Wacky Word Names
- December
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
Although this month name was used only for girls in a recent year, there's no reason it can't work for both genders. For a holiday baby, more original than Noel and more universal than Christmas.
- Declare
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"to make known as a determination"Description:
A word name in the Puritan vein, à la Remember or Experience, which a few daring namers are beginning to consider.
- Delight
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"gratification or pleasure"Description:
The mythical daughter of Eros and Psyche becomes a modern-sounding word name. Danger: could be seen as X-rated.
- Delta
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"letter or island"Description:
Delta is an unusual vintage option with a lazy-day-down-by-the-river feel. Delta is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet and also the geographical name given to an island formed at the mouth of a river.
- Denim
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"sturdy cotton"Description:
With Levi in vogue and country names on trend, Denim could fit in among the Waylons, Walkers, Coltons, and Rhetts. As a boys name, it brings to mind the qualities of the fabric: hardworking, cool and versatile. Singer Toni Braxton chose this name for her son in 2001, and parents have been using it for boys and girls ever since.
- Destiny
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If Destiny is your daughter's destiny, she probably won't be the only one in her school: until 2009, Destiny was in the Top 50, with three of its alternate spellings in hot pursuit. It has since dipped a bit in popularity but is still widely used. Destiny Hope was the birth name of Miley Cyrus and Destiny Jones is the daughter or rapper Nas.
- Diamond
Origin:
Gem nameDescription:
Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.
- Diesel
Origin:
German, from a pet form of MathiasDescription:
Diesel, which you can think of as a word name for the fuel or as a German surname that derives from a pet form of Matthew or Mathias, is a new entry to the American name lexicon thanks to celebrities Jennie Finch and Casey Daigle, who chose it for their son, baby brother of Ace. Diesel might also be thought of as one of the neo-macho names, joining such bros as Harley, Ranger, and Breaker.
- Dingo
Origin:
Australian animal nameDescription:
These wild dogs eat babies, they do not inspire baby names.
- Diva
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"goddess"Description:
Once unique to the Zappa family, now you can have your own little prima donna.
- Divinity
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Could be a sister to Trinity, Genesis, or Heaven.
- Doe
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"a female deer"Description:
Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls.
- Dove
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"dove, a bird"Description:
One of the new bird names, like Lark and Wren, this one's associated with the billing and cooing sounds of love. Soft and gentle, Dove also has the admirable association with peace.
- Dream
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.
- Drum
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Cool, musical modern choice, especially as a middle name.
- Duke
Origin:
English rank of nobilityDescription:
While John Wayne and Duke Ellington are worthy role models, the reason Duke is currently enjoying a revival and returned to the Top 1000 in 2013 as one of the year's fastest-rising boys’ names is more likely due to the name given to high-profile TV couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Christened Edward Duke, he has always been called by his middle name, just as Edward Duke Ellington was. Duke is just one of several aristocratic titles being increasingly used by ordinary citizens.
- Dune
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"sand hill"Description:
Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.
- Damsel
- Dragon
- Eagle
Origin:
Nature nameMeaning:
"eagle, a bird"Description:
Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.