ances tree
- Burnett
Description:
Burnett is a masculine name of Old French and Germanic origins, derived from the word 'brun' meaning 'brown' or 'dark-haired/complexioned.' It originated as a surname for people with brown hair or those who made brown cloth. As a first name, Burnett has never been widely popular but maintains a steady, if uncommon, presence. It carries an air of distinction and tradition, often associated with intellect and seriousness. The name has connections to notable families in Scotland, where Burnett is an established clan name. Its refined sound gives it an elegant quality while maintaining masculine strength, appealing to parents looking for a sophisticated name with historical depth.
- Burney
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"island of the brook"Description:
Though they sound exactly alike, this spelling makes it much more elegant than Bernie.
- Burroughs
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dwelling place"Description:
Most parents attracted to this name will be devotees of the author William and would be better off using it in the middle.
- Burrows
Description:
Burrows is primarily known as an English surname derived from the Old English 'burh' or 'burg,' referring to someone who lived near a hill or fortification. As a masculine given name, Burrows is extremely rare, representing a modern trend of using surnames as first names. The name carries earthy, grounded associations with nature and wildlife, particularly rabbit habitats. Burrows has a strong, distinctive sound that stands out among traditional masculine names. While uncommon as a first name, it fits with contemporary naming trends favoring unique surname-style choices. The name might appeal to parents looking for something with English heritage that remains distinctive and uncommon.
- Busch
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"dweller near the bush"Description:
For stalwart Republicans only.
- Bush
Description:
Bush is an uncommon masculine given name derived from an English surname. The surname originally referred to someone who lived near a bush or thicket, coming from the Old English word 'busc.' As a first name, Bush is exceedingly rare, known primarily for its association with the political family that produced two U.S. presidents. The name has strong nature connotations, evoking imagery of vegetation and wild landscapes. While some might choose it to honor the political family, others might select it for its simple, strong sound and natural associations. Its brevity gives it a distinct, memorable quality, though its primary recognition remains as a surname rather than a given name.
- Butler
Origin:
English occupational nameDescription:
We don't see that bright a future for this one either.
- Byrne
Description:
Byrne is a masculine name of Irish and Gaelic origin, derived from Ó Broin, meaning "descendant of Bran." The name Bran translates to "raven" in Gaelic, giving Byrne associations with this intelligent and mystical bird. Originally a surname common throughout Ireland, particularly in Counties Dublin and Wicklow, Byrne has transitioned to occasional use as a given name. It carries a strong Celtic heritage and projects a sense of ruggedness and tradition. While relatively uncommon as a first name, Byrne appeals to parents seeking a distinctive Irish name with historical depth. Its single-syllable strength and unique sound set it apart from more common Celtic names.
- Byron
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"barn for cows"Description:
For centuries, this name had a romantic, windswept image due to its strong connection to the poet Lord Byron, who inspired its use as a first name. It is one of those surprise names that's appeared on the Top 1000 every year since 1880.
- Barrow
- Barrows
- Bliven
- Cady
Origin:
English, diminutive and surnameDescription:
Cady is one of those names that sounds popular but is actually rare in this form, given to only a few dozen baby girls in the US last year.
- Caitlin
Origin:
Irish variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
An Irish and Welsh form of Catherine, Caitlin was a boom name of the eighties, rocketing from obscurity (Americans first heard it via the wife of doomed poet Dylan Thomas) to the height of popularity in the space of a decade. The original name was gradually eclipsed by its myriad spelling variations -- Katelyn and Kaitlyn both soon topping it on the popularity lists.
- Caleb
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dog; whole heart"Description:
Caleb is an attractive Old Testament name that has been in the US Top 100 for nearly three decades now. Consistently popular but never too popular, Caleb feels more like a classic than a momentary trend.
- Callahan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"bright-headed"Description:
Callahan, the simpler spelling of Callaghan, is a rhythmic jig of a name whose history harks back to the ancient King of Munster. In the Dirty Harry movies, the Clint Eastwood character is Harry Callahan.
- Callas
Description:
Opera lovers and fans of the great diva might make a more sensitive choice with Maria.
- Calvin
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bald, hairless"Description:
Calvin is a slightly quirky but cozy name that has a fashion edge thanks to Calvin Klein. It has been steadily on the popularity list since records were kept, never lower than Number 250, peaking in the 1920s, the era of the Calvin (originally John Calvin ) Coolidge presidency.
- Campbell
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"crooked mouth"Description:
The seventh most common surname in Scotland, once associated only with soup, is now being considered as a last-name-first choice, accessible but unusual.
- Carew
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"fort near a slope"Description:
Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.