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Bonnie's List

  1. Winter

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Fresher, brisker and, yes, cooler than Summer or Autumn or Spring, Winter is now a full-fledged female choice, especially since Nicole Richie and Joel Madden used it for daughter Harlow's middle name, and Gretchen Mol picked it as her daughter's first, as did media mogul Sean Parker. Winter continues to be the preferred spelling and has risen in popularity significantly over the past few years.
  2. Bronwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white breast"

    • Description:

      Bronwen is widespread in Wales, but still rare enough here to sound somewhat international — we think Bronwen is a real winner. (Note: the Bronwyn spelling is an Anglicization, since the -wyn ending is masculine in Welsh).
  3. Rainier

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "wise army"

    • Description:

      European royal name, and to Americans a place-name evoking the majestic mountain in Washington state.
  4. Ever

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "always, eternally, constantly"

    • Description:

      A simple, unusual word name with an evocative meaning, Ever feels similar enough to Eva, Evelyn, and Everly that it shifts easily into name territory. Actor Robert Carradine was ahead of the trends when he named his now grown-up actress daughter Ever back in the 70s, while more recently, it was used by both Milla Jovovich and Owain Yeoman.
  5. Beverly

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the beaver stream"

    • Description:

      The remarkable success of the girls' name Everly makes a revival of the name Beverly seem possible. More commonly a masculine name in the 19th century, it began to be used for girls in the early 1900s, reaching #14 ion the popular names list in 1937. Inspirations: Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, Beverly Sills was a major American soprano, Beverly Cleary authored the beloved 'Ramona' books, and Beverly Goldberg is the beloved TV matriarch of 'The Goldbergs'.
  6. Sailor

    • Origin:

      Occupational name

    • Description:

      Supermodel Christie Brinkley launched an entire name genre when she picked this breezy occupational name for her daughter in 1998, and it has become more prevalent in recent decades. The Saylor version, which you might consider a spelling spin or a surname-name, is now among the Top 500 names for girls, given to three times as many baby girls as the Sailor spelling. Counted together, Saylor and Sailor were used for about 1000 baby girls in one recent year in the US, versus about 100 boys.
  7. Bindi

    • Origin:

      Australian Aboriginal

    • Meaning:

      "butterfly"

    • Description:

      In the Noongar language of Western Australia, Bindi means butterfly. Bindi is usually seen as a girls' name, as seen in Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin.
  8. Gwendolen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white ring, circle"

    • Description:

      Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.
  9. Arbor

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
  10. Branwen

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "blessed raven"

    • Description:

      This is an attractive Celtic mythological name, popular in Wales and a cousin of the better known Bronwyn. In Welsh mythology, Branwen was turned into a bird.
  11. Maximillian

    • Origin:

      Variant of Maximilian

    • Description:

      We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.
  12. Banyan

    • Origin:

      Indian

    • Meaning:

      "the God tree"

    • Description:

      This evocative name of a dramatic tropical Indian fig tree is ready to move west.
  13. Ottilia

    • Origin:

      German and Swedish

    • Meaning:

      "prosperous"

    • Description:

      Form of Ottilie or Odilia
  14. Bryonia

    • Description:

      Bryonia is a distinctive feminine name derived from the scientific name for a genus of climbing plants commonly known as bryony. The name has Greek origins, as 'bryon' referred to moss or plants in ancient Greek. This botanical name remains quite rare as a given name, appealing primarily to parents drawn to unique nature-inspired choices. Bryonia carries an elegant, classical sound while offering the approachable nicknames Bry or Nia. Though uncommon in most naming statistics, it fits alongside other botanical names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name suggests natural beauty, resilience, and growth—qualities associated with the climbing plant it references.

  15. Acasia

    • Description:

      Acasia is a feminine name likely derived from 'acacia,' the flowering tree and shrub known for its durability and beautiful blossoms. While differing in spelling from the plant name, Acasia carries the same natural associations with beauty, resilience, and grace. The name has a lyrical quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. In ancient Egyptian symbolism, the acacia represented rebirth and immortality, adding depth to the name's meaning. Though uncommon as a given name, Acasia fits well with contemporary trends toward botanical names and names ending with the melodic '-ia' sound. Its unique character offers individuality while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation and attractive sound profile.

  16. Gwendelyn

    • Description:

      Gwendelyn is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Gwendolyn, which derives from Welsh elements meaning 'white ring' or 'blessed ring.' The name has Celtic origins and was popularized through Arthurian legends. This particular spelling with an 'e' in the final syllable gives the name a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation as the more common Gwendolyn. Gwendelyn has a graceful, old-world quality that evokes images of medieval tales and Celtic heritage. Though less common than Gwendolyn, this spelling variation might appeal to parents seeking a slightly more distinctive version of the classic name. Gwendelyn carries associations of elegance and nobility from its Welsh roots and literary connections.

  17. Gwyndolyn

    • Description:

      Gwyndolyn is a feminine name representing a creative spelling variant of Gwendolyn, which derives from Welsh elements 'gwen' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair,' and 'dolen' meaning 'ring' or 'bow.' This alternative spelling with 'y' instead of 'e' gives the traditional name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its Welsh roots and melodic pronunciation. The name carries connotations of brightness, purity, and beauty from its original elements. In Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend, Gwendolyn appears as a figure of significance, adding cultural depth to the name. While less common than the standard spelling, Gwyndolyn appeals to parents drawn to Celtic heritage who desire a slight variation on the classic form, offering both historical richness and a touch of uniqueness.
  18. Bronwen
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