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Names for Stories

  1. Adagio

    • Description:

      Adagio is a feminine name derived from the Italian musical term meaning 'at ease' or 'slowly.' In musical notation, adagio indicates a slow, leisurely tempo, often conveying grace and expressiveness. As a given name, Adagio is extremely rare and unconventional, appealing to parents with musical backgrounds or those seeking a melodious and distinctive name. It evokes qualities of gracefulness, patience, and artistic sensibility. While not traditional in any culture as a personal name, it belongs to a growing category of musical terms adopted as names, alongside Aria, Cadence, and Lyric. Adagio has a soft, flowing quality with its alternating 'a' sounds and gentle 'g.'

  2. Arabella

    • Origin:

      Latin, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "yielding to prayer; lovable"

    • Description:

      Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.
  3. Archer

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "bowman"

    • Description:

      Archer is an Anglo-Saxon surname that feels more modern than most because of its on-target occupational and Hunger Games associations. And it's a nice way to bypass the clunky Archibald to get to the cool nickname Archie.
  4. Aria

    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"

    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  5. Arianwen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white, fair, blessed"

    • Description:

      Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen is one of many pretty wen-ending names prominent in ancient Welsh legend.
  6. Auden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "old friend"

    • Description:

      The poetic, soft-spoken Auden has recently started to be considered as a first name option, used for both sexes, appreciated for its pleasing sound as well as its link to the distinguished modern Anglo-American poet W.H. Auden.
  7. Allegro
    • Bronte

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "thunder"

      • Description:

        This lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name, makes a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. While the original name took an umlaut over the e, modern English speakers may find that more trouble than it's worth.
    • Cedric

      • Origin:

        Celtic

      • Meaning:

        "bounty"

      • Description:

        Cedric was invented by Sir Walter Scott for the noble character of the hero's father in Ivanhoe, presumed to be an altered form of the Saxon name Cerdic. The name was later also given to Little Lord Fauntleroy, the long-haired, velvet-suited, and lace-collared boy hero of the Frances Hodgson Burnett book, who became an unwitting symbol of the pampered mama's boy.
    • Emmet

      • Origin:

        English; Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "universal; truth"

      • Description:

        Honest and sincere, laid-back and creative, Emmet is a male cognate of the megapopular Emma and Emily, but the more common spelling is Emmett. Emmet dropped off the US Top 1000 in 1934 and reentered the list in 2014; Emmett, on the other hand, has never been off the charts.
    • Evening

      • Origin:

        Day name

      • Description:

        Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too? It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a perfect addition to this newly stylish group.
    • Everet

      • Description:

        Everet is a masculine name derived from Germanic roots, closely related to the more common spelling Everett. It originates from the elements 'eber' meaning 'wild boar' and 'hard' meaning 'brave' or 'strong,' thus conveying the meaning 'brave as a wild boar' or 'strong boar.' This vintage name has Old English connections and was brought to England by the Normans. The single-t spelling variant Everet maintains the same distinguished quality while offering a slightly simplified form. Though less common than Everett, which has enjoyed a significant revival in the 21st century as part of the trend toward classical names, Everet shares the same appealing blend of strength and refinement.
    • Gaia

      • Origin:

        Greek and Latin

      • Meaning:

        "earth mother; rejoicing"

      • Description:

        Floral, bright, and subtly powerful, Gaia is a name with two separate origins. In Greek mythology, it is the name of the earth goddess and the universal mother, who takes her epithet from the Ancient Greek word for land or ground. It was this ecological element that led actress Emma Thompson to choose it for her daughter back in 1999, and it could hold similar appeal to green minded parents today.
    • Galen

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "calm, healer"

      • Description:

        Many will associate this name with Galen of Pergamon, the second-century physician considered to be the founding father of medicine. A more recent reference is Star Wars character Galen Erso. The name still projects a gentle, scholarly image, while sharing sounds with more popular names like Aiden and Nathan. Bonus: it's also an anagram of Angel.
    • Garnet

      • Origin:

        Jewel name, from the French

      • Meaning:

        "pomegranate"

      • Description:

        One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.
    • Jude

      • Origin:

