Perfect Place Names

Alabama is a hot southern place-name, picking up from Georgia and Savannah. This is not a geographical name come lately, though--there have been girls named Alabama dating back well over a century.

Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.

Anatolia is a feminine name derived from the ancient Greek word "anatolē," meaning "sunrise" or "east." It refers to the geographic region now comprising most of modern Turkey, historically called Asia Minor. The name carries rich historical and geographical significance, evoking images of ancient civilizations and the meeting point between East and West. As a personal name, Anatolia remains quite rare, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its melodious sound with alternating consonants and vowels creates a rhythmic, flowing pronunciation. The name's connection to sunrise symbolically represents new beginnings, hope, and illumination. For families with Turkish heritage, it might also serve as a meaningful cultural connection.

This still attractive place name was one of the first to gain popularity, though it now probably owes some of its favor to the similar Aisha. Asia ranked as high as Number 195 on the US baby names popularity list in 1997.

Asti is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It shares its name with a city and province in northern Italy, famous for its sparkling wine. The name possibly derives from ancient Latin or Greek origins. In Sanskrit, 'asti' means 'existence' or 'being,' giving the name a philosophical depth. Asti has a bright, crisp sound with just two syllables that make it modern and accessible. Though uncommon in Western countries, it has seen modest usage in Italy and among families with Italian heritage. The name appeals to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and internationally recognizable without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Austria is an nteresting, appealing, unexplored geographic destination, much fresher than American cousin Austin.

Avalon, an island paradise of Celtic myth and Arthurian legend--it was where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds-- and also the colorful capital of the California island of Catalina-- makes a heavenly first name. Actress Rena Sofer and British musician Julian Cope used it for their daughters.

Who knew there were so many soccer fans in the U.S.? Beckham -- as in British sensation David -- has exploded onto the baby name scene in the past decade.

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.

Although the female version Bianca has long been accepted as a name outside Italy, maybe it's time to consider this boy color name.

Rockers Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz put a new baby name on the map when they chose this downscale New York borough name for their son. The Bronx, the place, was named for early Dutch settler Jonas Bronck. Might Bronx become the next Brooklyn? We'd be surprised if it did.

Extreme makeover: Brooklyn has gone from jokey Borough Boy name in the 1990s to a leading girls' name starting with B. The status of New York's Brooklyn as hipster heaven is ironic as few bona fide Brooklyn hipsters would choose this name.

Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.

Cairo is an exciting place name possibility with upbeat o ending and an on-trend first syllable. Debuting in the US Top 1000 in 2015, it has been climbing ever since, and, as of 2023, it is given to more than 1000 babies each year.

Undiscovered name of picturesque northern French port.

Most names that start with Cam- are on the upswing, so why not this obscure term for Wales as well as for a prehistoric time period.

This stuffy English surname and hotel name took on Twilight cool when attached to vampire Carlisle Cullen. Inspired by the character, it's more popular in this spelling than as Carlyle and more widely used for boys than for girls.