1450+ English Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

If you're looking for a Nicholas substitute or namesake, Nicholson would make a more distinctive path to the likable nickname Nick, fitting in with other newer patronymics like Anderson and Harrison. Unusual but not outlandish, it is associated with writer Nicholson Baker, library advocate and author of Vox. And as a surname, of course, with Jack.

A diminutive diminutive, too tease-worthy.

Dimity is fairly common in Australia, but unheard of outside of it, which is surprising given its similarity to names like Amity, Verity, and Cassidy.

Short but not particularly sweet surname.

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.

Merilee and Merrilee were early respelled or word names, ahead of their time in some ways. Merrilee hit the Top 1000 for a couple of years in the 1940s, but last year no baby girls were given either version of the name in the US, which makes it more appealing.

For 007 fans, a great middle name choice -- or even a first.

Lace-hankie name with Shakespearean pedigree.

Sounds as if it should have a Sir before it or a shire following it.

With its slightly cocky feel, this well-used surname is not often heard as a first.

One of the more unusual word names used by Plymouth pilgrims for their children. Fear Brewster is an example of the usage of this name. Definitely one of the historic pilgrim names best left in the past.

If you find West not substantial enough, this would make a more solid path to it.

Better suited to a stuffy school than a little boy.

Wharton is a rather stiff banker name that becomes creative as a middle name choice for lovers of the novels of writer Edith.

It's a hat, it's a race, and it's even been known to be a name. In Britain, it would be pronounced darby.

Lorelei would make a cooler choice.

Kind of a combination of scoot and fleet, brought into public domain by actor Skeet (born Brian) Ulrich. We would recommend looking into the unsavory slang meaning of this name before choosing it for your child.

As seen on SNL, Pat is the ultimate androgynous name. Stick with long form Patrick, and make sure everyone calls him Patrick.

The name of the teenaged son on the dear departed television show "Huff."

What child wouldn't like a name that was a synonym for cool?