Thanksgiving Names

A common name for orange-colored cats. Fun fact: the word pumpkin is derived from the Greek pepōn, translating to "large melon."

An upbeat English word name with a Puritanical feel, famously borne by Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who reigned for over 50 years until his death in 2021.

Shaquille O'Neal came almost as close as he could to a Junior when he selected this name for his son.

One of the more unusual nature names, Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. Disclaimer: potential for "corny" jokes.

A favorite in Brazil, with the z adding extra zest.

Gracious African choice.

Believe it or not, Prudence is on the rise for girls in both the US and UK. Could Prudent be next?

A warm and positive English word name, used by the Puritans for both sexes but now given to only around a dozen baby girls each year.

The given name of Conocotocko II, or Standing Turkey, a Cherokee chief in the 18th century. He advised the tribe to go to war against the then-colonies of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

An romantic Puritan virtue name that elaborates on the already-amorous Love.

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

A pleasant seasonal name.

One Puritan virtue name unlikely to thrive in the 21st century.

A cool spiritual word name à la Psalm.

Unisex name with a gracious meaning, most often used in Zimbabwe.

In the Plymouth Colony of the seventeenth century, Thankful was the third most popular of the abstract word names. It disappeared after 1700 and has virtually no chance of returning.

Best known as the name of a Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower.

An admirable quality to impart; Pleasant was used by Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend and in modern times is known via American Girl dolls creator Pleasant Rowland.

A strong and unusual Somali name with a great meaning.