Royal names carry a lot of history for two syllables. Some have crowned a dozen kings, some belong to one unforgettable queen, and a few are so rare that no federal record has ever listed them.
All 100 names below come with their origin, meaning, pronunciation and U.S. popularity where the Social Security Administration’s annual name data records it (1). Charlotte leads the list at #2 for American girls in 2025, while Leonore sits at #12,626.
Read straight through, or skim for the one that catches your ear. Boys’ names, girls’ names and a few that work either way are all mixed together.
Popularity at a Glance
The most popular names on this list in the United States, 1965 to 2025: Charlotte, Henry, James, Isabella and William.
100 Fancy Royalty Names for Boys and Girls
Here is the full run of royal names, from crown-tested classics to rarities you will not hear at daycare.
Adrian
Adrian traces back to the Latin hadrianus, a label for someone from Hadria in northern Italy. The Roman emperor Hadrian carried it into the history books, and the wall he ordered built marked the northern frontier of Roman Britain and still runs across northern England. It wears well on a modern child: three syllables, easy to say, formal without being stiff.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Son of Adria
- Pronunciation: EY-driy-Ahn
- Variations: Adrean, Adriane
- Namesakes: Adrian Rurawhe, the New Zealand House of Representatives speaker since 2022. Adrian Moorhouse, an English swimmer and gold medalist at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Adrian ranked #74 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 4,464 babies born that year.
Agnes
Agnes comes from the Greek Hagne, meaning holy, and sits close to hagnos, which carries the sense of chaste. Medieval devotion to St. Agnes kept it in steady use for centuries, and the holy women who followed her kept it there. It is a short, plain-spoken name with an old spine, calm rather than showy. Actress Agnes Moorehead gave it a second life on screen.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Pure
- Pronunciation: AEG-Nahs
- Variations: Agness
- Namesakes: Agnes of the Palatinate, a 13th-century Duchess of Bavaria, married to Otto II Wittelsbach, Duke of Bavaria. Agnes Moorehead, an American actress known for the series Bewitched.
- Popularity: In 2025, Agnes came in at #1,016 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 6,536 births.
Albert
Albert grew out of the Germanic Adelbert, built from adal, meaning noble, and beraht, meaning bright. Its most famous bearer was Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, and the name has stayed in royal families ever since, including Albert II of the Belgians. It has slid far from its 1914 peak, but the royal connection keeps it from disappearing.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Noble, bright
- Pronunciation: AEL-Behrt
- Variations: Abert
- Namesakes: Albert II, King of the Belgians from 1993 to 2013. Albert Brooks (born Albert Einstein), an American actor known for 1987’s Broadcast News.
- Popularity: Albert sits at #614 for U.S. boys in 2025, down from its best rank of #15 in 1914.
Alexandra
Alexandra is the feminine form of Alexander and once served as another name for the Greek goddess Hera. It reached the British court with the Danish princess who married King Edward VII in 1863, and it has stayed in circulation on both sides of the Atlantic since. Alessandra offers the Italian route for parents who want the same music with different vowels. The name is long on paper but generous underneath: Alex, Lexi, Sasha, Sandra.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Defending man
- Pronunciation: Ah-leg-ZAEN-Drah
- Variations: Alessandra
- Namesakes: Alexandra of Yugoslavia, the last Queen of Yugoslavia as the wife of King Peter II from 1944 to 1945. Alexandra Brooks, an English footballer for Blackburn Rovers.
- Popularity: Alexandra held #237 for U.S. girls in 2025, down about 48% on the previous ten years of births.
Alfonso
Alfonso belonged to a long line of Spanish and Portuguese kings, Alfonso XIII among them, who ruled Spain from 1886 to 1931. It joins hathu, meaning war, with funs, meaning ready, so the sense lands somewhere near battle-ready. That is a lot of weight for a small boy, though the name itself is warm and rolling rather than severe.
- Origin: Spanish, Italian
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: AL-FAON-sow
- Variations: Alphonso, Afonso, Alphonse
- Namesakes: Alfonso XIII, the King of Spain from 1886 to 1931, called “The African.” Alfonso Lizarazo, a Colombian TV host of Campeones de la risa.
- Popularity: Alfonso ranked #1,012 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 223 babies born that year.
Alice
Alice is the English form of the Old French Adelais and the German Adelheidis, a name built around the idea of nobility. It has real royal service behind it: Princess Alice, wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Alice of Battenberg, mother of Prince Philip. Two syllables, no fuss, nothing to spell out over the phone, and few classic names have aged so gently.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: AEL-ihs
- Variations: Allice, Alyce
- Namesakes: Princess Alice, the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and the mother of Prince William of Gloucester. Alice Mahon, an English Member of Parliament from 1987 until 2005.
