​
​
Advanced Search

My Ever-Growing Favorites Name List

Lunessence
By Lunessence
Updated Thu Dec 30 2021
I've been interested in names and naming ever since I was a little girl. Over the years, I've found and developed some favorites that have stuck with me. And now, because of Nameberry, I'm discovering a fun, new way to start collecting my favorites again, either made up by myself, friends or because of exploring this site.
  1. Hazel

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "the hazelnut tree"

    • Description:

      Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.
  2. Wren

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "small bird"

    • Description:

      Wren, a lilting songbird name, could be the next Robin. Wren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2012 and is among the new wave of popular English names for girls.
  3. Everly

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wild boar in woodland clearing"

    • Description:

      Sweet and stylish, with a sporty, energetic undertone, Everly is a name that ticks lots of boxes.
  4. Kira

    • Origin:

      Russian feminine variation of Cyrus

    • Meaning:

      "throne"

    • Description:

      Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
  5. Briony

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Bryony, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "to sprout, to swell"

    • Description:

      Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400 name in the UK back in the 90s but has since fallen out of favor, as has Bryony.
  6. Ember

    • Origin:

      Word name, English from French

    • Meaning:

      "ember"

    • Description:

      Unlike Amber, which is in decline, this name still has a bit of a glow left — though confusions between the two will inevitably arise.
  7. Calder

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "rocky water"

    • Description:

      A cool, rugged sounding name, Calder is connected to an ancient Scottish clan, an English village, and a Scottish River, along with the sculptor Alexander Calder, who invented the mobile (as in, kinetic sculptures powered by motors or air). Meaning "rocky water" or "stony river" in the ancient Brittonic language, it makes a creative yet outdoorsy choice.
  8. Karen

    • Origin:

      Danish variation of Katherine, Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "pure; lotus flower"

    • Description:

      Karen, a once sweet Danish import, was so popular during the baby boom (Karen was Number 3 in 1960) that it's become a mem in recent years, representing a hostile white woman—one who usually wants to speak with the manager.
  9. Greyson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of the steward"

    • Description:

      Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child in The Nanny Diaries is Grayer, and actor Tyler Christopher opted for the unusual spelling of Greysun for his son. Some parents are considering Grayson -- or Gracen or Gracyn -- for girls as an androgynous spin on Grace.
  10. Porter

    • Origin:

      English from French occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "doorkeeper or carrier"

    • Description:

      It may surprise you to know that surname name Porter was fairly popular in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then went underground for 40 years only to reemerge at the turn of this century and climb the ladder again.
  11. Kyler

    • Origin:

      Dutch

    • Meaning:

      "victory of the people"

    • Description:

      Kyler was once a creative solution for 90s parents who enjoyed the sounds of Kyle and Tyler but didn't want to use anything so popular. Now a well-established name on the US charts, it is given to more than 1000 babies every year.
  12. Jordan

    • Origin:

      English from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "flowing down"

    • Description:

      Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.
  13. Phaedra

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bright"

    • Description:

      This name of a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and wife of Theseus, has a mysterious and intriguing appeal, and would make a dramatic choice.
  14. Cadence

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "rhythm, beat"

    • Description:

      The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
  15. Reagan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little king"

    • Description:

      A strong, straightforward Irish unisex surname, with a merry glint in its eye, Reagan has been leaping up the popularity lists, to become one of the top girl names starting with R. Some will inevitably link it to President Ronald, but spell it Regan and it's a Shakespearean name: a daughter of King Lear.
  16. Keaton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place of hawks; river town; Káti's town"

    • Description:

      Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Given to around 290 boys in a recent year, it currently sits within the latter end of the US Top 1000.
  17. Sylas

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Silas

    • Meaning:

      "of the woods"

    • Description:

      Appearing in the Polish New Testament and possibly working to honor a Sylvester, Sylas has been climbing back up the rankings in recent years. Previously peaking in 2013 at #520, it has since overtaken that, entering the Top 500 in 2022. While the classic spelling is six times more popular in the US, that trendy Y is nevertheless capturing parents' attention.
  18. Zoelle

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "life + girl"

    • Description:

      Zoelle is a modern-sounding name combining the stylish Zoe, which means life, with the trendy Elle, French for "she". Could make for a zippier spin on sweet Noelle.
  19. Ashling

    • Description:

      Ashling (also spelled Aisling) is a feminine Irish name derived from the Gaelic word "aislinge," meaning "dream" or "vision." In Irish literary tradition, an aisling was a poetic genre involving dream-vision poems where Ireland appeared to the poet as a woman. The name emerged in popularity during the Irish cultural revival of the 20th century and has become increasingly popular among diaspora families seeking to connect with their Irish heritage. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland and Irish communities, Ashling offers a lyrical quality with its soft sounds and meaningful heritage. The name represents imagination, hope, and the mystical aspects of Irish cultural tradition.

  20. Alixia

    • Description:

      Alixia is a feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variation of Alexia, which derives from Greek origins meaning 'defender' or 'helper.' This alternative spelling gives the traditional name a distinctive, modern flair while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Alixia combines the strength of its Greek roots with a contemporary aesthetic. The name has a pleasing rhythm and exotic quality that sets it apart from more common feminine names. While not among the most popular names, Alixia has gained some usage in recent decades as parents seek names that are recognizable yet unique. The 'x' gives it a stylish, contemporary edge.