I've only met one person named...
- Turner
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"works with a lathe"Description:
Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more distinctive choice than many of the usual suspects.
- Tzvi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gazelle"Description:
Tzvi is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
- Takada
- Takina
- Tayaba
- Temisan
- Terrez
- Ulysses
Origin:
Latin variation of the Greek OdysseusDescription:
Ulysses is one of the few U boys' names anyone knows -- with heavy links to the Homeric hero, eighteenth president Grant, and the James Joyce novel -- all of which makes it both distinguished and kind of weighty for a modern boy. Ulysses was on the US popularity list well into the twenty-first century; it's off now, but Number 684 on Nameberry.
- Uriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my light"Description:
A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield. Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine. These negative connotations may be wearing off, however. (Perhaps because people don't read as much Dickens as they used to.)
- Urvi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"wide"
- Valeria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.
- Van
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"of"Description:
Whether it's used as a short form or on its own, this jazzy midcentury name is poised for a comeback along with brothers Ray and Walt.
- Velda
Origin:
Variation of ValdaDescription:
See VALDA.
- Veronique
Origin:
French form of VeronicaMeaning:
"true image"Description:
Veronica seems poised to rise again, along with many other V names, and with it may follow this more romantic French version.
- Viola
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"violet"Description:
Viola has plenty of positive elements going for it: the rhythm of the musical instrument, the association with the flower, the trending 'Vi' beginning and its leading role in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. With a touch of international flair, it also avoids the violent/Violet some parents have.
- Vittoria
Origin:
Italian variation of VictoriaDescription:
An appealing Italianate alternative.
- Vrinda
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"cluster of flowers, virtue and strength"Description:
An epithet for the goddess Radha as well as a name for Tulsi, the holy basil plant.
- Vianca
- Wilbert
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"bright will"Description:
Wilbert is one of the new old grandpa names marching -- shuffling? -- back into style, taking the place of names like Gus and Max which now sound totally baby-friendly. Wilbert and cousin Wilbur could take a little longer.
- Wilson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Will"Description:
Wilson is a substantive presidential choice far less prevalent than Taylor or Tyler, and with the advantage of being a new route to friendly nickname Will. We see Wilson growing in popularity as an alternative to William; and as a patronymic, it would make a conceivable (if possibly confusing) choice for a son of William.