- Popularity: In 2025, Alice came in at #65 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 453 births.
Amina
Amina reads as faithful, and carries the senses of safe, protected and obedient of Iman alongside it. The 16th-century Nigerian princess Amina is the bearer most often cited, remembered as brave and hard to intimidate. Aminah, Ameenah and Amineh keep the sound while shifting the spelling. It is soft to say and short enough that a nickname feels unnecessary.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Faithful
- Pronunciation: Ah-MIYN-ah
- Variations: Aminah, Ameenah, Amineh
- Namesakes: Amina Wali, a Pakistani alpine skier and the first woman to win an international medal in skiing for Pakistan. Amina Benkhadra, a Moroccan minister of Energy and Mines from 2007 to 2012.
- Popularity: Amina sits at #315 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #271 in 2017.
Anastasia
Anastasia comes from the Greek anastasis, meaning resurrection, which gives it a hopeful streak most royal names lack. The best-known bearer is the daughter of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, and the mystery around her fate has kept the name in books and films ever since. It is long, and it knows it, but Ana, Stasia and Asya are all sitting right there. Parents who want ceremony without stiffness tend to land here.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Resurrection
- Pronunciation: Ah-nah-STAES-Yah
- Variations: Anastascia, Anastassya, Anastasya
- Namesakes: Anastasia Melnychenko, a Ukrainian activist responsible for the #IAmNotAfraidToSayIt social media campaign. Anastasia Avramidou, a Greek chess player and FIDE Woman International Master.
- Popularity: Anastasia held #163 for U.S. girls in 2025, up about 79% on the previous ten years of births.
Andrew
Andrew descends from the Greek Andreas, built on aner, a root that gathers up man, brave and warrior. The British royal family has used it in living memory, and Prince Andrew is the second son of Queen Elizabeth II. Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber gives the name a different sort of fame, written in show tunes rather than titles, and Andy and Drew handle the playground years.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Strong, manly
- Pronunciation: AEN-Druw
- Variations: Andrewes
- Namesakes: Prince Andrew Romanoff, a Russian-American grand-nephew of Russia’s last Tsar, Nicholas II. Andrew Lloyd Webber, an English composer who received a knighthood in 1992.
- Popularity: Andrew ranked #73 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 4,497 babies born that year.
Ann
Ann is the pared-back spelling of Anna, the plainest of the three sisters, Ann, Anne and Anna. Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is the reason it belongs on a royal list at all. Its short, flat sound makes it a useful middle name, where it can steady a longer first choice.
- Origin: Hebrew, English
- Meaning: Favored
- Pronunciation: AEN
- Variations: Anne, Anna
- Namesakes: Ann Bancroft, an American adventurer inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1995. Ann M. Martin, an American children’s fiction writer known for The Baby-Sitters Club series.
- Popularity: In 2025, Ann came in at #1,076 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 7,143 births.
Archie
Archie began life as an English nickname for Archibald, a name with the sense of bold behind it. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, sixth in line to the British throne, brought it back into royal conversation. It is friendly and slightly rumpled, the rare royal name that sounds like a boy rather than a title.
- Origin: English, Scottish
- Meaning: Brave
- Pronunciation: AARCH-iy
- Variations: Archee, Archey, Archi, Archy
- Namesakes: Archie Thompson, an Australian club ambassador for Melbourne Victory FC. Archie Macpherson, a Scottish football commentator for the BBC.
- Popularity: Archie sits at #301 for U.S. boys in 2025, down from its best rank of #134 in 1913.
Arthur
Arthur may be the most storied royal name in English, and King Arthur is the reason. Some trace it to the Celtic artos, meaning bear, which suits a name that has never sounded delicate. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, was the third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. On the other side of the ledger sits Arthur Ashe, winner of three Grand Slam singles titles. The Round Table legend means it carries a story bigger than one boy before he does anything at all.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Renowned warrior
- Pronunciation: AAR-Thahr
- Variations: Arther, Artur
- Namesakes: Arthur Ashe, an American tennis player and winner of three Grand Slam singles titles. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
- Popularity: Arthur held #87 for U.S. boys in 2025, up about 193% on the previous ten years of births.
Astrid
Astrid comes from the Old Norse Ástríðr. It’s made up of “áss,” meaning God and “fríðr,” meaning “beautiful.” It’s as old as the 10th-century and was used many times by members of the Scandinavian royal family.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: Divine beauty
- Pronunciation: Aah-strahd
- Variations: Astred, Astryd
- Namesakes: Princess Astrid, the daughter of King Olav V and his wife, Princess Märtha of Sweden. Astrid Sandvik, a Norwegian Alpine skier and one of eleven non-Nordic skiers to win the Holmenkollen medal.
