User-created list
Names of Nobel Prize Winners
Across 36 pages
of 36
Akira
Japanese
"bright, intelligent"
Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.
Konstantin
Slavic; Estonian; Finnish; Hungarian; German, from Latin
"steadfast"
This sleek form of Constantine is traditional in many European countries, and most popular in German-speaking nations and Russia.
Elinor
Spelling variation of Eleanor, English, French
A sleek, literary alternative to Eleanor, this stripped back form of Eleanor is a well-established spelling. It notably appears in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility , borne by Elinor Dashwood,…
Williamson
Williamson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of William,' making it a patronymic derived from the classic Germanic name William (composed of elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and…
Barack
Hebrew; also Swahili from Arabic
"thunderbolt, lightning; or blessing"
The name of the 44th president, which he inherited from his Kenyan father, is related to the Swahili word "baraka," meaning "blessing," derived from the Arabic "baracka." It is linked, through the…
Obama
Luo; Japanese
"bending or leaning; little beach"
The surname of the 44th US President has been been adopted as a first, for girls as well as boys, by admiring parents around the world. And the O beginning even makes it fashionable. Though Barack…
Herta
Herta is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'earth' or 'strength.' It shares roots with the name of Hertha or Nerthus, an ancient Germanic earth goddess associated…
Blackburn
English
"black brook"
Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.
Carol
English, feminine variation of Charles
"free man"
A Caroline abbreviation that was wildly popular with Mom's generation...or Grandma's. At one time it was a name for baby girls born at Christmas . because of its association with Christmas carols.…
Harald
Harald is a masculine name of Norse origin meaning 'army ruler' or 'leader of warriors,' composed of the elements 'har' (army) and 'vald' (rule). This ancient Germanic name has been borne by numerous…
Luc
French
"man from Lucania"
Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel…
Al
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…
Gore
English
"wedge-shaped object"
Surname from a landscape feature, associated with author Gore Vidal and Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore. Its alternative meaning - as in gory - may explain why it's never made it into the…
Doris
Greek
"gift of the ocean"
Doris had long been on our so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out-for-babies list, and seemed to be written there in indelible ink. But there are signs of a sea change, that Doris could profit from the…
Evans
Welsh surname
"the Lord is gracious"
Evans is an historic Welsh patronymic surname, derived from Evan, which is a form of John. With Evan's popularity in the U.S. and the U.K. -- it's a Top 50 names -- the stylish s-ending version may…
Phelps
English
"son of Philip"
Solid Philip middle name alternative.
Edmund
English
"fortunate protector"
The sophisticated Edmund and its nearly-identical French twin Edmond are coming out of mothballs now that Edward, inspired by Twilight, is once again a hot name. In fact, it's already a fairly…
Yunus
Arabic, Hebrew
"dove"
Yunus is the Arabic form of Jonah, also used in Turkish. In Islam, Yunus is a prophet.
Fire
Word name
Even if you're hoping for a fiery child, this seems like playing with fire. One celebrity--Steve Vai--was bold enough to use it for his son.
Craig
Scottish
"from the rocks"
Craig is a single-syllable baby-boomer name, still common in its native Scotland, but most modern Americans would prefer something like Kyle.