Favorites

All the names I love the most.
  1. Ada
    • Origin:

      German or Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"
    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  2. Adrian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "man of Adria"
    • Description:

      Adrian is one of those names that’s easy to picture on all kinds of people. From an active and energetic five-year-old to your great grandpa, from the coolest, breeziest guy you know, to the quiet, serious one, it’s no wonder Adrian has always made the US Top 500 since the early 20th century.
  3. Ambrose
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "immortal"
    • Description:

      A favorite of British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose has an air of blooming well-being and upper-class erudition. It comes from the same Greek root as 'ambrosia', the food of the gods, said to confer immortality.
  4. Arthur
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      " bear"
    • Description:

      Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals. Arthur has led the list of possible names for the young British princes, chosen as a middle name for Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales.
  5. Ashley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the ash tree meadow"
    • Description:

      It may have peaked at #1 for girls in 1991 and 1992 in the US, but Ashley actually has a long history as a male given name, as evidenced by the sensitive Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. It's always been more popular for boys in England and Wales, where it currently ranks at #414.
  6. Balthazar
    • Origin:

      Phoenician
    • Meaning:

      "Baal protects the King"
    • Description:

      This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, though their names were not mentioned in the Bible.
  7. Barnabus
    • Calypso
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "she who hides"
      • Description:

        This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
    • Calypso
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "she who hides"
      • Description:

        Rhythmic route to the nickname Cal. This musical moniker is another great example of a traditionally feminine name that could easily go masculine.
    • Cerys
      • Origin:

        Welsh
      • Meaning:

        "love"
      • Description:

        Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
    • Cheyenne
      • Origin:

        Sioux
      • Meaning:

        "people of a different language"
      • Description:

        This is a great American name that deserves more attention from parents looking for a name that balances a soft sound with a more traditionally masculine cowboy image.
    • Clementine
      • Origin:

        French feminine version of Clement, Latin
      • Meaning:

        "mild, merciful"
      • Description:

        Clementine is a Nameberry favorite that broke back into the US Top 1000 in 2014 after more than half a century off the list.
    • Cole
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "swarthy, coal black"
      • Description:

        Cole -- a short name that embodies a lot of richness and depth -- has long been associated with the great songwriter Cole Porter. It's quite popular in Scotland.
    • Delilah
      • Origin:

        Hebrew or Arabic
      • Meaning:

        "delicate"
      • Description:

        Melodic and lively, Delilah has cut itself (mostly) free from its treacherous past to become a contemporary favorite.
    • Devin
      • Origin:

        Irish
      • Meaning:

        "poet"
      • Description:

        Devilishly handsome, Devin arrived as Kevin was moving out. Not to be confused (though it often is) with the English place-name Devon. While both Devin and Devon are flagging somewhat for boys, the names have dropped out of the Top 1000 for girls, making it more a masculine and less a unisex name these days.
    • Elizabeth
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "pledged to God"
      • Description:

        Elizabeth is one of the most popular girls' names of all time, the female equivalent of James or William. Yet Elizabeth has so much going for it—rich history, broad appeal, and timeless style—that no matter how many little girls are named Lizzie, Eliza, and Beth, you can still make Elizabeth your own.
    • Evander
      • Origin:

        Scottish; Greek
      • Meaning:

        "bow warrior; strong man"
      • Description:

        Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander.
    • Evangeline
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "bearer of good news"
      • Description:

        Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
    • Fran
      • Origin:

        Diminutive of Frances
      • Meaning:

        "from France or free man"
      • Description:

        This short form has been pretty much replaced by Franny, Fanny. and especially Frankie.
    • Francesca
      • Origin:

        Italian variation of Frances
      • Meaning:

        "from France or free man"
      • Description:

        Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.