- Popularity: Astrid ranked #376 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 818 babies born that year.
Augusta
Augusta grew from the Latin augere, meaning to increase, and served for centuries as a title for the female relatives of Roman emperors. It is the feminine form of Augustus, which carries the sense of venerable. Augusta Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein was the last German Empress and Queen of Prussia. Its three syllables carry real formality, more suited to a birth certificate than a playground shout.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Great, magnificent
- Pronunciation: Ah-GUHS-Tah
- Variations: Agusta
- Namesakes: Augusta Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein, the last German Empress and Queen of Prussia. Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory, an Irish dramatist who co-founded the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.
- Popularity: In 2025, Augusta came in at #3,215 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 33,333 births.
Beatrice
Beatrice arrives through the French Beatrice and the Latin Beatrix, both meaning blessed one, and the sense of joy attached to it has never worn off. Bea is one of the best short forms in the business, warm and instantly usable. Beatriz and Beatris carry the name into Spanish and Portuguese. Princess Beatrice, daughter of Prince Andrew, keeps it current in the British royal family.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Bringer of joy
- Pronunciation: BIY-ah-Trihs
- Variations: Beatriz, Beatris
- Namesakes: Beatrice Borromeo, an Italian journalist and host on the Radio 105 Network. Beatrice Wishart, a member of the Scottish Parliament since 2019.
- Popularity: Beatrice sits at #508 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #37 in 1913.
Blanche
Blanche comes from the Latin blancus and simply means white. French royals used it for generations before it crossed to England in the 12th century with the wife of Henry I. It has a clipped, film-noir sound that nothing else on this list quite matches; rare now, but rare is the point for some parents.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: White
- Pronunciation: BLAENCH
- Variations: Blanshe, Blanch
- Namesakes: Blanche d’Alpuget, the second wife of Australia’s longest-serving Labor Prime Minister. Blanche Calloway, an American jazz singer, and sister of Cab Calloway.
- Popularity: Blanche held #6,892 for U.S. girls in 2025, up about 52% on the previous ten years of births.
Camilla
Camilla was an ancient Roman term for a young ceremonial attendant, a curious start for a name now attached to a Queen Consort. Cammilla is the main spelling variant, though the original is the one with the history. Camilla Parker-Bowles, wife of King Charles III, is the modern reference point. Three unhurried syllables make it sound settled rather than showy.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Free-born servant
- Pronunciation: Kah-MIHL-ah
- Variations: Cammilla
- Namesakes: Camilla Martelli, the second wife of Cosimo I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany in the 16th-century. Camilla Long, a British columnist with The Sunday Times.
- Popularity: Camilla ranked #361 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 847 babies born that year.
Carl
Carl rests on the German karl, meaning free man, a plain meaning for a name worn by kings. Several Kings of Sweden have carried it, Carl XVI Gustaf among them. Actor Carl Weathers, of the first four Rocky films, shows how easily it moves between the palace and the gym. That single syllable also makes it an easy anchor for a longer middle name.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAARL
- Variations: Karl
- Namesakes: Carl Hancock Rux, an American poet with the poetry collection Pagan Operetta. Carl Weathers, an American actor appearing in the first four Rocky films.
- Popularity: In 2025, Carl came in at #1,134 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 9,174 births.
Caroline
Caroline is the feminine answer to Charles, and it carries the added senses of strong and song of happiness. Princess Caroline of Monaco has kept it visible in European royal circles for decades. Carolyn, Carolyne and Carolynn each shift the ending a little; it is long enough to feel formal and soft enough to avoid sounding severe, which is a hard balance to strike.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: KAER-ah-Layn
- Variations: Carolyn, Carolyne, Carolynn, Carolynne, Carrolyn
- Namesakes: Caroline Burckle, an American swimmer and gold medalist at the 2007 Pan American Games. Caroline Kennedy, an American diplomat, and daughter of former U.S. president John F. Kennedy.
- Popularity: Caroline sits at #96 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #55 in 2017.
Cecily
Cecily descends from the Roman family name Caelius, which leans on the Latin caecus, meaning blind. Cecelie and Cecile are its closest relatives. St. Cecilia is the saint most often attached to it. The name is delicate without being fragile, and its crisp consonants keep a soft name from going shapeless.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Blind
- Pronunciation: SEH-sih-Liy
- Variations: Cecelie, Cecile
- Namesakes: Cecily Strong, an American actress and cast member on Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022. Cecily Tynan, an American meteorologist with WPVI-TV in Philadelphia since 1995.
