Brilliant B's
- Balthasar
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"God protects the king"Description:
Balthasar was one of the biblical Three Kings who visited the infant Jesus, also used by Shakespeare and in the oil-rich Getty family; offbeat and intriguing. Balthazar is another, equally appropriate spelling.
- Bardolf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"axe-wolf"Description:
Shakespeare's classic drunken fool. In fact, this name, carried to Britain by the Normans, was quite popular until it was brought into disrepute by the low-life character who haunts taverns with Falstaff in Shakespeare's history plays.
- Bardoul
Description:
Bardoul is a masculine name with likely origins in French or Arabic naming traditions, though it remains quite rare globally. It may derive from the Old French 'bardoul,' possibly related to medieval occupational terms, or could have connections to Arabic roots. The name carries a distinguished and somewhat mysterious quality with its uncommon consonant combination and strong ending. Bardoul might be related to surnames that became given names over time, a pattern seen in many European naming traditions. Its scarcity makes it appealing to parents seeking true uniqueness. The name has a certain strength and gravity to it, potentially evoking images of historical or literary figures despite its relative obscurity in contemporary naming patterns.
- Bay
Origin:
English word, Old EnglishMeaning:
"an inlet of the sea where the land curves inward; berry"Description:
Like River and Lake, a cool, refreshing modern water-related choice. This name is also associated with bay leaves, the bay laurel, the contemporary term of endearment, "bae", and the Old English word beġ meaning "berry"
- Belicia
Description:
Belicia is a feminine name with Latin roots, likely derived from elements meaning "beautiful" or "blessed." It may be considered a variation of names like Belicia, Felicia, or Belinda. This elegant and melodious name has never been widely common but appears occasionally in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. Belicia has a romantic, flowing quality with its soft consonants and rhythmic syllable pattern. The name carries connotations of beauty, grace, and blessing. While remaining relatively uncommon, Belicia offers parents seeking distinctive names an option that sounds familiar enough to be easily pronounced while still being unique and memorable.
- Bellamy
Origin:
English and Irish from FrenchMeaning:
"fine friend"Description:
Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.
- Bennett
Origin:
English medieval form of Benedict, LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Bennett is Ben with a bow tie, kind of a cross between Benjamin and Beckett. It's been trending up on the popularity charts in recent years, and its choice by The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Jane Krakowski could shoot it even higher.
- Bennington
Origin:
Place-nameDescription:
Name of pastoral Vermont town and college sounds too stiff and starchy.
- Berenike
Description:
Berenike is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, representing the original Greek form of Berenice or Bernice. The name derives from 'pherenike,' combining 'pherein' (to bring) and 'nike' (victory), thus meaning 'bearer of victory' or 'she who brings victory.' Historically significant, it was borne by several queens and princesses in ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty. The name carries connotations of triumph, strength, and classical elegance. While uncommon in contemporary usage, Berenike appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and meaningful etymology. Its distinctive sound sets it apart from more familiar classical names while maintaining authentic historical roots. The name offers rich nickname possibilities including Beri, Niki, or Nika. For those seeking a name with ancient pedigree and victorious associations, Berenike provides a rare and dignified option.
- Blaise
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"to lisp, stammer"Description:
As modern as it sounds, Blaise is an ancient Christian martyr name. In Arthurian legend, Blaise is the name of Merlin the Magician's secretary. Its relation to the word and name Blaze gives it a fiery feel. Amanda Beard named her baby boy Blaise Ray.
- Brianda
Description:
Brianda is a feminine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins, derived from a feminine form of Brian. The original name Brian comes from Celtic roots meaning 'high' or 'noble.' Brianda carries a romantic, flowing quality typical of Iberian naming traditions, with its graceful ending and melodic sound. While not among the most common Spanish names, it has consistent usage throughout Spanish-speaking countries and communities with Portuguese heritage. The name blends traditional roots with a distinctive character that isn't overly common. Brianda offers families a connection to Hispanic or Lusophone cultural traditions while providing a name that stands out without being difficult to pronounce or spell in international contexts.
- Brielle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"hunting grounds"Description:
Though it sounds so modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, but it has now spread far beyond that community. Brielle is also the name of a historic seaport in the western Netherlands.
- Brienna
Origin:
American, invented nameDescription:
An amalgam of Brianna and Sienna that doesn't quite work.
- Briley
Origin:
Modern invented name or surname, EnglishMeaning:
"briar meadow, briar clearing"Description:
Brian meets Riley, this name is more popular for girls. It coincides with the surname Briley, a contracted form of Brierley, which might be an interesting alternative.
- Briony
Origin:
Spelling variation of BryonyMeaning:
"to sprout"Description:
Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Still unusual in the U.S., Briony is in the British Top 100 and may appeal to parents as a fresh spin on Briana or Brittany or an honorific for a Brian, though it bears no relationship to the male name.
- Britta
Origin:
Scandinavian, variation of Birgit or BrittMeaning:
"strength or exalted one"Description:
If you want a pan-Scandinavian name with energy and style that could have been a winner, if not for the sound-alike water filtration company Brita.
- Brogan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"small shoe"Description:
Brogan is a cheerful Irish surname that would fit right in with the Logans and Br-starting names now trendy for boys. It's been on the pop list for the past three years, though it's sliding again. Its history includes Saint Brogan (Broccan in Gaelic), who was Saint Patrick's nephew and scribe.
- Bryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
- Bryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
The simple and attractive Bryn is well used for boys in Wales, and does have a history as a male name in the US, although both Bryn and Brynn are currently far more popular for girls.
- Bryony
Origin:
Latin flower nameMeaning:
"to sprout"Description:
Bryony is an unusually strong plant name --the bryony is a wild climbing vine with green flowers --that caught on in the U.K. before sprouting here. The name of the young character in the Ian McEwan novel Atonement is spelled Briony, which is the variation and Bryony the original.