UK Baby Names

If January, April and August are useable and fashionable, why not February? February as a word derives from the Latin februa, which was the name of a purification feast coming at the end of winter, to prepare for the coming spring.

A cross-cultural possibility, but a bit heavy and somber.

Since this is a word that pertains to cowardice, not the most appealing choice. Raven, Arven, and Haven might be more positive options for those drawn to the name by its sound.

A video-game name ("Final Fantasy VII") with an unappealing sound and meaning.

Evocative of the sand dunes at the beach, Doone is a relatively rare surname found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It was recently used with this spelling by Olympic medalist Amanda Beard; photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired, yes, by walks along the sand dunes during her pregnancy.

Alvin, Melvin, Norvin -- most vin names, except maybe Kevin and Gavin -- are not vinners.

With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

Tegwen is nowhere near as pretty as its meaning. Other -wen names -- Anwen, Bronwen, Rhonwen -- have more appeal.

While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.

Slightly more modern than Walter, but only just.

We're not too surprised that Shelton Lee changed his name to Spike.

This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.

A rare surname name that could follow in the footsteps of Harlow, Marlow, Winslow et al.

There are ordinary folk named Prince, Earl, and Duke, so why not this rank of nobility as well? Many spellings compete, the most common being Marquis, Marquise, and Marquez. Rapper 50 Cent chose the Marquise version for his son; David Caruso chose Marquez.

Welsh form of Richard.

This name of the largest river in Scotland, renowned for its salmon fishing, is usually thought of as a nickname for Taylor.

The new Randy -- though a bit commercial, as in Rand Corporation, Rand McNally, et al.