- Popularity: Cecily held #1,541 for U.S. girls in 2025, roughly level with the previous ten years of births.
Charlene
Charlene is a lesser-used feminine form of Charles and a diminutive of Charlotte, resting on the Old English ceorl, meaning free man. Charleen and Charlyne are the alternate spellings. Char and Charlie are ready-made if the full name feels dated. It peaked with American parents in the late 1940s and has been quiet since.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: Shaar-LIYN
- Variations: Charleen, Charlyne
- Namesakes: Charlene Dallas, an American beauty contestant, and Miss California in 1966. Charlene Rink, an American bodybuilder, and winner at the 1999 National Physique Committee Fitness USA Championships.
- Popularity: Charlene ranked #1,948 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 99 babies born that year.
Charles
Charles derives from the Old English ceorl, meaning free man, and it has crowned more heads than almost any name in Europe, starting with Charlemagne. King Charles III is the reason it is back in daily use. Charles Dickens, called the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, took it somewhere else entirely. Two syllables and a hard consonant give it real weight without ever sounding fussy.
- Origin: French, German
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: CHAARHLZ
- Variations: Charle
- Namesakes: Charles Dickens, an English writer called the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. Charles Durning, an American actor known for Dog Day Afternoon (1975).
- Popularity: In 2025, Charles came in at #48 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 290 births.
Charlotte
Charlotte is the most popular feminine form of Charles, and it also carries the sense of petite. Princess Charlotte of Wales, daughter of William, Prince of Wales, is third in line to the British throne. It is the highest-ranked name on this entire list in U.S. terms. Three clean syllables give it a bright, bouncy sound that holds up from age two to forty-two.
- Origin: French
- Meaning: Free man
- Pronunciation: SHAAR-Laht
- Variations: Charlott
- Namesakes: Princess Charlotte of Wales, the daughter of William, Prince of Wales, and third in the line of succession to the British throne. Charlotte Gainsbourg, a French actress who won the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Award.
- Popularity: Charlotte sits at #2 for U.S. girls in 2025, the best rank it has held since 1880.
Christian
Christian comes from the Latin “Christianus,” meaning “a follower of Christ.” In the 17th- and 18th-centuries, Christian was even a female given name used in Scotland.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Follower of Christ
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-Chahn
- Variations: Chriztian
- Namesakes: Prince Christian of Denmark, the eldest child of Crown Prince Frederik and second in the line of succession to the Danish throne. Christian Pulisic, an American soccer player for the U.S. national team.
- Popularity: Christian held #96 for U.S. boys in 2025, down about 47% on the previous ten years of births.
Christopher
Christopher comes from the Greek Christophoros, built from Christ, meaning anointed, and pherein, meaning to bear. Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark was the youngest son of King George I of Greece; Christopher Lloyd made it a household name in a DeLorean. Long and formal on paper, it flexes down to something short the moment a child starts using it himself.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Bearing Christ
- Pronunciation: KRIHS-taa-Fer
- Variations: Christoher, Christoffer, Cristopher
- Namesakes: Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark, the youngest son of King George I of Greece. Christopher Lloyd, an American actor known for the Back to the Future films.
- Popularity: Christopher ranked #68 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 4,748 babies born that year.
Conor
Conor traces to the Gaelic Conchobhar, a name read as lover of wolves. Conchobhar was a king of Ulster, so the royal credentials are real even if the spelling has been trimmed. Connor and Conner are the common variants, and the shorter Conor keeps the Irish shape. It had a long American run before easing back down the charts.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Hunter
- Pronunciation: KAAN-ahr
- Variations: Connor, Conner
- Namesakes: Conor McGregor, an Irish mixed martial artist, and UFC lightweight double-champion. Conor Brady, an Irish journalist, and editor of The Irish Times between 1986 and 2002.
- Popularity: In 2025, Conor came in at #845 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 5,848 births.
Cordelia
Cordelia may connect to the Welsh Creiddylad, a name read as jewel of the sea. Shakespeare gave it its lasting fame in King Lear, drawing on Queen Cordelia, daughter of Leir and an early queen of the Britons. It is ornate, a little literary, and completely at home on a birth certificate.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Heart
- Pronunciation: Kaor-DIY-liy-Ah
- Variations: Cordellia, Cordilia
- Namesakes: Cordelia Bugeja, a British actress appearing in EastEnders. Cordelia Throop Cole, an American social reformer in the temperance crusade.
- Popularity: Cordelia has slipped to #981 among U.S. girls in 2025, well off its 1913 peak of #526.
