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Not gender neutral... Yet

  1. Em

    • Origin:

      Short form of Emma or Emily, German or Latin

    • Meaning:

      "universal or rival"

    • Description:

      There are a lot of little girls called Em today, but not that many named Em, just Em. As a first name, it's a bit reductive, especially with all the children named Emma, Emily, Emilia, Emeline, and onward. But we can see it working as a creative middle name, perhaps a clever way to honor Grandpa Mike?
  2. Emelyn

    • Description:

      Emelyn is a feminine name with Welsh origins, a variant of Emeline which ultimately derives from the Germanic name Amalia, meaning 'work' or 'industrious.' The name combines the popularity of Emma and Emily with a distinctive ending, creating something both familiar and unique. In Welsh tradition, Emelyn can also be used as a masculine name. The feminine version has gained modest popularity in recent years as parents seek alternatives to more common Em- names. Emelyn has a lyrical, vintage quality that fits with the trend toward reviving traditional names with a fresh feel. The name offers the cute nickname options of Em, Emmy, or Lyn.

  3. Emi

    • Origin:

      English, Slovene, or Japansese

    • Meaning:

      "rival; whole; beautiful favor, beautiful picture"

    • Description:

      As an English nickname, Emi can be short for anything beginning with (or containing) the popular "em" sound, such as Emily, Emilia, or maybe even Clementine.
  4. Eppie

    • Description:

      Eppie is a feminine name traditionally used as a diminutive of Euphemia, a Greek name meaning 'well-spoken' or 'words of good omen.' It gained literary recognition through George Eliot's novel 'Silas Marner,' where Eppie is the adopted daughter of the protagonist. The name has Scottish and English roots and was moderately popular in the 19th century. Eppie has a cheerful, vintage charm with its playful double 'p' sound and friendly ending. Though not commonly used in modern times, it retains appeal among parents seeking uncommon vintage names with historical depth. Its short, sweet nature makes it both distinctive and accessible.
  5. Eris

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "strife, discord"

    • Description:

      Eris was the goddess of strife and discord, turned fairy tale and then popular culture figure Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty. Ironic, as her name sounds so much like that of Eros, the god of love.
  6. Estell

    • Description:

      Estell is a feminine name that serves as a variant of Estelle, derived from Latin 'stella' meaning 'star'. This celestial connection gives the name a sense of brightness and aspiration. The single-L spelling creates a distinctive variation while maintaining the elegant sound of the original. Estell has an antique charm that appeals to those seeking vintage names with a slightly unique twist. While never among the most popular names, Estell enjoyed modest usage in the early 20th century before declining. It carries a quiet sophistication and brevity that distinguishes it from longer elaborations like Estella or Estrella while conveying the same starry symbolism.
  7. Estrell

    • Description:

      Estrell is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or shortened form of Estrella, which means "star" in Spanish. With its celestial connections, Estrell evokes imagery of brightness, guidance, and cosmic beauty. This uncommon variation maintains the poetic essence of its origin while offering a more concise form. Though rare in mainstream usage, Estrell has an appealing international flair that crosses cultural boundaries. The name carries a sense of elegant simplicity with its single-syllable ending, distinguishing it from the more commonly known Estrella. For parents seeking a name that suggests brilliance and uniqueness without being completely unfamiliar, Estrell offers a distinctive yet accessible option with beautiful symbolic significance.
  8. Ether

    • Description:

      Ether is an uncommon feminine name derived from scientific and philosophical concepts rather than traditional naming conventions. The word 'ether' historically referred to the fifth element in ancient and medieval science, thought to fill the upper regions of space. It was considered the material that made up the heavens and celestial bodies. The name evokes ethereal qualities—lightness, elegance, and otherworldliness. In modern contexts, it might appeal to parents drawn to scientific terminology or abstract concepts as naming inspiration. While quite rare as a given name, Ether offers a distinctive choice with philosophical depth and celestial associations, fitting among other element-inspired names but with a more mystical quality.
  9. Evangel

    • Description:

