Turtle Names

This African name, which derives from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, is used for both girls and boys -- but in the US, its most notable bearer is (male) artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley, who paints brown- and black-skinned people in the style of European Old Masters, was born in Los Angeles of an African-American mother and a Yoruba father and was also a twin, thus his name. An attractive and creative choice for either gender.

A strong modern word name with both spiritual and secular significance.

Paul Cézanne was a French post-Impressionist painter whose intriguing surname is of uncertain origin, although it may be related to Suzanne (from the Hebrew Shoshana, "lily"). It has been used as a girls' name in South Africa, due to its familiar -anne ending.

Tsunami is a Japanese word, derived from the elements tsu meaning "harbor," and nami, "wave." It was first used as a name in 2004 and 2005, then left the charts and reemerged in 2020. At the very least, it makes an interesting way to get to the nickname Sue or Susie (or would that be Tsu/Tsusi?)

Severe surname choice.

Sweeping, romantic overtones.

Rocking out on the porch with buddies Hubert, Norbert, and Osbert.

Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.

The name of the most renowned of the Old Masters is a potential option for families who put an emphasis on the creative. Rembrandt Peale was a member of the Peale family of painters, all named for famous artists.

A rare and picturesque floral name, elaborating on the popular Lily. Waterlilies symbolize peace and tranquility, and there's a lovely artistic association too, thanks to French Impressionist painter Claude Monet.

The first Tupac was the 15th century Incan ruler whose name was an extension of the Quechua Topa or Tupa. The second was the 20th century musician who put the gansta in rapper. Will your baby boy be the third? Such a singular name is undoubtedly a heavy mantle. When asked what his name meant, Tupac Shakur said, "I just say it means determined because I’m determined to never ever negotiate again."

Unisex Japanese name seen on a character in the Haikyū!! manga and anime series.

Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.

Notorious debuted on the charts for boys in 1995, at the height of The Notorious B.I.G.'s career.

Pembroke's brother.

Sounds like a displaced Dr. Seuss character.

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