Cosima
Cosima is the feminine form of Cosimo, from the Greek Kosmas, a name tied to order and decency. Cosyma and Cozima are the spelling variants. It reaches back to the 14th-century Saint Cosmo, patron saint of doctors, and Lady Cosima Windsor, daughter of the Countess and Earl of Ulster, carries it today. Almost nobody in the U.S. is using it, which is either a warning or an invitation.
- Origin: Italian, Greek
- Meaning: Order, beauty
- Pronunciation: Kow-SIY-maa
- Variations: Cosyma, Cozima
- Namesakes: Lady Cosima Windsor, daughter of the Countess and Earl of Ulster. Cosima Wagner, the Hungarian daughter of pianist Franz Liszt and wife of the German composer Richard Wagner.
- Popularity: Cosima held #6,171 for U.S. girls in 2025, up about 98% on the previous ten years of births.
Diana
Diana comes from the Latin divus, meaning divine, and belonged to the Roman goddess of the hunt. Diana, Princess of Wales, is the reason the name reads as royal to nearly anyone who hears it. Three syllables keep it balanced and easy to say, without asking anything extra of a child.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Divine
- Pronunciation: Daey-AEN-ah
- Variations: Diannah, Dianna, Dyana, Dyanna
- Namesakes: Diana Russell, Duchess of Bedford, an 18th-century member of the Spencer family known as “dear little Di.” Diana Matheson, a Canadian soccer player for the Canada national team from 2003 to 2020.
- Popularity: Diana ranked #244 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 1,277 babies born that year.
Edgar
Edgar rests on the Anglo-Saxon Eadgar and carries the senses of fortunate and powerful alongside wealthy spear. Edgar the Peaceful, the 10th-century English king, is the royal anchor, while Edgar Allan Poe, credited with inventing the modern detective story, pulls it somewhere much darker. It reads as sturdy and old-fashioned, at home equally in a formal document and a school roll call.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Wealthy spear
- Pronunciation: EHD-Gahr
- Variations: Eadgyr, Edgur
- Namesakes: Edgar Allan Poe, an American writer considered the inventor of the modern detective story. Edgar Lungu, the sixth president of Zambia from 2015 to 2021.
- Popularity: In 2025, Edgar came in at #486 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 2,770 births.
Edmund
Edmund comes from the Old English Eadmund, read as rich guardian. Two English kings wore it, Edmund the Magnificent and Edmund Ironside, a strong record for a name this quiet. Edmond and Eadmund are the older spellings. It has the solid, bookish feel of a name that never chased attention.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Rich protector
- Pronunciation: EHD-Mahnd
- Variations: Eadmund, Edmond
- Namesakes: Edmund, Prince of Schwarzenberg, the last created Austrian field marshal of the 19th-century. Edmund P. Murray, an American novelist who wrote The Peregrine Spy.
- Popularity: Edmund sits at #1,082 for U.S. boys in 2025, down from its best rank of #130 in 1914.
Edward
Edward began as the Old English Eadweard, joining ead, meaning rich, and weard, meaning guardian. Edward the Elder put it in the English royal line early, and it has never really left. It has cooled since its 1913 peak of #8, yet stayed a steady presence in British royal circles the whole way down.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Rich guardian
- Pronunciation: EHD-Wahrd
- Variations: Eadweard
- Namesakes: Edward, Lord Downpatrick, an English fashion designer and second-in-line to the Dukedom of Kent. Edward Hopper, an American realist painter whose boyhood home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.
- Popularity: Edward held #224 for U.S. boys in 2025, down about 22% on the previous ten years of births.
Egbert
Egbert stacks Old English and Old German elements into something that sounds every bit as ancient as it is. Egbert was the first King of England in the 9th century, a claim almost no other name here can make. It is not a subtle choice, and it is not trying to be.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Bright edge of a sword
- Pronunciation: EHG-Bert
- Variations: Ecgbert
- Namesakes: Egbert White, an American journalist with the Stars and Stripes newspaper during World War I. Egbert Streuer, a Dutch sidecar driver called the most successful Dutch motorcycle racer of all time.
- Popularity: Egbert has dropped off the SSA’s yearly lists; it last appeared in 2017 at #8,334, far below its best rank of #976 in 1913.
Eleanor
Eleanor carries the sense of shining light and may connect to the German Adenorde, read as ancient north. After sliding lower for years, it has climbed to #12, its best rank yet, for U.S. girls in 2025. Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady from 1933 to 1945, gave it a spine of its own. Its three full syllables pair easily with a shorter middle name.
- Origin: German, Greek
- Meaning: Shining light
- Pronunciation: EHL-leh-Naor
- Variations: Eleanore, Elenor, Elenore
- Namesakes: Eleanor Roosevelt, the first lady of the U.S. from 1933 to 1945. Eleanor Marx, an English activist, and daughter of Karl Marx.
