Classic Favorites

These are some of the names I have always had in the back of my head. My children in the future will most definitely be named some of these...I love them all!
  1. Aaron
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "high mountain; exalted, enlightened"
    • Description:

      Aaron is a name of subtle contrasts: an unusual spelling that is easily recognizable; a solid Biblical choice that doesn’t feel exclusively tied to religion; a well-established name for boys but sometimes confused with the girls’ name, Erin; used internationally but with notably different pronunciations; classic like Andrew but not out of place with recent favorites like Weston or Jayden.
  2. Ansel
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "with divine protection"
    • Description:

      Ansel, primarily associated with the great western photographer Ansel Adams, famed for his magnificent photographs of the Yosemite Valley, could make a creative artist-hero choice. For Adams it was a family name – he was named after his uncle, Ansel Easton. And, in turn, Adams was the namesake of young heartthrob Ansel Elgort, son of a photographer.
  3. Brielle
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "hunting grounds"
    • Description:

      Though it sounds so modern, Brielle is, among other things, a traditional Cajun contraction of Gabrielle, but it has now spread far beyond that community. Brielle is also the name of a historic seaport in the western Netherlands.
  4. Briette
    • Description:

      Briette is a feminine name with French influences, likely derived as a diminutive form of Brigitte or Brigitta. These names ultimately trace back to the Celtic name Brigid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'strength,' associated with the Celtic goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. The suffix '-ette' adds a typically French diminutive quality, giving the name a delicate, feminine touch. Briette remains quite rare in most countries, making it an uncommon choice with a distinctive sound. The name combines traditional roots with a modern, melodious quality. Its French flair and subtle connection to the powerful Celtic goddess Brigid give it both elegance and substance, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with genuine historical connections and a sophisticated European sound.
  5. Caitie
    • Description:

      Caitie is a feminine name that functions as a diminutive or nickname form of Caitlin, Catherine, or similar names. With Irish and English influences, this spelling variation emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to write familiar nicknames. The name Caitlin itself derives from the Irish form of Catherine, ultimately from Greek meaning 'pure.' Caitie conveys a youthful, friendly quality while maintaining connections to traditional naming roots. While sometimes used as a given name on birth certificates, Caitie more commonly serves as a familiar form used by family and friends. The spelling with 'ie' rather than 'y' gives it a slightly sweeter, more feminine appearance. Popularity peaked in the 1990s alongside other Cait- variants.

  6. Cameron
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"
    • Description:

      With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. Still, eight times more boys than girls are named Cameron in the US.
  7. Charlotte
    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Charles
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.
  8. Collette
    • Declan
      • Origin:

        Irish, meaning unknown, possible "man of prayer"
      • Meaning:

        "man of prayer"
      • Description:

        Declan is the Anglicized form of the Irish name Deaglán. St. Declan was one of the first missionaries to bring Christianity to Ireland, preceding St. Patrick. Originally from Wales, he founded the monastery of Ardmore in Ireland.
    • Emmett
      • Origin:

        English masculine variation of Emma, German
      • Meaning:

        "universal"
      • Description:

        Emmett, honest and sincere, laid-back and creative, is on the rise as a male cognate of the megapopular Emma and Emily, not to mention being a character in the popular Twilight series.
    • Juliette
      • Origin:

        French from Latin
      • Meaning:

        "little Julia"
      • Description:

        Juliette, pronounced with the emphasis on the last syllable, adds a little something extra to Juliet. In the past years it has been rising up the chart.
    • Kendall
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "valley of the river Kent"
      • Description:

        Kendall, as used for a girl, was initially propelled by a soap opera character (Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall Hart in All My Children) and reality star and Kardashian sister Kendall Jenner.
    • Kiely
      • Lainey
        • Origin:

          Diminutive of Elaine, French and Scottish
        • Meaning:

          "bright shining light"
        • Description:

          Nickname name Lainey has been rising since the turn of the century to become a Top 200 girls' name in the US today.
      • Liam
        • Origin:

          Irish short form of William
        • Meaning:

          "resolute protection"
        • Description:

          Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
      • Lilliana
        • Origin:

          Variation of Lillian or Liliana
        • Meaning:

          "lily, a flower"
        • Description:

          While Lillian is the English version of this elaborated flower name and Liliana is the authentic Spanish and Portuguese spelling, Lilliana is a familiar and perfectly usable option in the US.
      • Loughlin
        • Description:

          Loughlin is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the surname Ó Lochlainn, meaning 'descendant of Lochlann.' Lochlann was an ancient Irish term referring to Scandinavia or Viking territories, literally meaning 'land of lakes.' As a first name, Loughlin (sometimes spelled Lochlan, Lachlan, or Laughlin) carries connotations of Viking strength and Celtic heritage. While more common in Ireland and Scotland, it has gained modest recognition internationally. The name has a distinguished sound that balances traditional roots with contemporary appeal. Pronunciation can vary, but it's typically said as 'LOCK-lin' or 'LOFF-lin.' For parents seeking a name with deep Celtic connections and historical significance, Loughlin offers strength and distinctive character.

      • Owen
        • Origin:

          Welsh
        • Meaning:

          "young warrior; well-born"
        • Description:

          Owen, a resonant Celtic name, has ranked among the Top 100 boys' names in the US for 20 years and is now at its highest point ever.
      • Patrick
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "noble, patrician"
        • Description:

          Patrick, long tied to a hyper-Irish image, is enjoying something of a renaissance as a stylish classic, as it has long been considered in England. Along with such choices as Charles and George, Patrick has escaped overuse in recent decades.
      • 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.