Ways to "Sonny" or "Sunny"
By Viviana
Updated Tue May 23 2023
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- Addison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Adam"Description:
Despite its origin as a patronymic meaning "son of Adam", Addison really caught on for baby girls in the US around the turn of the millennium, following in Madison's footsteps to peak at #11 in 2007 and again in 2010.
- Alison
Origin:
Norman French, diminutive of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alison has been long popular in Scotland and widely used here since the fifties. This more feminine medieval elaboration of Alice had long surpassed the original in popularity, but now sounds a tad dated in the U.S., with Alice having leapfrogged back over Alison, Allison, Alicia and other variations.
- Anderson
Origin:
English from ScandinavianMeaning:
"son of Anders"Description:
Anderson shot up quite a bit on the popular names list in the 2000's, no doubt in large part due to the prominence of white-haired cable newsman Anderson Cooper. Perhaps surprisingly though, Anderson was even higher on the list in 1880. Actress Edie Falco named her son Anderson in 2005. Though there haven't been many first-named Anderson namesakes, there have been countless notables bearing the surname, including Hans Christian, Marian, Maxwell, Sherwood, Gillian, Laurie, and Pamela.
- Anson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Anne"Description:
Anson has always been rare, though you might think of actor Anson Williams, best known for playing Potsie Weber on 1970s sitcom Happy Days. As a direct result of the show's popularity, Anson charted in the US Top 1000 from 1976 to 1981.
- Assunta
Description:
Assunta is a feminine Italian name derived from the Latin word 'assumpta,' meaning 'taken up' or 'elevated.' The name has strong Catholic associations, specifically referring to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven—a significant feast day celebrated on August 15th. Girls born around this feast day were traditionally given this name in Catholic Italian families. Assunta has been used for centuries in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries a sense of devotion and religious heritage, connecting bearers to Italian cultural traditions. While less frequently given to newborns today even in Italy, Assunta maintains its cultural significance and timeless connection to religious heritage.
- Aniston
- Benson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Ben"Description:
Benson has outgrown its long association with a wisecracking TV butler with a fresh new association: singer songwriter Benson Boone. Parents may see it as an alternate route to nickname Ben, very different in image than the biblical Benjamin.
- Branson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the raven"Description:
Branson is a fairly recent addition to the Top 1000, first breaking in at Number 988 in 1995. While it may not be a common sighting yet, it fits the trend of more popular cousins Mason, Grayson, Hudson, and Carson.
- Carson
Origin:
English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of the marsh dwellers"Description:
Carson is one of the most long-running popular androgynous baby names, with a dash of the Wild West via the legendary Missouri frontiersman Kit Carson. Dating back to when it was the name of Nancy Drew's Dad, Carson is still steadily in the Top 200 baby names.
- Crimson
- Davison
Description:
Davison originated as an English surname meaning 'son of David,' making it a patronymic name with Hebrew roots since David means 'beloved' in Hebrew. As a first name, Davison represents a modern trend of using surnames as given names, which became increasingly popular in the late 20th century. It carries the strength and biblical heritage of David while offering a distinctive and somewhat sophisticated alternative. Davison has remained relatively uncommon as a first name, giving it an exclusive quality appreciated by parents seeking something traditional yet unique. It combines well with various middle names and offers the friendly nickname options of Dave or Davi.
- Dawson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of David"Description:
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.
- Denison
Description:
Denison is a masculine name derived from medieval English, originally a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Denis' or 'son of Dennis.' Dennis itself comes from the Greek name Dionysios, referring to the follower of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. As a first name, Denison is exceptionally rare, offering a distinctive alternative to more common names. It emerged as a given name following the trend of transforming surnames into first names, appealing to parents seeking names with historical substance and familial connections. Denison carries an air of tradition and formality, with potential nicknames like Den or Denny offering more casual alternatives. The name suggests heritage and lineage, making it appealing for families looking to honor ancestors or family traditions.
- Edison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Edith or Adam"Description:
This rhythmic last-name-first-name projects the creativity and inventiveness of Thomas Edison. It's an English surname deriving from either Adam or Eda, a medieval diminutive of Edith.
- Ellison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Ellis"Description:
Updates Ellis -- but also has a lot of feminine potential thanks to Allison/Ellie similarity.
- Elson
Description:
Elson is a masculine name with Germanic and English origins, traditionally functioning as a surname meaning 'son of Ellis' or 'son of Elias.' As a first name, Elson gained modest usage in the early 20th century but has remained relatively uncommon. It combines the familiar element 'El' (found in popular names like Elijah and Elliott) with the common suffix 'son,' creating a name that feels both recognizable and distinctive. Elson has cross-cultural appeal, appearing in various cultural contexts including English-speaking countries and parts of Latin America. The name carries a dignified, somewhat traditional quality while avoiding overuse, making it appealing to parents seeking a masculine name with subtle uniqueness.
- Emerson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Emery"Description:
Emerson is a dignified, somewhat serious name associated with transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. Much more popular now for girls since Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher used it for her daughter, it is definitely still a viable boys name.
- Erikson
Description:
Spelling variation of Ericson.
- Gibson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Gilbert's son"Description:
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.
- Greyson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the steward"Description:
Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child in The Nanny Diaries is Grayer, and actor Tyler Christopher opted for the unusual spelling of Greysun for his son. Some parents are considering Grayson -- or Gracen or Gracyn -- for girls as an androgynous spin on Grace.