- Popularity: In 2025, Eleanor came in at #12 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 210 births.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth traces to the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning God is my oath, and no name is more entwined with the British crown. Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years and died in 2022. The Queen Mother and Elizabeth Taylor stretch it in two more directions, one royal, one Hollywood.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: Ih-LIHZ-ah-Behth
- Variations: Elisabeth, Elisabethe, Elizebeth
- Namesakes: Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, the mother of Queen Elizabeth, and wife of King George VI. Elizabeth Taylor, a British-American actress and the highest-paid movie star in the 1960s.
- Popularity: Elizabeth’s 2025 U.S. rank for girls is #17, a step down from its 1913 high of #8.
Ernest
Ernest comes from the Old German eornost, which means more or less exactly what it looks like. Ernest II, the 19th-century brother of Prince Albert, kept it in royal circles. It was at its American strongest in the early 1900s, reaching #34 in 1913, and Ernest Hemingway, awarded the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature, gave it a rougher edge.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Serious
- Pronunciation: EHR-Nahst
- Variations: Erneste, Earnest
- Namesakes: Ernest Augustus, Crown Prince of Hanover, the only son of George V of Hanover who sided with Germany in World War I. Ernest Hemingway, an American novelist awarded the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Popularity: Ernest held #1,040 for U.S. boys in 2025, roughly level with the previous ten years of births.
Eugenie
Eugenie is the French feminine form of Eugene, from the Greek Eugenios, meaning well-born. Princess Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg passed it down to another Princess Eugenie. Eugenie de Montijo, Empress of the French and wife of Napoleon III, wore it before either of them. It is rare in American use and reads unmistakably European.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: Yuw-JHIY-niy
- Variations: Eugeny, Eugynie
- Namesakes: Eugénie de Montijo, Empress of the French and wife of Emperor Napoleon III. Eugenia Charles, the Prime Minister of Dominica from 1980 until 1995.
- Popularity: Eugenie ranked #11,249 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 8 babies born that year.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand is made up of the German “frith,” meaning “protection,” and “frið,” meaning “peace.” It also means “brave in peace.” Even though Ferdinand has German origins, it’s been a traditional name for royal families of Spain.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Bold voyager
- Pronunciation: FEHR-dih-Naend
- Variations: Ferdinando
- Namesakes: Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor from 1556, King of Bohemia, Hungary, and Croatia from 1526, and Archduke of Austria from 1521 to 1564. Ferdinand Zylka, a German basketball player for Circus Brussels of the BNXT League.
- Popularity: In 2025, Ferdinand came in at #4,294 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 71,429 births.
Frederick
Frederick joins frithu, meaning peace, with ricja, meaning rule, and lands on peaceful ruler. Frederick II of Prussia, known as Frederick the Great, is the bearer most cited, and Frederick IX ruled Denmark from 1947 to 1972. Fred, Freddie and Rick are all available. It is stately without asking too much of a child.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Peaceful ruler
- Pronunciation: FREHD-eh-Rihk
- Variations: Fredderick, Freddrick
- Namesakes: Frederick IX, King of Denmark from 1947 to 1972. Frederick North, the 12th Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770 to 1782.
- Popularity: Frederick sits at #435 for U.S. boys in 2025, down from its best rank of #49 in 1913.
Fumihito
Fumihito draws on the Japanese fumi, meaning writing, and hito, meaning compassionate, with a further sense of benevolence. Crown Prince Fumihito of Japan, brother of Emperor Naruhito, is the name’s living reference. It is almost unused in the U.S., which is either the drawback or the whole appeal.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Aromatic
- Pronunciation: Fuw-miy-HHiy-tow
- Popularity: The SSA’s published lists include only names given to at least five U.S. babies in a year, and Fumihito has never reached that line.
George
George comes from the Greek Georgios, meaning “earthworker.” It peaked at number six for American boys in 1913. It has carried six English kings, from George I to George VI.
- Origin: English, Greek
- Meaning: Farmer
- Pronunciation: JHOWRJH
- Variations: Goerge
- Namesakes: Prince George of Wales, the son of William, Prince of Wales, and second in line to the British throne. George Soros (born György Schwartz), a Hungarian-American philanthropist with a net worth of US$8.6 billion.
- Popularity: George’s 2025 U.S. rank for boys is #126, chosen for 2,848 babies that year.
Grace
Grace derives from the Latin “gratia,” also meaning “blessing.” Actress Grace Kelly, the most famous bearer, became Princess Grace of Monaco.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Blessing
- Pronunciation: GRAYSE
- Variations: Grayce
- Namesakes: Grace Glowicki, a Canadian actress known for the 2019 film Tito. Grace E. Madden, an American pair skater, and the 1934 U.S. national champion.
