Oscar Winning Names

  1. Jodie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Jody
    • Description:

      The Jodie spelling might be even more obscure, at this point, than the fading original, except actresses Jodie Foster and Jodie Sweetin have kept it in the public eye.
  2. 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.
  3. Shelley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "clearing on a bank"
    • Description:

      The Shirley of the 1950s. Shelley Winters was born a Shirley.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Page
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "page, attendant"
    • Description:

      Sleek and sophisticated single-syllable choice that has NEVER been in the Top 1000, though sister name Paige has ranked since the mid 1950s. Though off her peak, Paige is still in the Top 200. Along with Poppy, Patience, and Plum, Page is one of the girl names that start with P that are also words.
  9. Glenda
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Glenn, English, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "valley"
    • Description:

      Part nature name, part mid-century favorite, Glenda came into use in the 20th century as a feminine form of Scottish Glenn, likely inspired by Linda and Wanda too. While Glenn would give it the meaning "valley", if you do consider it a smoosh name with Linda, Wanda, or Brenda, you get means such as "beautiful valley", "tender valley", "Wend's valley", "sword valley" or "fire valley".
  10. Anjelica
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "angelic"
    • Description:

      This spelling variation of Angelica was popularized by actress Anjelica Huston.
  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.
  14. Astor

    Introducing the Nameberry App

    Nameberry App
    Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
    • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
    • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
    • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
    • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
    • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
    Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
    Nameberry App Logo