Bodies of Water: Lake, River and Brook

River shares the tranquil feeling of all the water names, and seems to have pretty much escaped its past strong association with River Phoenix and his unfortunate fate. Actor Joaquin Phoenix named his son with actress Rooney Mara after his brother River.

A nature name, a word name, and a surname name, Brooks has plenty of cool factor. It gives off cowboy vibes and a sporty feel, while also maintaining a smart, collected image.

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 in the US, while in the UK, it is considerably more popular for girls.

The popular single-named alternative singer (born Bek) has given this cool nature-meets-surname name a new lease of life. Another notable bearer is Beck Weathers, a Texan pathologist who survived the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, which was covered in the book and film Into Thin Air.

Cove is an up-and-coming nature name whose cool sound and peaceful image saw it rising for both sexes... until COVID-19 hit. It remained steady in use for boys in 2021, but actually increased for girls, although it remains a seriously rare and distinctive choice for either gender.

Among the coolest of the cool color names, particularly popular with celebs as a unisex middle name. While most famous as the name of Beyonce and Jay-Z's daughter Blue Ivy, more than 60 percent of the babies named Blue are boys.

Delta is an unusual vintage option, blending the sounds of Della and Etta. The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and a geographical term, used to describe an island formed at the mouth of a river, some may be put off by Delta's links the airline company of COVID variant on the same name.

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"

Loch is a watery word that sounds more like a name because it's one step removed from its English form. Pronounced as "lock," it's also a short form of the variously-spelled Lachlan.

Evocative modern unisex choice brought into the spotlight by actress Lake Bell.

Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.

Now that the popularity of Brooke is waning, and surname style variant Brooks is on the rise, Brook seems live a newly fresh nature-inspired option.

Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.

Gill is a masculine name with multiple origins, functioning both as a standalone name and a diminutive of Gilbert or Gillian. Derived from the Old Norse 'gísl' meaning "hostage" or "pledge," it also has Middle English connections to Saint Giles. In some regions, particularly Scotland, Gill relates to the Gaelic word for "servant." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an understated strength and simplicity. Gill has maintained modest popularity throughout the decades, appreciated for its brevity and unpretentious style. The name suggests someone practical, reliable, and straightforward. Its single-syllable simplicity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins, making it a timelessly appealing choice.

The name Rivers combines two major trends: nature names like the popular River itself, and S-ending surname-names such as Brooks, Rhodes, and yes, Rivers.

Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.

A slow and sultry southern choice that's definitely cool for babies of either gender.

Unique, soft, and flowing.

Did you really mean to name your child Channel, as in the body of water? Like, you know, the English Channel? Or were you going for the last name of the French designer Chanel, with a soft "sh" sound at the beginning and the emphasis on the last syllable? If so, we recommend sticking with the Chanel spelling.

Burn is a masculine name with origins as an English surname derived from either geographic locations (someone who lived near a stream or 'burn' in Old English) or from the Old English personal name 'Beorn,' meaning 'warrior.' As a given name, Burn is exceedingly rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and strong consonant ending create a powerful, memorable impact. Some might associate it with qualities like intensity, passion, or transformation. Though uncommon as a first name, it may appeal to parents seeking short, impactful names with Anglo-Saxon roots. The name's unusual nature ensures individuality but might require the bearer to frequently explain its origins. Despite potential associations with fire or burning, the name's true etymology connects more to water features or warrior heritage.