​
​
Advanced Search

British Literature Names

  1. Meg

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Margaret, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Meg, perennially one of the Little Women, is a Margaret short form that manages to be neither quite in nor quite out of style. Meg is sleeker and more sophisticated than Maggie, more contemporary than Peg, more stylish than Megan, and still one of the best diminutives of Margaret.

      Meg Ryan was born Margaret Mary Emily Anne.

  2. Dirk

    • Origin:

      Flemish and Dutch, contracted form of Derek

    • Description:

      A perennial classic in the Netherlands, short-and-sweet Dirk is starting to feel like a fresher alternative to cousin Derek.
  3. Sly

    • Origin:

      English word name, diminutive of Sylvester

    • Description:

      A bit too cunning.
  4. Patton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fighter's town"

    • Description:

      Patton is an attractive name in the fashionable Haden-Peyton mold, though there is that association with the severe wartime general.
  5. Celestina

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Celeste

    • Meaning:

      "heavenly"

    • Description:

      We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.
  6. Lizzie

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lizzie was commonly used as an independent name in the last half of the nineteenth century. Today Lizzie is still one of the most stylish short forms of Elizabeth, but few U.S. parents put it on the birth certificate.
  7. Sibyl

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "seer, oracle"

    • Description:

      The original but less common spelling of Sybil, this name comes from Greek and Roman mythology, in which the sibyls were female prophets. A name that has dipped in and out of style since the Middle Ages, the rise of the lovely Lady Sybil Crawley on television's Downton Abbey may shine a light on this mythological name.
  8. Godfrey

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "God's peace"

    • Description:

      Godfrey was very popular in the Middle Ages, but today you're more likely to hear it as a surname than a first name. It has a solid, old-man charm, but a couple of possible deal-breakers: the first syllable being God, and no obvious nickname. Goff, maybe? For a different feel, we also like the Italian artist's version Giotto.
  9. Dougal

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dark stranger"

    • Description:

      Heard in the Scottish highlands, and much more in tune with the present times than the dated Douglas — for which it could make a perfect tribute name.
Dougal was the Scottish nickname for invading dark-haired Danish Vikings, just as Fingal was given to the blonder Norwegians.
  10. Smith

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "blacksmith"

    • Description:

      Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history.
  11. Amabel

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lovable"

    • Description:

      Amabel is an older name than Annabel and a lot more distinctive. Amabel was a very common name in the twelfth and thirteen centuries, then was revived during the nineteenth century British fad for medieval names.
  12. Steele

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "steel"

    • Description:

      This steely surname has a macho image that might feel more appropriate for a romance novel than a baby. But on the upside, it's also sleek and modern, familiar yet unusual, given to only around 100 boys per year in the US.
  13. Simone

    • Description:

      Simone as a masculine name originates from the Hebrew name Simon, meaning 'he who hears' or 'God has heard.' While Simone is primarily recognized as a feminine name in English-speaking countries, it maintains masculine usage in French and Italian cultures. As a male name, Simone has a sophisticated European flair, carrying associations with intellectualism and artistic sensibility. Notable bearers include Italian fashion designer Simone Porte Jacquemus and numerous Italian athletes and artists. The name's cross-cultural gender associations can create an interesting talking point for male bearers in English-speaking regions, where they might occasionally need to clarify its masculine usage in their cultural context.

  14. Spruce

    • Origin:

      Tree name

    • Description:

      A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.
  15. Raff

    • Description:

      Raff is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and a shortened form of Rafael, Rafferty, or Raffaello. Its origins can be traced to Hebrew (through Rafael, meaning 'God has healed') or Germanic roots (related to 'raven' or 'counsel'). Raff has a concise, strong sound that appeals to parents seeking brief, impactful names. In English-speaking countries, it gained some recognition in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward shorter name forms. The name carries a casual, friendly quality while maintaining masculine energy. The simplicity of Raff makes it versatile across cultures, though it remains relatively uncommon. Its brevity gives it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots.

  16. Holt

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of the unspoiled forests"

    • Description:

      Has that blunt masculine feel -- à la Cole and Kyle -- that many modern parents are drawn to.
  17. Carver

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "wood carver"

    • Description:

      Carver is an occupational name with an artistic bent, associated with wood carving predominantly, though it could also be linked to those who carve from stone, marble, ice, and pumpkins. More familiar that the equally arty Painter, but fresher than the 90s style Carter, Carver has received more interest in recent years.
  18. Magdalen

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Magdala or high tower"

    • Description:

      Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The Magdalene and Magdalena versions are perhaps even more stylish. Can be shortened to Maggie or Magda but the full version is prettiest. One of our new favorites!
  19. Bell

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"

    • Description:

      These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
  20. Gwendolen

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white ring, circle"

    • Description:

      Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo