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Famous Directors & Other Names of Classic Cinema
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Fellini
Leni
German or Spanish diminutive of Lena, Elena, or Helen, Greek
"shining torch"
An up-and-coming nickname-style name, hugely popular in Germany and on the rise in the UK, Leni is stylish but sweet. Chosen for her daughter by high-profile German supermodel Heidi Klum back in…
Warner
English from German
"army"
Long connected to the world of movie biz thanks to Warner Bros, Warner is tough sounding surname of Germanic origin. While some English speakers may find it leans a little too close in sound to "worn…
Jean-Luc
Astaire
Hopper
English or Dutch
"leaper, dancer; hop grower"
Sean and Robin Wright Penn chose this name for their son to honor their friend Dennis Hopper; others might associate it with the painter Edward. Couldn't be more spirited.
Busby
English
"shrub farm"
A busby is the English name for the fur military headdress originally worn by the Hungarian hussars . As a first name, Busby is also the unique name of iconic movie choreographer Busby Berkeley.
Berkeley
English
"where birches grow"
The Brits say BARK-lee, but we pronounce it the same as the name of the California college: either way it's quite pretentious and of another era.
Burton
English
"fortified enclosure"
Burton originated as a habitation surname that now feels like a appropriate first. Actor Richard Burton, two-time husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was the most famous bearer. Burtie makes an adorable…
Cary
English, Irish
"black, dark"
Cary Grant's debonair image has stood the test of time: he is still rated as one of the most handsome and admired men in Hollywood. Charming, succinct, and witty, Cary (also spelled Carey) was a…
Caine
Caine is a masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Welsh traditions, it derives from 'cain' meaning 'beautiful' or 'fair,' while some associate it with the biblical figure Cain. The…
Bates
English diminutive of Bartholomew
Bates is a fresh version of Bartholomew, and feels more wearable than Bart. Bates could be considered a patriotic choice for American parents - Katharine Lee Bates was an author and professor best…
Connery
Irish
"warrior-lord"
This appealing name of a mythical king of Tara whose reign brough prosperity to his kingdom is strongly associated with actor Sean. The Irish form is Conaire.
Powell
English, Welsh "alert; son of Howell"
"alert; son of Howell"
Powerful surname choice with many distinguished bearers, fresher sounding than Parker.
Claude
French from Latin
"lame; enclosure"
Claude is a soft-spoken French name that conjures up the pastel colors of Monet and harmonies of Debussy. In France, it is used for girls as well, in fact in the Tracy Chevalier novel Lady and the…
Randolph
English
"shield-wolf"
Randolph is a timeworn classic that had its last hurrah in the 1940s, when Randolph (born George) Scott was starring in westerns, but then was probably done in by its tricky nickname Randy (which,…
Garner
English surname
"granary"
Garner is an unncommon word and surname with some prospect of garnering popularity, especially now that Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have given it to son Samuel as his middle name, and Jessica…
Broderick
Norse
"brother"
Despite its brotherly meaning, sounds rather formal and cold.
Crawford
English
"ford where crows gather"
A common surname in Scotland, but a starchy first name choice.
Payne
English or Mapuche
"villager, country-dweller; blue"
The y helps a bit, but still a painful image.