GP Names

Zion

Hebrew

"highest point"

Zion has taken off in recent years, particularly after singer Lauryn Hill used it for her son back in 1997 and incorporated the name into a hit song. It combines a user-friendly Ryan-Brian sound with…

Israel

Hebrew

"he who struggles with God"

Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism. In the Bible,…

Orion

Greek

"boundary, limit"

Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones. The Greek mythological Orion was the legendary hunter who pursued the seven daughters of Atlas, was slain by the goddess Artemis,…

Deacon

Greek

"messenger, servant"

This name was transposed from the word for a church officer to a baby name when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe chose it for their son, after a baseball player ancestor, and Don Johnson followed…

Major

Latin

"greater; or, a military rank"

This bold choice soared in popularity from 2008 to 2013, and now seems to have plateaued. But watch out—the character Major Major Major Major in the classic absurdist novel Catch-22 had a terrible…

Ocean

English, nature name

"ocean"

Nature names like Ocean and River are flowing back into favor, especially with nature lovers and green-oriented parents. In 2024, it was given to 483 boys and 325 girls, making this a unisex favorite…

Elisha

Hebrew

"God is my salvation"

Creative name whose only limitation is that it looks like it would be pronounced akin to Alicia and Elissa — although as a Biblical boys’ name , it is traditionally pronounced ee-LIE-shah. With…

Bear

Animal name

"bear"

Bear has suddenly lumbered onto the baby name landscape. Perhaps inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls (born Edward Michael), first celebrity chef Jamie Oliver used it as the middle name for his…

Pelagius

Pelagius is a masculine name with ancient Greek and Latin roots, derived from "pelagos" meaning "sea" or "ocean." This rare name carries significant historical weight, most notably associated with…

Oceanus

Mythological name

"ocean"

Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the…

Neptune

Roman god of the sea, freshwater springs, and horses.

This Roman mythology (and planet) name would be very hard to handle. It derives from a root meaning cloud.

Bishop

English occupational name

"senior member of the church"

Occupation names and spiritual names are in style, so it's hardly surprising that Bishop has been making appearances in the Top 1000. Popular back in the late 19th and early 20th century, it…

Bravo

Italian word name

One way to encourage some cheers for your little one, but not recommended.

Captain

English word name

"person in charge"

A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who…

Pharaoh

Egyptian, Latin

"ruler"

Kaiser, Rex, Kingsley, and Prince have become increasingly popular in recent years and Pharaoh is one of the more unexpected members of this regal family of names. Used as the title of ancient…

Reef

Word name

"ridge of rock or coral on sea floor"

Reef is an uncommon nature name with mainstream potential. Its laidback, beach-y vibe makes it a perfect choice for ocean lovers. Although Reef remains well outside of the US Top 1000, it has charted…

Titan

Greek

"defender"

This name comes from Greek mythology, where the Titans were a band of immortal, powerful giants. Popular movie of 2000 Remember the Titans may be partly responsible for this name's ranking in the Top…

Rocket

Word name

Starbaby name that might prove too supercharged for real life, but if like director Robert Rodriguez you're interested only in boys' names starting with R , you may need to add Rocket (and Rebel and…