Puritan Surnames

Pelham, a place-name surname, could work well as a first, despite its slightly arrogant air. It's what the P in P.G. Wodehouse stands for.

This simple, elegant name offers something for many kinds of parents, from writers and history buffs to photographers to Pennsylvania dwellers. Most famous bearers are comedian Penn Jillette and Gossip Girl hottie Penn Badgley, both of whom were given this distinctive name at birth. Long obscure, Penn seems destined for greater usage.

It's a long time now since this casual but suave name was linked to velvet-throated, cardigan-sweatered singer Perry (born Pierino, son of Pietro) Como's day... and this could be the moment for a reassessment. Other Perry associations are designer Ellis and the fictional Perry Mason and Perry White. There is also the option of taking the long way round to Perry via the more substantial Peregrine or Percival.

Actor Pierce Brosnan brings a strong helping of charm to this name. Pierce was actually a popular name long before Mr. Brosnan came along, from 1880 to the end of the 1930s.

It may surprise you to know that surname name Porter was fairly popular in the US in the 19th and early 20th centuries, then went underground for 40 years only to reemerge at the turn of this century and climb the ladder again.

In British slang, a "prat" is an idiot -- enough said.

Ratcliffe is a masculine name that originated as an English surname derived from place names combining 'rat' (red) and 'cliff,' literally meaning 'red cliff.' Historically used to identify people from several locations across England bearing this geographical feature, it has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. As a given name, Ratcliffe carries an aristocratic, distinguished quality reminiscent of English landed gentry. Literary associations include Shakespeare's character Richard Ratcliffe in 'Richard III,' adding cultural depth. While quite uncommon as a first name, it offers a distinctive option for those seeking a name with strong English heritage and an established historical presence, following the trend of surname-to-firstname conversions in contemporary naming practices.

Easy (Ezekiel) Rawlins is the hard-boiled detective created by Walter Mosley.

Reade is a masculine name of English origin functioning as both a surname and given name. Derived from the Old English 'read' meaning 'red,' it was historically a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion before evolving into a surname and later a first name. With its single-syllable strength and literary connection to reading, the name carries intellectual associations. Though uncommon, Reade has maintained a steady if modest presence in English-speaking countries. Its distinctive spelling offers a sophisticated alternative to the more common Reed or Reid while maintaining the same phonetic quality. The name presents a refined, distinguished choice with historical depth.

Inventive way to honor a redheaded ancestor, though most people would mispronounce it reeding, making it sound to some kids like a school assignment: Redding is a preferable spelling.

The surname Reynolds derived from the given name Reynold, which was common during the Middle Ages. Reynolds Woodcock was the name of the designer character played by Daniel Day Lewis in Phantom Thread. Reynie is a possible short form.