User-created list
Names of Nobel Prize Winners
Across 36 pages
of 36
Norman
English
"northerner, Norseman"
Norman, perhaps because it sounds so much like the word 'normal', conjures up the image of a normal-looking guy with a normal kind of job-- not necessarily an image many modern parents seek for their…
Amartya
Angell
Angell is a name with religious and Old English origins, derived from the word 'angel,' ultimately from the Greek 'angelos' meaning 'messenger.' As a masculine given name, it represents a less common…
Hunt
Word name
Blunt. Stick to Hunter.
Erwin
German
"respected friend"
One of the many names with a strong "er" sound, like Bertram and Ernest, that was huge in the 1920s and is languishing in style limbo now. One famous bearer is the physicist Erwin Schrödinger, as in…
Irving
Scottish
"green river, sea friend"
It might be surprising to know that this name originated as a Scottish place and surname name, as in Washington Irving. It became a popular choice for first-generation Jewish-American boys, such as…
Murray
Scottish
"settlement by the sea"
Murray, you may be surprised to discover, is a Scottish surname name --that of an ancient noble clan--with a sea-swept meaning, and just could be in the next wave of reevaluated grandpa names.…
Butler
English occupational name
"chief manservant"
An English occupational name and surname that brings to mind old, stately homes, black suits, and white gloves, Butler peaked back in 1919 when 30 boys were given the name. It hasn't appeared in the…
Friedrich
German variation of Frederick
"peaceful ruler"
One of the most familiar German names , with an upright Prussian image. Friedrich might just have been out for long enough to start coming back in.
Sinclair
Scottish
"from the town of St. Clair"
Could be a novel way for a boy's name to honor an ancestral Claire.
Fischer
German surname
"fisherman"
This common German-Jewish surname is not as popular in the US as the English form, Fisher, but both share the same meaning, and this one may appeal to those with German or Jewish heritage. Fisher has…
Christiaan
Christiaan is a Dutch and Afrikaans variant of Christian, ultimately derived from Latin 'Christianus,' meaning 'follower of Christ.' The distinctive double 'a' spelling reflects its Dutch linguistic…
Hans
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes
Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old…
Harden
English
"valley of the hares"
While teasing about names is not as bad as it once was, the possibilities presented by this name would be difficult for any pubescent boy to resist.
Sigrid
Norse
"fair victory"
Sigrid is a distinctly Scandinavian name that is starting to edge out into the wider world, a la cousin Ingrid. Unfortunately, short form Siri is now off the table, but Sigrid is still a possibility.
Nicolle
Nicolle is a feminine name that serves as a French-influenced variant of Nicole, which itself is the female form of Nicholas. The name ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning 'victory of the…
Reinhold
Reinhold is a masculine name of Germanic origin meaning 'wise ruler' or 'counsel ruler,' derived from the elements 'ragin' (counsel) and 'wald' (rule). This traditional name has deep historical roots…
Richardson
Richardson is a masculine name with English origins, traditionally used as a surname meaning 'son of Richard.' Richard itself combines Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'ruler,' making…
Heinrich
German
"estate ruler"
Traditional German names of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove German…
Rees
Rees is a Welsh masculine name derived from the Welsh word 'rhys,' meaning 'enthusiasm' or 'ardor.' This concise, strong name has deep Celtic roots and has been borne by several Welsh princes and…