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Oscar Winning Names

  1. Loren

    • Origin:

      English spelling variation of Lauren, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      The spelling Loren turns Lauren or its male form Laurence into a gender-neutral name. Last year 75 baby girls were named Loren in the US vs. 60 baby boys, making this name a good nonbinary choice.
  2. Neal

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "champion or cloud"

    • Description:

      Always the less common spelling of Irish classic Neil, Neal has been on a fifty-year slide, and now doesn't even make the Top 1000. It has a streamlined, surnamey appeal in this spelling.
  3. Marisa

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish combination of Maria and Louisa

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"

    • Description:

      A name made famous by Marisas Berenson and Tomei, never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, so still a feasible choice. Marisa is one of those Spanish and Italian names for girls that sounds at once unusual and familiar, which makes it truly an international choice.
  4. Fredric

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"

    • Description:

      Fredric is a streamlined spelling variant of the traditional Frederick. Frederick has been borne by numerous European rulers, giving the name royal associations.
  5. Cate

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Catherine

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Time was, even C-starting Catherines who called themselves Kate spelled it with a K, but Cate Blanchett changed all. Cate is now as acceptable as (but not as well used as) Kate. Cait might be short for Caitlin.
  6. Sidney

    • Origin:

      English from French

    • Meaning:

      "Saint Denis"

    • Description:

      While Sidney in this spelling has a long history as a girls' name, it fell off the Top 1000 from the early 50s until 1990. Then it reemerged as one of the newly chic androgynous names for girls, rising into the Top 300 before falling off the Top 1000 list again in 2016. Sydney is now the more fashionable form.
  7. Kathy

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.
  8. Anjelica

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "angelic"

    • Description:

      This spelling variation of Angelica was popularized by actress Anjelica Huston.
  9. Geena

    • Origin:

      Variation of Gina, English, Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "well born; pure; queen; farmer to live"

    • Description:

      Actress Geena Davis (born Virginia) put her own distinctive stamp on this spelling of Gina, though this form may lend itself to being a short form of Eugenia ("well born") or Georgina and Georgeanna ("farmer"), based on the spelling.
  10. Sissy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cecilia; pet name for "sister"

    • Meaning:

      "sister"

    • Description:

      Old-fashioned nickname for a sister, almost never heard today.
  11. Gwenn

    • Description:

      Gwenn is a feminine name with Welsh and Breton origins, representing a variation of Gwen, which means 'white,' 'fair,' or 'blessed.' In Welsh tradition, the name is associated with purity and holiness. The double 'n' spelling gives this short name a distinctive touch while maintaining its Celtic roots. Gwenn appears in Breton folklore and literature, adding cultural depth to its appeal. Though not among the most popular names in English-speaking countries, it has maintained steady usage among families with Welsh or Breton heritage. The name offers a simple yet uncommon choice that balances traditional roots with contemporary style, appealing to parents seeking a name that is both meaningful and concise.

  12. Katina

    • Description:

      Katina is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Katerina or Katharina, ultimately meaning "pure." In Greek culture, it's often used as a diminutive of Katerina. The name carries a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and gentle ending. Katina experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s but has since become less common, giving it a distinctive quality today. The name projects sophistication while maintaining warmth and accessibility. Its international appeal crosses cultural boundaries, recognizable in both Greek communities and beyond. Katina often evokes images of Mediterranean charm and classic beauty. For parents seeking a name with authentic Greek heritage that remains relatively uncommon, Katina offers both cultural depth and phonetic appeal.

  13. Holliday

    • Description:

      Holliday is a feminine given name derived from the English surname meaning 'one who dwells near a holy day.' Originally a surname used to identify someone who was born during a religious festival or holiday, it has transitioned into occasional use as a first name. The spelling with two 'l's adds a distinctive touch compared to the standard 'Holiday' form. This name carries a naturally festive, joyful association and conveys a sense of celebration. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through connections to the historical figure Doc Holliday. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with positive, uplifting connotations.
  14. Astor