​
​
Advanced Search

Family Names

  1. Sonya

    • Description:

      See SONIA.
  2. Sue

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susan

    • Description:

      Much-used midcentury diminutive, now fallen far from favor even as a middle name.
  3. Clifton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place on a cliff"

    • Description:

      A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
  4. Bobbie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Roberta or Barbara, English

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame; stranger"

    • Description:

      Vintage nickname for Roberta or Barbara, most famously borne by Roberta "Bobbie" in Edith Nesbit's classic The Railway Children. Bobbie is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls, with all the appeal of Billie but without the popularity (yet!).
  5. Kathy

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Katherine, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pure"

    • Description:

      There are lots of Kathy moms and grandmas but very few babies, most of whom are now called Kate or Katie.
  6. Ollie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Olive or Olivia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "olive tree"

    • Description:

      Ollie is used less often as a nickname for the mega-popular Olivia or the stylish Olive than Ellie is for Eleanor or Allie for Allison. That may be because Ollie has a much longer use as a nickname for boys.
  7. Jewel

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Just like Flora is for botanicals, Jewel is the generic gemstone name, not used much since the early twentieth century, when it was seen as a symbol of how precious a daughter could be. The French version, Bijou, feels more modern, as do Pearl and Ruby.
  8. Lillie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Lily or short form of Lillian, flower name

    • Description:

      This charming spelling of Lillie had its heyday in the late 1800s and ranked in the Top 100 until the end of the 1920s. It dropped off the Top 1000 completely in the 1980s and 1990s but is now back in play.
  9. Kerry

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark, dark-haired"

    • Description:

      Kerry is the name of one of the most beautiful and lush counties of Ireland was a seventies favorite. Related, updated versions might include Cerys and Keira.
  10. Lacie

    • Description:

      Lacie is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Lacey, which derives from a Norman French place name and surname meaning 'from Lassy' (a town in Normandy). The name later associated with the English word 'lace,' giving it delicate, intricate connotations. This alternative spelling gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1980s-90s, offering a slightly more modern take on the traditional Lacey. The name evokes qualities of elegance, femininity, and refinement through both its sound and its etymological connections to the delicate fabric. Though never reaching the highest popularity rankings, Lacie maintains appeal for parents seeking a name that balances familiarity with uniqueness and carries gentle, graceful associations.

  11. Kim

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Kimberly; Vietnamese; Scandinavian diminutive of Joachima; Soviet name

    • Description:

      Kim was the coolest name... of the 1960s. Kim was popularized by actress Kim Novak, and its energy is still maintained by rapper Lil' Kim, but it holds lil' or no appeal for new babies. Parents who like Kim's short, sweet sound might look to a choice such as Sam, Lou, or Belle.
  12. Wright

    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  13. Glenda

    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Glenn, English, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "valley"

    • Description:

      Part nature name, part mid-century favorite, Glenda came into use in the 20th century as a feminine form of Scottish Glenn, likely inspired by Linda and Wanda too. While Glenn would give it the meaning "valley", if you do consider it a smoosh name with Linda, Wanda, or Brenda, you get means such as "beautiful valley", "tender valley", "Wend's valley", "sword valley" or "fire valley".
  14. Meghan

    • Origin:

      Variation of Megan, Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Megan was one of the first trendy names to spawn lots of spelling variations and this form of the name is less popular than its streamlined counterpart, but nevertheless familiar to those in the English speaking world. A variant of Margaret, the name was rarely heard outside of Wales before the mid-20th century.
  15. Moriah

    • Origin:

      Biblical place name; Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my teacher"

    • Description:

      Where Abraham took his son Isaac to sacrifice him. Taylor Hanson chose this as the middle name for his son Viggo, his fourth child, but most will see it as a girls’ name. Make life simpler and spell it Mariah.
  16. Ashton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "ash tree place"

    • Description:

      Hot star Ashton Kutcher is pushing this unisex choice toward the boys' camp, but its variation Ashtyn is on the rise.
  17. Brittney

    • Origin:

      Variation of Brittany, English name of the French region Bretagne, meaning 'from Briton'

    • Description:

      While all spellings of these name are off their popularity peak, Brittney gained some recent notice as the name of the American basketball player arrested in Russian, Brittney Griner.
  18. Salina

    • Description:

      Salina is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it derives from 'sal' meaning 'salt,' often referring to salt flats or salt mines. The name also has Greek roots, possibly connected to 'selene' meaning 'moon.' In Arabic culture, Salina (or Salima) means 'peace' or 'safe.' The name appears in various forms across different countries, including the Italian Selina and the Hebrew Selina. Salina has maintained steady but modest popularity, appealing to parents seeking a melodic name with cross-cultural appeal. Its gentle sound and natural connection (to salt or the moon) make it attractive, while remaining distinctive enough that most Salinas won't share their name with many classmates.
  19. Willie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of William, German

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      There have been many great Willies (Mays, Nelson, Wonka), but a boy with this name could never ever go to England. Most people will also assume it is short for the more traditional William, which might be the best avenue for achieving this nickname.
  20. Noel

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "Christmas"

    • Description:

      Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.