- Popularity: In 2025, Grace came in at #38 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 313 births.
Haakan
Haakan is a Turkish term for “supreme ruler.” It’s also the Norwegian first name Hákon, meaning “high son.” Haakan often appears as Haakon, represented by Haakon Haraldsson, the king of Norway from 934 to 961.
- Origin: Turkish, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Kaen
- Variations: Håkan, Hákon, Haakon
- Popularity: The SSA’s published lists include only names given to at least five U.S. babies in a year, and Haakan has never reached that line.
Hadrian
Hadrian goes back to the Roman family name Hadrianus and originally meant from Hadria. Emperor Hadrian is the reason anyone knows it, and the wall he ordered built in England still carries his name. Adrian is the softer, far more common cousin, so choosing Hadrian is choosing the original.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Pronunciation: HHEY-driy-Ahn
- Variations: Adrian
- Popularity: Hadrian held #2,617 for U.S. boys in 2025, up about 18% on the previous ten years of births.
Harry
Harry started as a medieval nickname for Henry, itself from the German Heimerich. Prince Harry, son of King Charles III, is the bearer everyone thinks of first. Harry S. Truman and Harry Belafonte show how far the name travels beyond the palace gates. It is friendly, casual, and does not need a nickname because it already is one.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAA-riy
- Variations: Harri, Harrie
- Namesakes: Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the U.S., serving from 1945 to 1953. Harry Belafonte, an American singer, and the most successful Jamaican-American pop star.
- Popularity: Harry ranked #775 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 329 babies born that year.
Haya
In Arabic, Haya means “shyness” and “modesty.” It’s also a feminine variation of the Hebrew Hyam, meaning “life.” Haya isn’t a stereotypical royal name but is best associated with Princess Haya bint Hussein, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Good looking
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Yaa
- Variations: Haia, Hayah
- Namesakes: Haya bint Saad Al Sudairi, the wife of Ibn Saud, founder of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Haya Kaspi, an Israeli mathematician who shared the 2011 Itô Prize for Mathematical Statistics and Probability.
- Popularity: Haya ranked #1,916 among U.S. girls in 2025, roughly 1 birth in 15,873.
Helene
Helene is a unique version of Helen, meaning “torch” or “light.” It peaked in the U.S. at 227th for girls in 1916. Princess Helene of Mecklenburg-Schwerin was made the Princess Royal of France in her lifetime.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Bright, shining
- Pronunciation: HHeh-LEENE
- Variations: Helen, Helena
- Namesakes: Helene Liliendahl Brydensholt, a Danish politician and member of the Folketing. Helene Michelson, an Estonian figure skater who competed in the 1936 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Helene sits at #3,602 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #227 in 1916.
Henrietta
Henrietta is the elegant female equivalent of Henry, that reached England because of Henriette Marie, the wife of Charles I. Since then, Henrietta has been less known than the English Harriet.
- Origin: Latin, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: Hehn-riy-EH-Taa
- Variations: Hennrietta
- Namesakes: Henrietta Barnett, an English social reformer who founded the first “University Settlement” at Toynbee Hall in London. Henrietta A. Bingham, a 19th-century American writer and editor of the Ladies’ Repository.
- Popularity: Henrietta held #2,666 for U.S. girls in 2025, up about 109% on the previous ten years of births.
Henry
Henry carries the sense of home ruler through the Old German Haimirich. Eight kings of England wore it, and it is Prince Harry’s birth name. Henry V held the crown from 1413 to 1422 and is remembered for the Hundred Years’ War with France.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHEHN-Riy
- Variations: Henrie
- Namesakes: Henry V, the King of England from 1413 to 1422, known for the Hundred Years’ War with France. Henry Miller, an American novelist known for the Tropic of Cancer.
- Popularity: Henry stands at #5 among U.S. boys in 2025, a name 12,020 baby boys received that year.
Humphrey
Humphrey may be the most British-sounding name on this list. It comes from the English Hunfrith, a blend of Humbert and frith, meaning peace. Humphrey of Lancaster, a 15th-century English prince, was the son of Henry IV of England. American parents dropped it decades ago, which is either a problem or a rescue mission.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Peaceful warrior
- Pronunciation: HUM-Friy
- Variations: Humfrey
- Namesakes: Humphrey of Lancaster, a 15th-century English prince and son of Henry IV of England. Humphrey Mwanza, a Zambian member of the National Assembly since 2006.
- Popularity: Humphrey has dropped off the SSA’s yearly lists; it last appeared in 2024 at #9,328, far below its best rank of #1,578 in 1915.
