyer who had an immense impact on the Latin language.
  15. Cleveland
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hilly land, from the cliff"
    • Description:

      A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.
  16. Colorado
    • Origin:

      Spanish place-name
    • Meaning:

      "colored red"
    • Description:

      More unusual than Dakota or Austin, Colorado conjures images of majestic mountains and windswept wilderness. Some will prefer the more preppy Aspen, but Colorado feels like the true explorer.
  17. Columbus
    • Origin:

      Variation of Columbo or Columbia, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      This is a big name, both in heritage and sound. On the right child, this could be inspired, but others may shrink from all the connotations. While your preferred nickname for this option might be Col (or Kit if you're connecting it to Christopher Columbus), you may end up with the slightly more cumbersome "Bus" as the short-form.
  18. Constantine
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "steadfast"
    • Description:

      This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback.
  19. Conway
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "hound of the plain"
    • Description:

      Historically tied to country music legend Conway Twitty, it’s now gaining traction alongside names like Connor, Colton, and Corbin. Growing in usage along with other surnames as first names, Conway stands out as a fresh, yet familiar, choice.
  20. 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.