Potential Character Surnames
- Bryleigh
Origin:
Modern invented nameMeaning:
"thorny woodland clearing"Description:
Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Bryleigh is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2010 to 2017, alongside its more popular counterpart, Brylee. Peaking in 2015 when it was given to 320 girls, Bryleigh has since been in decline, pushed out by Brynleigh and Everleigh.
- Brynleigh
Origin:
Variation of Brinley or combination of Bryn and LeighMeaning:
"burned clearing; hill + meadow"Description:
A combination name and an English surname, Brynleigh has trendy sounds and two possible nature meanings. Less popular than its counterparts, Brinley and Brynlee, it is nevertheless still in the US Top 1000.
- Brynnlee
Description:
Brynnlee is a feminine name representing the modern trend of combination names, blending elements of Brynn (which has Welsh origins meaning 'hill' or 'mound') with the popular suffix '-lee' (meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'). This contemporary creation emerged primarily in the 2010s as part of the movement toward unique spellings and compound names. Brynnlee follows the pattern of names like Brynlee and Brinley, but with the distinctive double 'n' spelling. The name has gained modest popularity particularly in the United States, appealing to parents seeking names that sound traditional yet remain distinctive. Brynnlee combines the strength associated with Brynn and the feminine, nature-inspired quality of the '-lee' ending.
- Bryony
Origin:
Latin flower nameMeaning:
"to sprout"Description:
Bryony is an unusually strong plant name --the bryony is a wild climbing vine with green flowers --that caught on in the U.K. before sprouting here. The name of the young character in the Ian McEwan novel Atonement is spelled Briony, which is the variation and Bryony the original.
- Buck
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"male deer or rabbit"Description:
Comedian Roseanne Barr chose this macho nature name for her son. In the 18th century it was used to describe a dashing, fashionable dressed man. Buck fits in well alongside names like Beck, Jack and Huck.
- Cadoc
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"battle"Description:
St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.
- Caius
Origin:
Variation of Gaius, LatinMeaning:
"rejoice"Description:
Caius is classical and serious but also has a simple, joyful quality. There was a third century pope named Caius, as well as an early Christian writer, several Shakespearean characters, and a Twilight vampire. We would pronounce the name to rhyme with eye-us though at Cambridge University in England, where it's the name of a college, it's pronounced keys.
- Calahan
Description:
Calahan is a masculine name of Irish origin, representing a variant spelling of Callahan or Callaghan. It derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallacháin,' meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán,' a personal name stemming from 'ceallach,' meaning 'strife' or 'contention.' The surname Callahan was transformed into a given name following the common pattern of Irish surnames becoming first names in American naming traditions. Calahan offers a strong, distinctly Irish identity while its alternative spelling gives it a contemporary touch. While less common than Callahan, this variant maintains the same robust, traditional feel with its three-syllable rhythm. The name evokes images of Irish heritage and carries a certain dignified strength.
- Caldera
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"cauldron; volcanic crater"Description:
Rare and fiery Spanish name that can work for girls or boys.
- Calliope
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.
- Calypso
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"she who hides"Description:
This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
- 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.
- Campion
Origin:
English botanical name and FrenchMeaning:
"champion, woodland flower"Description:
The campion is a pretty woodland plant with pink or red flowers, whose common name derives from Old French champion "champion". The plant is so called because in classical times, the rose campion was fitted in garlands used to crown victors.
- Canyon
Origin:
Spanish word nameDescription:
Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.
- Caraway
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
An edible plant used in seed and spice form.
- Carina
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"dear little one"Description:
Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.
- Carlee
Origin:
Spelling variation of CarlyDescription:
Carly and company have had a good run, fueled by Nickelodeon's popular series iCarly, as well as Canadian pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
- Carlo
Origin:
Italian variation of CharlesDescription:
Energetic Italian classic that would blend with a surname of any ethnicity.
- Carlyle
Origin:
Variation of Carlisle, EnglishMeaning:
"from the walled city"Description:
Carlisle is more popular than Carlyle for both genders, and in both spellings more widely used for boys than for girls. It's a name we see on the rise in either spelling.
- Carsen
Description:
Carsen is a modern unisex name that leans slightly masculine in usage. It represents a contemporary spelling variation of Carson, which originated as an English and Scottish surname derived from 'carr' meaning 'marsh' or 'wetland' and 'son,' literally 'son of the marsh-dweller.' The name gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. The variation with 'e' instead of 'o' gives it a softer, slightly more modern feel. Carsen projects a strong yet approachable image, balancing traditional roots with contemporary style. It has been moderately popular in North America but rarely reaches the top rankings, appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet not overly common. The name works well professionally while still feeling youthful.