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dannilynnalexis
By dannilynnalexis
Updated Fri May 12 2023
  1. Al

    • Description:

      Al is a masculine name that primarily functions as a shortened form of names beginning with 'Al,' such as Albert (meaning 'noble and bright'), Alfred ('wise counselor'), Alexander ('defender of the people'), or Alvin ('noble friend'). With its single syllable and straightforward pronunciation, Al projects a friendly, approachable quality that has made it enduringly popular as a nickname throughout the 20th century. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-1900s and carries associations with a generation of reliable, hardworking men. Al's simplicity gives it a timeless quality, though in recent decades it has become less common as a standalone given name, with parents more likely to use it as a familiar nickname for longer Al- names.

  2. Brody

    • Origin:

      Irish, English, and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "broad eye or broad island"

    • Description:

      The energetic Brody is a name that claims different meanings and origins depending on whether you're looking at its Irish, Scottish, or English history -- and Eastern Europeans claim a version too. An alternate spelling is Brodie.
  3. Catherine

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.
  4. Curtis

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "courteous, polite"

    • Description:

      Curtis is an attractive if somewhat dated surname name that has been borne by several significant musicians and athletes--think Curtis Mayfield, Curtis James Jackson III--aka 50 Cent, and also director Curtis Hanson.
  5. David

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      David is an enduring worldwide classic, used from ancient times to the present day.
  6. Elisabeth

    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, Danish, English, variation of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.
  7. Eric

    • Origin:

      Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "eternal ruler"

    • Description:

      Eric is derived from the Old Norse name Eiríkr, from the components ei, meaning "ever," and ríkr, "rule." It was adopted by English speakers in the mid-nineteenth century, who were already familiar with the exploits of the tenth century Viking navigator and discoverer of Greenland, Eric the Red. Erik is an alternate spelling and the preferred form of the name across much of Europe.
  8. Finlay

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "fair-haired hero"

    • Description:

      Finlay is a Scottish royal name: it belonged to Macbeth's father, Finlay MacRory--or Findlaech mac Ruaidri--that has a bit of a split personality. It has two acceptable spellings--Finlay and Finley, the first more popular in its native Scotland, where it ranks in the Top 10, the second in the US. It is also becoming more and more unisex in the States, with the Finley spelling now split between girls and boys, while Finlay was used last year for TEN TIMES as many boys as girls, about 50 to only five.
  9. Finn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "fair or white"

    • Description:

      Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.
  10. Gary

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "spearman"

    • Description:

      When Gary cracked the Top 10 in 1950, it was one of the first nonclassic boys’ names to do so, largely due to Gary (born Frank) Cooper, who was renamed after Gary, Indiana, his agent's hometown. Now, a 65 years later, Gary isn't particularly high in the charts, and has lost any glitter it had. May we suggest the fuller name Gareth?
  11. George

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "farmer"

    • Description:

      Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.
  12. Gil

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "happiness"

    • Description:

      Pronounced zheel, it's a dashing conquistador; as gill, it's the nice and slightly boring guy down the street.
  13. Greg

    • Description:

      Greg is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gregory, which comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert.' While Gregory has been used since early Christian times, Greg gained popularity as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. It reached its peak usage in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Greg has a friendly, approachable quality with a classic yet casual feel. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation have contributed to its enduring appeal across English-speaking countries. Though less commonly given to newborns today than in previous decades, Greg maintains a steady presence and is recognized as both a complete name and a nickname.

  14. Henry

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"

    • Description:

      Henry is well and truly back in style. The classic returned to the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and as of 2024, sits at Number 6. Like James and Theodore, Henry is a strong, traditional name that also manages to feel stylish and gentle.
  15. Jim

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of James

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
  16. Jon

    • Origin:

      Variation of John or Jonathan

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; or gift of Jehovah"

    • Description:

      Streamlined version of the classic boys' names, sometimes a short form of Jonathan, which is in fact an entirely different name from John attached to a different Biblical personage. Jon feels more modern than the traditional John, but some may find it an overly slight variation on an already slim name. Jon Snow is a popular character on HBO's Game of Thrones.
  17. Jorja

    • Origin:

      Modern American phonetic spelling of Georgia

    • Description:

      This simplified form of the lovely name Georgia was spotlighted by the actress Jorja Fox, and seems to be making inroads; rocker Bret Michaels chose it for his daughter. Still, we'd opt for the traditional spelling.
  18. Julie

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful, sky father"

    • Description:

      Wildly popular in the 1960s and '70s, Julie is no longer anywhere near as stylish as the name's longer forms. Try Juliet, Juliana, or even the more grownup Julia.
  19. Lauren

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      Lauren was derived from Laurence, an English name from the Roman family name Laurentius, meaning "from Laurentum." Laurentum, an ancient Italian city, got its name from the Latin word laurus, meaning "bay laurel."
  20. Laurence

    • Origin:

      English from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentum or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      Lawrence is the dominant spelling in the US, but in the UK Laurence and Lawrence are given in almost equal numbers each year, often with the adorable nickname Laurie or Lawrie. British actor Sir Laurence Olivier is a famous bearer.