College Baby Names

Can be used as a middle name to honor Dad or Grandpa David.

Columbia is a rarely used name with many associations. From the eighteenth century it has been used as a female personification of the United States, often appearing as a flag-draped patriotic figure. And as such it's inspired a plethora of place and company names, from the District of Columbia to Columbia University to Columbia Records, and songs like "Columbia, Gem of the Ocean." A character called Columbia appears in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Despite its appearance, McGill is not related to any of the Gil- names, including Gilbert, Gilford, and Gilson. The "gill" piece is derived from the Gaelic word gall, meaning "foreigner." Yet, it could still be used to honor a Gil in your life.

This Macallister variation is strongly associted with Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Unless it's your alma mater, it might be wise to stick with the original.

Name of pastoral Vermont town and college sounds too stiff and starchy.