Place Names for Babies

Ibiza — a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea — stems from the Arabic word Yabisah, meaning "land".

From Caeredin, the Welsh name for the Scottish capital, Edinburgh... although many people would see it simply as an alternative spelling of Aiden.

Has much too strong of a Brooklyn accent.

A southwestern city name that could make a distinctive alternative to Dallas.

Viva Las Vegas? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? We think not. Maybe Vega, the name of an actual heavenly star?

Closely tied to the widow of John Lennon.

Derby might be considered a word name or a surname-name. In England, it would be pronounced darby, causing confusion with that similar name.

The Alhambra, which means "red city," is in Granada, Spain. British writer Ali Smith used it for a character in her novel The Accidental.

Among the Top Ten Basque baby girls' names, this is actually the place name of an island and is related to other such names as Isla. An unusual O-ending girls' name.

Manhattan is the smallest yet one of the most populous New York City boroughs. The area was historically inhabited by Munsee Lenape and Wappinger tribes of Native Americans, and the name Manhattan is derived from the Munsee Lenape language. Hickory trees that were used to make bows grew on the southern part of Manhattan, which inspired the term manaháhtaan, from the Munsee Lenape words for "gather" and "bow."

This name of the North Dakota city has been used for at least one female (we know, because she wrote to us) but it doesn't meet the Social Security's five-baby threshold to ever make it onto the official records for either sex. But it certainly can work as a first name as well as or even better than many place-names. After all, it rhymes with Margo!

A minimalist choice, Uz is the Biblical home of Job. It's also the name of a character in the Bible, the father of Aram and the grandson of Shem, as is Uzziah. Uz is one of those names that could go either way depending on the personality of your child: super-cool or scuzzy. Proceed with caution.

Name of a tiny Bahamian island that's better suited to a girl.

Place-name mentioned in the New Testament and not yet on the name map. Philadelphia Thursday was the character played by Shirley Temple in John Ford's 1948 "Fort Apache."

Tiree is the anglicised name of the Scottish island of Tiriodh in the Inner Hebrides. It’s known as Scotland’s "sunshine isle", benefiting from an uncharacteristically warm and sunny climate and beautiful beaches which are popular with surfers and windsurfers. As a given name, Tiree is in rare but regular use in Scotland, England and Wales.

Beverley is a primarily feminine name (though historically used for both genders) with Old English origins meaning 'beaver stream' or 'beaver meadow.' Originally a place name in Yorkshire, England, it evolved into a surname before becoming a given name. Beverley saw peak popularity in English-speaking countries during the 1930s-1950s, particularly in the UK, Australia, and Canada. The name carries a certain vintage charm and elegance characteristic of its era. While less common for babies today, it remains recognizable through notable bearers like British actress Beverley Mitchell. The alternative spelling 'Beverly' is more common in the United States. The name evokes images of refinement and sophistication, and might appeal to parents attracted to vintage names with established histories.

While this African place-name is much more popular for boys, nearly 40 girls were named Zaire last year. Among African baby names, this is one of the best-known in the US.

Strong and spare state name, maybe better in the middle -- or for a boy.

Austria is an nteresting, appealing, unexplored geographic destination, much fresher than American cousin Austin.

An unexplored choice, evocative of the snowcapped Andes, with a pleasant, catchy sound.