Fairy Tale Names

A traditional Nordic name, Helga was extremely popular throughout Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Germany, it was a Top 10 pick from 1924 to 1943. And it still ranks in the Icelandic Top 50 today.

Judy was the nickname of choice for almost all the Judiths born in the 1940s and 50s; today's little Judiths are much more likely to be called Judith -- or, possibly, Jude.

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

Rapunzel is famous as the long-haired heroine of the fairy tale, locked in a tower only to fall in love with a handsome prince who climbed to her side via her hair. Rapunzel has never been widely used as a first name the way, say, Aurora -- the mortal name of Sleeping Beauty -- has. Like Cinderella, it's too closely identified with the fairy tale to really take off as a girls' name. In German, it's the name of several varieties of wild-growing, edible leaves. Read more about Rapunzel and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.

This is one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah, deemed by Muhammad to be a recommended name for a male child. In this country, it's been primarily associated with boxing immortal Muhammad Ali, known as "the greatest." But Ali is also one of the most popular unisex names for both boys and girls.

Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.

Gretel originated as a nickname for Margarete, the German form of Margaret. It’s a charming name, but most American parents prefer Greta, as Gretel is strongly tied to the fairy tale heroine.

Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.

Amy was a 1970s favorite, and French spelling Aimee peaked in the same decade.

Vasilisa is the feminine form of Vasili, the Russian translation of Basil.

Might make a worthy masculine spin on either of the uber popular Emma or Emily.

Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.

If there are too many Connors in your neighborhood, this name is equally authentic and much more unusual. Spelled Conal or Conall, it's a prominent name in Irish history, borne by a number of kings and heroes.

Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.

Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.

Gives middle-aged Neil a new lease on life.

This common Scandinavian name, also spelled Osmund, is only occasionally heard in this country.

Those "Where's Gretel?" jokes will get old pretty fast.