1450+ English Names

  1. Gracelynn
    • Origin:

      Combination of Grace and Lynn
    • Meaning:

      "Grace + lake; pretty"
    • Description:

      With Grace mega popular and Gracie on the rise, this modern compound name provides a trendy alternative. With the vibes of Brooklyn and Evelyn and the contemporary feel of Oaklynn and and Emberlynn, Gracelynn is currently in the US Top 400.
  2. Kenelm
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "brave helmet, protection"
    • Description:

      One of the least known of the Ken names, though could make an intriguing namesake for an outdated Kenneth.
  3. Sanford
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "sandy ford"
    • Description:

      A dated fifties surname name that led to the nickname SAndy.
  4. Calder
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "rocky water"
    • Description:

      One art name that sounds distinctly more masculine. Unless you're a big mobile fan, keep thinking.
  5. Treat
    • Origin:

      English word and nickname
    • Description:

      One of the magical words of childhood (and beyond), and associated with actor Treat (born Richard) Williams, whose nickname came from ancestor Robert Treat Williams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
  6. Seaton
    • Origin:

      Scottish and English
    • Meaning:

      "town by the sea"
    • Description:

      A perfectly fine Anglo surname, though we'd prefer Keaton. Oscar-winning writer-director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street, The Country Girl) was actually born George Stenius.
  7. Huntington
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hunter's settlement"
    • Description:

      If Hunter just isn't full enough for you, place name Huntington might be a better option.
  8. Merry
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "lighthearted, happy"
    • Description:

      She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.
  9. Dart
    • Origin:

      English place- and word name
    • Description:

      This British river name sounds sleek and strong but perhaps a bit too energetic.
  10. Reed
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "red-haired"
    • Description:

      Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.
  11. Shade
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Nice sound, but double meaning -- shady glen or shady character.
  12. Brylee
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Meaning:

      "thorny woodland clearing"
    • Description:

      Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Brylee is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked back in 2012 when it was given to around 770 babies, but has since been in decline. Given to around 230 girls in a recent year, Brynlee and Oakley are now preferred.
  13. Brom
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bromley, English
    • Meaning:

      "broom meadow"
    • Description:

      Attached to one of the heroes of Christopher Paolini's megapopular fantasy novel Eragon, this name sounds strong yet sensitive.
  14. Faulkner
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "falconer"
    • Description:

      Faulkner is an old occupational surname that was used for someone who kept and trained falcons when falconry was a popular sport in medieval Europe. Anyone using it in contemporary America would probably be honoring Southern novelist William Faulkner. While we love the author, Falconer would probably be a slightly easier name to carry on the playground.
  15. St john
    • Origin:

      English saint's name
    • Description:

      St. JOhn is mainly (but rarely) used by Catholics in England -- there's one in Jane Eyre. This would probably be too cumbersome for most American kids.
  16. Marvel
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Marvel, now a character name in The Hunger Games series, was a miracle name of yesterday, on the girls' Social Security list until 1941 and reaching a high of 487 at the turn of the last century, when Marva was also in style.
  17. Bede
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "prayer"
    • Description:

      A famous seventh-century saint and church historian whose name has not survived as well as his works. Known as the Venerable Bede, this Benedictine monk is considered the first known writer of English prose, and highly influential via his The History of the English Church and People.
  18. Temple
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the temple"
    • Description:

      The old word name Temple has gained some recent notice as a girls' name via admired autistic writer and inventor Dr. Temple Grandin (born Mary Temple), subject of an acclaimed biopic, in which she was played by Claire Danes.
  19. Arledge
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the rabbit lake"
    • Description:

      Stiff and formal surname. Try Roone instead.
  20. Jetta
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "jet"
    • Description:

      Although this is a legitimate name, most people would associate it with a line of Volkswagens -- you'd be better off choosing a Mercedes.