More Than Just A Place Name for babies
by Ruth Fitzpatrick
Place names as given names is a trend that just will not go away. So don't shy away from it: it's time to absolutely embrace it! Place names sound modern but familiar and often provide a connection or memory to a happy place or time. Most can be used as unisex names, and here are our favorite 10:
Denver More commonly used for baby boys, Denver's popularity is dropping somewhat in favor of other place names. It's a strong sounding name, and is a far more unique choice than other D-names like David or Daniel. Broncos' fans might also be interested in this one!
Aspen We love this name! And it seems America does too: since first entering the lists in the mid-90s, Aspen is now in the top 400 and rising. It's a name which evokes thoughts of the ultra-trendy Colorado ski resort, and might be a good fit if you're a snow-loving family. But what we love best about this name is its connection with nature: willowy trees and golden leaves. We think this is definitely one for the shortlist!
Austin Probably one of the most popular names to be shared by both babies and a major US city! Originally being the diminutive form of Augustine, this name is theoretically unisex, but it's probably better to leave this one to the boys. If you're looking for a more feminine form, consider the spelling variation Austen. This also provides a connection to the novelist and historical female icon, Jane Austen.
Erin Far more popular in the US than it is in its native Ireland, Erin literally means 'Ireland' in the Gaelic language. It's definitely a cute way of honoring cultural links or heritage, though it is just as beautiful a name for those with no connections to the country. With Irish names being more popular than ever, Erin has actually slipped down the lists, but it's still holding its own in the top 350. A much bolder name is definitely the name Ireland itself, made famous by Ireland Baldwin.
Phoenix An established name which still maintains major hippy kudos. Phoenix is in the top 500 for both baby boys and girls, so this one truly is unisex! The imagery of a beautiful, flaming bird emerging from the ashes makes this a particularly powerful name. It comes from the Greek for 'dark red', so it could be a particularly good name for an auburn-mopped baby!
Paris A name associated with the city of lights and romance, an incredibly handsome mythological hero, and reality star heiress! Although originally a boys' name and still considered unisex, given Paris's popularity among parents of baby girls, it's probably better to leave it to them!
Hudson Hugely popular name, with some added New York chic! It originally comes from the contraction of 'Hugh's son' and definitely still has a masculine ring to it. We like the outdoorsy feel to Hudson and it definitely has much more substance to it than might first meet the eye. It's currently ranked in top 100 boys' names, and it doesn't look like its moving any time soon!
India A beautiful and exotic girls' name, which was actually one of the first place names to find itself used as a proper name. An established name in Britain already, India is now gaining huge popularity here too. Prospective parents love it because it sounds sophisticated and stylish, and is perfect for a summer or fall arrival.
Orlando We much prefer Orlando to the English version, Ronald. Orlando rolls off the tongue and sounds like sunshine and summer! It means 'famous throughout the land', so this boy's name might be for a future superstar in the making!
Eden And finally, what better place to name your baby after than of paradise itself! Meaning 'place of pleasure, delight', it's proving popular as both a boy's and a girl's name, though the Eden girls currently outnumber the boys 4 to 1. The name can have different meanings to different people, from its religious significance to its association with a clean, pristine environment. The earliest place name might just make the best baby name too!
