Character Names
- Adelaide
Origin:
Variant of Adelheidis, GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
- Arroyo
Origin:
Spanish surname and nature nameDescription:
This name has two distinctive associations: the Southwestern natural formation of a gully or stream, and the Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.
- Anya
- Brad
Origin:
Diminutive of BradleyDescription:
Pitt is the prototypical blond Brad.
- Bryce
Origin:
Variation of Brice, Scottish surnameMeaning:
"speckled, freckled"Description:
This spelling of Brice relates the name to Utah's spectacular Bryce Canyon -- and is much more popular for both genders than the original Brice. Basketball's LeBron James named his son Bryce Maximus James, and in one of his early movies, John Cusack played a Bryce in Sixteen Candles.
- Griffin
Origin:
Welsh, variation of GriffithMeaning:
"strong lord"Description:
Griffin is one of the newer and most appealing of the two-syllable Celtic surnames. In English, griffin is the name of a mythological creature, half eagle, half lion. It re-entered the list in 1983 after an absence of 75+ years.
- Indigo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"Indian dye"Description:
Indigo is one of the most appealing and evocative of the new generation of color names. Color names have joined flower and jewel names -- in a big way -- and Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys. Indigo is the name of a character in the Ntozake Shange novel Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, and was used for his daughter by Lou Diamond Phillips.
- Jericho
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
The scope of biblical names has expanded to include sacred place-names, and this makes a plausible possibility, though it does have a masculine feel.
- Jordyn
Origin:
Spelling variation of JordanDescription:
This alternative spelling of Jordan is more popular for girls, but also given to a significant minority of boys. For both genders, it reached its peak popularity in 2010, about a decade after the original Jordan peaked. Today, the gender gap is rapidly closing as Jordyn falls in popularity for girls but remains stable for boys. For babies born in 2022, Jordyn was 90% female, 10% male.
- Luke
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"man from Lucania"Description:
Luke is a cool-yet-strong Biblical name with a relaxed cowboy feel, which has been on the rise since the advent of Luke Skywalker.
- Mitchel
Description:
Mitchel is a masculine name derived from Michael, with Hebrew origins meaning 'who is like God?' This variant spelling emerged as both a surname and given name, offering a slightly less common alternative to Mitchell (with two 'l's). While maintaining the friendly, approachable quality of Mike or Mitch as potential nicknames, Mitchel has a distinctive touch that sets it apart. The name saw modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has declined since the 1990s. Mitchel conveys a down-to-earth, unpretentious character while still connecting to the biblical heritage of Michael. The single-'l' spelling gives it a streamlined appearance that some parents prefer, making it a subtle variation that maintains the name's traditional appeal while standing slightly apart from more common alternatives.
- Tora
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"thunder"Description:
Tora is the female version of Tor or Thor, the name of the Norse god of thunder. Actress Jeanne Tripplehorn chose it for her daughter.
- Zephyra
Description:
Zephyra is an ethereal feminine name derived from 'Zephyr,' the Greek god of the west wind. The name carries connotations of gentleness and freedom, as Zephyrus was known as the harbinger of spring and the mildest of the wind deities. This uncommon name possesses a dreamy, mystical quality with its flowing sounds and mythological origins. Though rare in everyday usage, Zephyra appeals to parents drawn to names with classical roots and poetic associations. The name evokes images of breezes, movement, and natural beauty. Its distinctive 'Z' beginning and melodic ending make it stand out while maintaining femininity. For those seeking a name with depth, mythological significance, and an unusual sound pattern, Zephyra offers a beautiful choice with its connections to nature and ancient tradition.