      Evangel is a rare feminine name derived from the Greek word "evangelion," meaning "good news" or "gospel." This connection gives the name strong religious connotations within Christianity, as the Gospels contain the teachings of Jesus Christ. Unlike the more common Evangeline, which incorporates the same root with a feminine suffix, Evangel is direct and concise while maintaining a gentle sound suitable for a feminine name. The name has never been widely used in the United States or other English-speaking countries, remaining an uncommon choice that carries spiritual significance. For parents seeking a name with explicit Christian meaning, Evangel offers a distinctive alternative to more popular religious names while maintaining clear biblical associations.
  10. Eyre

    • Origin:

      Literary name and Old Norse

    • Meaning:

      "gravel bank river"

    • Description:

      This lovely name is best-known as the surname of eponymous Bronte heroine, Jane Eyre, and would make an appealing and distinctive middle name for the child of fans of that book. While the surname Eyre is found mainly in England, its origins are Norse and it's thought to derive from Norse settlers. Still, the status of the classic books means Eyre deserves to stand proudly among English baby names.
  11. Ezell

    • Description:

      Ezell has origins as a surname before transitioning to use as a given name, a common pattern in American naming traditions. The surname Ezell likely derives from a Germanic personal name Etzel (a diminutive of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble') or potentially from a place name. As a given name, Ezell has historical usage dating back to the early 20th century in the United States, with modest but consistent usage over decades. It shares phonetic similarities with biblical names like Ezekiel but has a distinct etymology. The name has remained relatively uncommon, which may contribute to its appeal for parents seeking traditional-sounding names outside the mainstream. Its continued usage demonstrates how surnames can maintain longevity as given names once they enter the naming pool.
  12. Faith

    • Origin:

      Virtue name

    • Description:

      Faith is one of the most straightforward of the virtue names popularized by the Puritans in the seventeenth century, many parents still choosing it as an indicator of their religious conviction. Faith peaked in 2002 at Number 48.
  13. Fay

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fairy"

    • Description:

      Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
  14. Fayvel

    • Description:

      Fayvel is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, derived from the Hebrew name "Feivel," meaning "bright one" or "shining one." Sometimes associated with the name Philip, Fayvel has deep roots in Eastern European Jewish communities. Historically, the name was common among Jewish families in regions like Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. While relatively rare in contemporary mainstream usage, Fayvel continues to be chosen by families honoring their Jewish heritage or seeking a connection to Ashkenazi traditions. The name gained some recognition through the animated character Fievel Mousekewitz in "An American Tail," though the spelling Fayvel maintains its traditional Yiddish character. It carries connotations of brightness, hope, and cultural resilience.

  15. Felix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "happy, fortunate"

    • Description:

      Felix is one of those ancient but nontraditional names for boys that have come into favor over the past few decades, a favorite of parents who want a masculine name with history and heft that breaks ranks with the standard Franks and Freds. Felix is also an international darling, ranking in the Top 100 in several European and English-speaking countries.
  16. Fern

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "plant name"

    • Description:

      Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of #152 in 1916. We can certainly see her rejoining the long list of popular greenery names.
  17. Firth

    • Origin:

      Scottish nature name

    • Meaning:

      "estuary or arm of the sea"

    • Description:

      Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr. Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.
  18. Flavel

    • Description:

      Flavel is a rare masculine name with Latin roots, derived from 'flavus' meaning 'yellow' or 'golden-haired.' Historically, it emerged as both a surname and given name in medieval England. The name carries associations with scholarly distinction through figures like the 17th-century English theologian John Flavel. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Flavel has maintained a quiet presence throughout history, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with a dignified classical sound. Its rarity gives it a unique quality, making it stand out among more common names while still maintaining an accessible pronunciation.

  19. Flordelis

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fleur de lys"

    • Description:

      This name was occasionally used in the Middle Ages by members of the House of Sicily. A revival of this floral name would make an interesting addition to the increasingly broad selection of botanical names being used at the moment.
  20. Franklin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "free landholder"

    • Description:

      A doubly Presidential name, via Pierce and Roosevelt, Franklin was given an initial boost via the fame of Benjamin Franklin. It also has a literary tie to the main character of the Wilkie Collins classic The Moonstone.

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