College Baby Names

  1. Bentley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "meadow with coarse grass"
    • Description:

      Bentley, a somewhat stuffy British surname, previously associated primarily with an incredibly expensive English car, has had a recent surge in popularity, thanks largely to the reality TV shows 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, with Bentley being the name of the son of breakout star Maci (another new favorite) Bookout.
  2. Liberty
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Less common than other virtue names, Liberty is nonetheless a name with a long American heritage.
  3. Truman
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "loyal one"
    • Description:

      Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival.
  4. Kent
    • Origin:

      English surname and place-name
    • Meaning:

      "edge"
    • Description:

      Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
  5. Drexel
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "to turn"
    • Description:

      Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating decorative objects. With the rise of the similar-sounding Dexter, Drexel might catch on.
  6. Smith
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "blacksmith"
    • Description:

      Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history.
  7. Albion
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, bright"
    • Description:

      Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
  8. Arbor
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
  9. Case
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
  10. Hamilton
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "treeless hill"
    • Description:

      Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.
  11. Pomona
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "apple"
    • Description:

      This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.
  12. Wright
    • Description:

      Wright is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname referring to a craftsman or builder—specifically a woodworker or carpenter (from the Old English "wyrhta," meaning "worker"). As a first name, Wright carries strong traditional and artisanal connotations, suggesting skill, craftsmanship, and creation. It remains relatively uncommon as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name has a strong, concise sound with its single syllable and consonant blend. Those named Wright might appreciate the name's connections to craftsmanship and its subtle suggestion that one can build or create their own path in life. Its surname-as-first-name style also reflects contemporary naming trends.

  13. Webster
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "weaver"
    • Description:

      Webster is one of several W-starting surname names back on the drawing board, now that it has recovered from its childlike eighties sitcom identity.
  14. Baylor
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "horse trainer"
    • Description:

      Baylor is a possible occupational alternative to the tired Taylor, especially for a horse lover.
  15. Pace
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Calm, straightforward, patrician sounding: Pace is one new-style name that's well-grounded.
  16. Rider
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "horseman"
    • Description:

      Rider is a rock-and-roll baby name, in every sense of the term, though usually spelled Ryder, as in the sons of Kate Hudson and John Leguizamo.
  17. Creighton
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "hilltop town, rocky place"
    • Description:

      One instance where a phonetic spelling might be better.
  18. Kenyon
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "white haired or blond"
    • Description:

      Kenyon is a very engaging British surname name, the middle y giving it a kind of southwestern canyonesque undertone.
  19. Olaf
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "ancestor's relic"
    • Description:

      Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.
  20. Bard
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Baird, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "minstrel, poet"
    • Description:

      Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.