Place Names for Babies

This is one place-name we'd put off-limits, for obvious reasons.

A city in Italy, or simply an alternative spelling of Barry.

Lydda is the name of a Biblical town whose similarity to Lydia makes it plausible as a first name. But if you're considering Lydda, we can't help but wonder: Why not just stick with Lydia?

Zuma is a name that can appeal to almost anyone — just pick your association! There's former South African president Jacob Zuma, the Malibu beach, video game, and more. Children will associate it with the male Paw Patrol character — which may explain why Zuma is becoming more popular among dogs.

This Canadian city name would make a unique but very wearable choice for a son or daughter. Cal is a good nickname — skip Gary.

A place name that became a heady way of life, and a rarely-if-ever-used baby name.

There are more charming places -- and place-names -- for your child.

An island off the coast of Florida makes an intriguing name choice. Sanibel was originally named Santa Isybella, after Queen Isabella of Castille, and was later shortened to San Ybel and eventually Sanibel. Would make a unique alternative to Annabel or Isabel.

Iceland is a futuristic place name that works as well for babies as Ireland. We predict it's going to be one of the top baby names of 2050, along with other girl names that end in land, such as Scotland, Graceland, and Zealand.

Concord, Massachusetts is home to tranquil Walden Pond, and as a word name, concord has a harmonious meaning, making this a modern virtue name.

Maryland appeared on the charts as a male name before a female one, but these days it's all girl.

Ravello is an Italian town on the Amalfi Coast. It's a popular travel destination and was a favorite spot for many notable creatives, including Virginia Woolf, Greta Garbo, and Tennessee Williams.

Less-traveled member of this fashionable group, with less than attractive sound.

The Maricopa people are a Native American tribe who have lived on the banks of the Gila River for centuries. The tribe calls themselves Piipaash or Piipaa (meaning "people") — the term Maricopa is borrowed from Spanish.

A city in southern Jordan that some believe will be the site of the Second Coming.

Unlikely to take over Kenya's spot as the dominant African place-name.

This Caribbean island and popular travel destination is known for its stunning white sand beaches and bright blue waters. The name Aruba is thought to stem from the word Oruba, meaning "well-situated island" in the native Caiquetio language.

Torille is the name of an Italian town, and is also found as a surname/

Named after the mythological Io, the Greek island of Ios is located in the Aegean Sea.