UK Baby Names
- Shaw
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dweller by the wood"Description:
With the current taste for last names first, this sounds a lot cooler than Shawn; it also has creative connections to the great Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, novelist Irwin Shaw, and Big Band Era clarinetist/bandleader and one-time Ava Gardner husband Artie Shaw.
- Dena
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"delicate or judged"Description:
The modern name Dena can be considered to come from either of two Old Testament names. Adina, which means delicate, was the name of a male soldier in the Bible. Dinah, meaning judged, Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Dena is a common name in Amish communities.
- Rona
Origin:
Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; HebrewMeaning:
"might; song"Description:
Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber edge. In 2020, Rona was given to 17 baby girls (a fall from 26 the previous year). In 2021, it dropped to just 5 — we expect it to drop off the list entirely in the years to come.
- Noreen
Origin:
English, diminutive of NoraDescription:
Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
- Collier
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"coal miner"Description:
This occupational surname could find new life with those wishing to honor someone in their heritage who was connected to the tough-as-nails breed that was the pre-modern coal miner. Coll and Collie are some sweet nickname options to tone down the formality of this name.
- Meredith
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"great chief"Description:
Meredith has been considered primarily a girl's name since the fifties, before which it was more commonly used for boys. Comic actor Jay Mohr recently named his son Meredith, which might help it swing back into the blue column. The traditional Welsh pronunciation puts the stress on the middle syllable, making Red a cool nickname possibility.
- Shelby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"estate on the ledge"Description:
Southern name still occasionally heard in a male context (author Shelby Foote and the son of singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire), but it's much more associated with girls.
- Winton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's farm"Description:
See WYNTON.
- Drystan
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"sad, tumult"Description:
The Welsh form of Tristan, and the name of a counselor to King Arthur.
- Willamina
Origin:
Variation of Wilhelmina, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Classic Wilhelmina is still the dominant form of this name, but the more intuitive, streamlined Willamina is rising alongside it. The phonetic spelling eliminates some of Wilhelmina's bulk, taking it from geek-chic to modern feminissima.
- Vevina
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"sweet lady"Description:
This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.
- Garfield
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"triangular field"Description:
Despite the presidential pedigree, it's still hard to shake the image of the cartoon cat (named after his creator Jim Davis's grandfather). However, there are other Garfields, such as Barbadian cricket player Sir Garfield Sobers, who carries it with gravitas.
- Penrose
Origin:
Cornish and Welsh place name and surnameMeaning:
"top of the heath"Description:
Penrose – an ancient place-name and surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – would make for an even more unexpected alternative to quirky nature name Primrose. Intuitive nicknames Penny or Rosie make it feel more wearable.
- Nairne
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"river with alder trees"Description:
Has a pleasant Scottish burr.
- Clinton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"hilltop town"Description:
Like many names that have strong political connotations, the attractiveness of the name Clinton will be affected by your world-view. But, taking politics out of the equation, Clinton has a lovely pastoral meaning, a strong sound and a tremendously wearable nickname - Clint - all which would seem to be in its favor for at least a second thought.
- Kimberly
Origin:
English surname and place nameMeaning:
"Cyneburga's meadow"Description:
Kimberly is a variation of the South African (and Australian) place name Kimberley, named after John Wodehouse, 1st Earl of Kimberley. The name comes from a Norfolk earldom (first spelled Chineburlai) and references the meadow or woodland clearing of a medieval Lady called Cyneburga.
- Dilwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fair, white, blessed"Description:
Welsh heritage choice that's rare today even in its native land.
- Dallin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the valley"Description:
A fresh Dale relative that finds place amongst similar names like Cullin and Hamelin as well as the more common Allen and Dylan.
- Romany
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Romani"Description:
Romany is a melodious name referring to the Roma or Romani community and their culture, which makes it a potentially controversial choice for a baby not of that heritage. Romany Malco is an actor who appeared on the television show "Weeds." Other similar ideas: Roman, Romano, or Romeo.
- Chadwick
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dairy farm"Description:
Chadwick Boseman, the late charismatic star of Marvel's blockbuster Black Panther, brought this name to the spotlight for the first time. Though we long considered it an overwrought way to get to the nickname Chad, his celebrity gives it new luster, and we wouldn't be surprised to see it grow in popularity going forward.