1450+ English Names

Some definite downsides: Massive, Messy.

Almost exclusively associated with opera diva Leontyne Price. If you want to use the suddenly-stylish Leontyne, we'd recommend the French Leontine spelling.

Barker may be appealing to parents looking for a name with many layers - not only does it share a meaning with the more common Shepherd and Tanner, it also brings to mind the bark of a tree, making this a surreptitious choice for nature enthusiasts.

Possibility for fans of science fiction writer Ray.

Associated with archetypal folksinger Pete Seeger.

Strong, friendly surname choice, à la Bailey.

This rarely heard name pares down all the ultrafeminine Dan names to one that's much more powerful, for both boys and girls.

Upper-crusty hotelish surname.

All the Fitz names are hard to carry, but this one has a wonderful meaning and might be a good middle name choice to honor a brilliant lineage.

Not quite as over-the-hill as Herman, but not far behind either.

Ambitious geographical name.

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

A fresher alternative to Dalton.

Only if it's a family name, and even then, better in the middle.

Projects the sleek and playful image of the aquatic mammal, plus that of the striking British-born Brazilian/Nigerian/Afro-Caribbean singer (born Sealhenry).

A more unusual, if slightly snooty, masculine Bailey alternative.

You won't win with Sherwin.

Most people's sole association with this name is Oprah companion Stedman Graham -- cool and sophisticated.

Thompson is not as popular as Jackson or Harrison, but a novel way to circumvent Junior for the son of a Thomas.

A Middle English form of Adalbert (and therefore of Albert), which was the name of several Saxon kings. Nowadays, Ethel plus Bert is not a fashionable sound, but Albert is feeling fresh again.