        Latin diminutive of Judah, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "praised"

      • Description:

        Jude is a modern star, maintaining a steady level of popularity -- but not TOO much popularity, in the US at least. Thank Jude Law and the great Lennon-McCartney song "Hey Jude", double-handedly responsible for propelling Jude up the charts.
    • Kerr

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "living near wet ground"

      • Description:

        Kerr, a simple, unusual unisex middle-name choice, can be pronounced either car or kehr.
    • Lake

      • Origin:

        Nature name

      • Description:

        This body of water runs deep; the best of a group of new possibilities that includes Bay, Ocean, River, and the more established Brook. It has received attention via the actress Lake Bell. Lake would make a particularly cool and refreshing middle name, as Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady did for daughter Vivian.
    • Lancelot

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "servant"

      • Description:

        In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly romantic-- name.
    • Lark

      • Origin:

        English bird name

      • Description:

        Lark is getting some new and well-deserved attention as a post-Robin and Raven bird name. Although it was first recorded as a name in the 1830's, it has never appeared on the Social Security list.
    • Lazlo

      • Description:

        Lazlo is a masculine name of Hungarian origin, serving as a variant spelling of László. The name derives from Vladislav, combining Slavic elements meaning 'rule' and 'glory.' Saint László I was a celebrated 11th-century king of Hungary known for his piety and military skill, which helped establish the name's popularity in Hungarian culture. Outside Hungary, Lazlo gained some recognition through cultural references and Hungarian immigrants, though the more traditional László spelling remains more common in Hungary itself. The name carries an exotic European flair while remaining relatively straightforward for English speakers to pronounce. Lazlo projects strength and character with its distinctive sound and rich historical associations to Hungarian nobility and leadership.
    • Legacy

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        Legacy is proof that any attractive-sounding word can be turned into a name, and this one has the added attractions of an inspirational meaning and a cool creative namesake -- hot young artist Legacy Russell.
    • Linc

      • Description:

        Linc is a concise, strong masculine name most commonly used as a shortened form of Lincoln. The name carries the distinguished presidential associations of Abraham Lincoln while offering a more modern, streamlined feel. The brevity of Linc gives it a punchy, contemporary quality that appeals to parents seeking short, impactful names for boys. The name has gained some popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward nickname-style given names. Linc projects confidence and straightforwardness with its crisp consonant sounds. Beyond its connection to Lincoln, the name might also evoke links or connections, giving it a subtly unifying quality. Linc works well in modern contexts while maintaining connections to historical roots.

    • Lura

      • Description:

        Lura is a short, distinctive feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from Latin 'laurel' (symbol of victory), or it could be a variation of Laura. In Albanian, Lura refers to a beautiful mountainous region, giving the name a natural connection. The name has an elegant simplicity with just two syllables and a melodic sound. Lura saw modest popularity in the United States in the early 20th century but has since become quite rare, giving it a vintage charm. The name's brevity and openness to various cultural interpretations make it appealing for parents seeking something straightforward yet uncommon with a gentle, feminine quality.
    • Lyra

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "lyre"

      • Description:

        Lyra is a name with ancient and celestial roots that's finding new popularity thanks to its starring role in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, seen in the movie The Golden Compass. Simple yet unique, Lyra hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual.
    • Lachland
      • Lienzo
        • Mason

          • Origin:

            English occupational name

          • Meaning:

            "stoneworker"

          • Description:

            Mason is a supertrendy name for boys that's starting to cross over -- Kelsey Grammer used it for his daughter. Creative speller's delight.
        • Nalani

          • Origin:

            Hawaiian

          • Meaning:

            "calm skies"

          • Description:

            Evocative of tranquil island escapes. One of several Hawaiian (and pseudo-Hawaiian) names ending in "-ani" that's soaring in popularity, Nalani made its debut on the US Top 1000 in 2016.
        • Poet

          • Origin:

            English word name

          • Description:

            A recently entered name on the roster, Poet was used for her daughter by Soleil Moon (Punky Brewster) Frye, who obviously appreciates the advantages of an unusual name. This is a possible middle name choice for verse-loving parents who want to skip specifics like Auden or Poe or Keats or Tennyson and go with the generic.
        • Rhapsody

