User-created list
By Fantastique · Updated May 2023
Across 25 pages
of 25
American nickname
First Woody Allen, then Spike Lee named their children to honor the great early black pitcher, Leroy "Satchel" Paige. A bit luggage-related for non-celebrity use, however.
Native American, Shoshone
"butterfly"
Kimana, the name of a resort in the foothills of Mountain Kilimanjaro in Kenya, would make an unexpected path to the nickname Kim.
English
"ash tree farm"
Ashley substitute with a slightly more unisex feel; it was picked for her daughter by TV host Nancy O'Dell.
Nature name
More unusual than Forest or Forrest, Field is a nature name that is simple, evocative, and fresh--sort of the male equivalent of Meadow. Field and Fields are both relatively common surnames, noted…
Cinnie is a feminine name with vintage charm, likely originating as a diminutive form of names like Cynthia, Cindy, or Lucinda. With its cheerful, affectionate quality, Cinnie embodies the sweet…
Oliviane is a refined feminine name that appears to be an elaborate variation of Olivia, which derives from the Latin word 'oliva' meaning 'olive tree.' The addition of the elegant '-ane' suffix…
Welsh
"bird"
This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.
Irish
"little dog"
An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.
"tribute"
Cagney is one of the spunkiest Irish surnames around, and could make a lively and fresher successor to the tired Casey. James Cagney will be remembered not only for his iconic gangster films, but…
A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and…
Greek
"maiden's face"
A mythological name, Parthenope is a rare and distinctive choice that may nevertheless appeal to those looking for little known alternatives to Penelope or Persephone. While some sources suggest the…
French
"a ring"
Latin
"chancellor"
A name halfway between its old milquetoast image and a more jovial Irish-sounding contemporary one. Sounds more feminine than masculine these days.
Literary name
Sidda is a name made famous by the heroine of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood; it probably started life as a nickname.
"time of sowing"
Winter, Summer, and Autumn are all mainstream names; this covers all bases.
Sabryn is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Sabrina. While Sabrina has Celtic origins and was the name of a river goddess in Welsh mythology, Sabryn represents a…
"slender, fair"
The delicate and haunting Welsh Rhonwen is still a rarity in the U.S., where her English version Rowena is better known, but would be a lovely choice for any parent in search of a name that was both…
"open, secure, protected"
This unique baby name is stronger, more distinctive than April or Avril.
"holy fire"
Tanwen is a far more singular and colorful alternative to Bronwen.
Place-name
The vast plateau in central India makes an intriguing first name, similar to the better-known Irish Declan.