          • Origin:

            French, musical term

          • Description:

            Could be seen as extravagantly ecstatic for a baby name, though feel free to rhapsodize about your little girl, whatever her name.
        • Sailor

          • Origin:

            Occupational word name

          • Description:

            A word name that has sailed onto birth certificates of both genders, especially since Liv Tyler used it for her son. For boys, Saylor and Sailor are used about equally, but were together given to about 100 baby boys last year....and 1000 baby girls.
        • Sapphire

          • Origin:

            Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name

          • Meaning:

            "blue"

          • Description:

            Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the pseudonym of Romona Lofton, who wrote the book Push, which was turned into the movie Precious. Sapphire entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, and is proving to be one of the freshest gem names for girls. Another intriguing variation is the lovely Sapphira.
        • Sender

          • Origin:

            Yiddish

          • Meaning:

            "defender of men"

          • Description:

            Also an English surname, Sender derives from Alexander and has an attractive modern sound. Though given to only a handful of baby boys per year, it nevertheless is in step with the brotherhood of er-ending choices fashionable today.
        • Sloane

          • Origin:

            Irish

          • Meaning:

            "raider"

          • Description:

            Sloane is a sleek, sophisticated surname name that has gradually morphed over to the girls' side. With its distinctive and intriguing sound, Sloane has been in the US Top 1000 since 2009, and in 2022, it made its first appearance in the UK charts, jumping more than 400 places in a single year.
        • Sonata

          • Origin:

            Music name

          • Description:

            Undiscovered musical form melodious enough to be a hit on the name charts.
        • Soren

          • Origin:

            Danish, Norwegian

          • Meaning:

            "stern"

          • Description:

            This gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, is being discovered in a major way by parents in the US. It's most closely identified with the nineteenth century philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, but there have been modern fictional Sorens as well, in The Matrix Reloaded and the book series Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Charlie and Lola, and Underworld.
        • Stellan

          • Origin:

            Swedish, meaning unknown, possibly "calm"

          • Meaning:

            "calm"

          • Description:

            Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.
        • Story

          • Origin:

            English word name

          • Meaning:

            "an account of incidents or events"

          • Description:

            An imaginative choice with an uptempo Cory/Rory/Tori sound, perfect for the child of a writer — or anyone with a good story to tell. Story has been finding some appreciation among celebs like Minnie Driver and others as a middle name. This is just one of the literary word names that have recently entered the realm of possibility, such as Fable, Sonnet and Poem.
        • Valor

          • Origin:

            Word name

          • Meaning:

            "courage and bravery"

          • Description:

            This modern virtue name gives a nod to ancient chivalry and could also work as an updated form of the classic Victor. A bold choice, but one that an increasing number of parents have been making in the last decade.
        • Van

          • Origin:

            Dutch

          • Meaning:

            "of"

          • Description:

            Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.
        • Winslet

          • Origin:

            English surname and place-name

          • Meaning:

            "Wynn's channel or stream"

          • Description:

            Winslet is one of a legion of surnames newly considered fair game as first names. The inspiration may be British star Kate, but she's not the only reason parents are attracted to Winslet, one of those British girl names that sounds at once classy and winning. Yet be warned that if you choose this, people will forever assume you are major fans of the actress. Other Win- beginning names up for new consideration: Winslow, Winston, Wynton, Winifred and Winnie, along with just plain Win or Wyn or Wynn.
        • Xander

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

          • Meaning:

            "defending men"

          • Description:

            Xander is a diminutive of Alexander, the Latin variation of the Greek Alexandros. Its meaning, "defending men," is taken from the Greek roots aléxein, "to defend," and andros, "men." Zander, pronounced the same way, is an alternate spelling.
        • Zadie

          • Origin:

            English variation of Sadie

          • Meaning:

            "princess"

          • Description:

            When aspiring British writer Sadie Smith decided to change her name to the more distinctive and zippy Zadie at the age of fourteen, this attention-magnet name was born. But though it might sound like a modern initial-switch, Zadie was actually Number 539 in 1881, remaining in the Top 1000 for almost thirty years.