Indira
Indira carries the senses of splendid and beauty, and takes its inspiration from the River Indus. It is another name for the goddess Lakshmi, so it is mythological and royal at once. Indira Devi was the Maharani of Cooch Behar in British India, and Indira Gandhi served as India’s third prime minister. Few names here have that much authority behind them.
- Origin: Sanskrit, Hindi
- Meaning: Splendid
- Pronunciation: Ahn-DIY-raa
- Variations: Indeera, Indyra
- Namesakes: Indira Gandhi, India’s third prime minister from 1966 to 1977 and 1980 to1984. Indira Naidoo, an Australian journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Popularity: Indira sits at #3,797 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #1,721 in 1966.
Indulfo
Indulfo may connect to the Irish Ildulb, itself resting on the Norse Hildulfr, though its meaning has not survived. What did survive is Ildulb mac Causantin, King of Alba, now Scotland, from 954 to 962, who was called the Aggressor. Indulf is the shorter form, and it is an unusual, hard-edged choice with a real king attached.
- Origin: Irish, Scottish
- Meaning: Unknown
- Pronunciation: Ihn-DULF-oh
- Variations: Indulf
- Namesakes: Indulf (known as Gundulf), a Byzantine mercenary who defected to the Ostrogoths during the Gothic War of 535 to 554.
- Popularity: The SSA’s published lists include only names given to at least five U.S. babies in a year, and Indulfo has never reached that line.
Isabella
Isabella is the Spanish form of Isobel, which traces back through Elizabeth to the Hebrew Elisheba and the sense of God is my oath. It has been the standard choice for Spanish female royals for centuries. It is also one of the strongest performers here in U.S. terms, among the most given names on this whole list. Four syllables give it a polished, unhurried sound that still feels current.
- Origin: Latin, Spanish
- Meaning: Devoted to God
- Pronunciation: Ihz-ah-BEHL-ah
- Variations: Isebella, Isobella
- Namesakes: Isabella Rossellini, an Italian-American actress known for Blue Velvet (1986). Isabella Hurtado, a Colombian swimmer who, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Isabella ranked #7 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 10,666 babies born that year.
Isla
Isla takes its name from Islay, an island in the Scottish Hebrides, with a nod to the Latin insula. Isla Phillips, granddaughter of Princess Anne, keeps it in the family tree. Two syllables, one silent letter, and a sound that carries across a playground. It reached #28 for U.S. girls in 2025, its best showing yet.
- Origin: Scottish, Spanish
- Meaning: Island
- Pronunciation: AY-Laa
- Variations: Islah, Islay
- Namesakes: Isla Blair Glover, a British actress appearing in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 1963. Isla Traquair, a Scottish TV host with ITN.
- Popularity: Isla ranked #28 among U.S. girls in 2025, close to 1 birth in 267.
James
James is the English form of the Hebrew Jacob, meaning supplanter. It has sat near the top of the American boys list for more than a century and holds #6 for 2025. Six U.S. presidents carried it, and so did James Joyce and James Caan.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Pronunciation: JHEYMZ
- Variations: Jaemes, Jaimes, Jamyes
- Namesakes: James Caan, an American actor best known for The Godfather (1972). James Joyce, an Irish novelist known for Ulysses (1922).
- Popularity: James holds #6 among U.S. boys in 2025, down from its 1940 peak at #1.
Jane
Jane comes from the Old French Jehanne and before that the Hebrew Yochanan, read as Yahweh is merciful. It replaced Joan in the 16th century and has never fully gone away since. Lady Jane Grey, England’s Nine Days Queen, gives it a short, sharp piece of royal history. Jane Fonda gives it a much longer one.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: JHEYN
- Variations: Jayne
- Namesakes: Lady Jane Grey, a 16th-century English queen known as the “Nine Days” Queen. Jane Fonda, an American actress, and winner of the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
- Popularity: Jane held #221 for U.S. girls in 2025, up about 46% on the previous ten years of births.
John
John is based on the Hebrew Johanan and is inseparable from John the Baptist. King John lost the Duchy of Normandy to King Philip II of France and is usually filed as the unluckiest English king of the early 13th century. John Glenn orbited the Earth in 1962, and John Lennon was a member of the Beatles. The name survives all of it, still common and unmistakably English.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: JHAAN
- Variations: Jon, Jonn
- Namesakes: John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth in 1962. John Lennon, an English singer, and member of the Beatles.
- Popularity: For U.S. boys, John holds #23 in 2025 SSA data, given to 8,027 newborns.
Judith
Judith comes from the Hebrew Yehudit, meaning woman from Judea, and is the feminine form of Judah. Several medieval queens carried it, especially in Bavaria, Bohemia and Hungary. Judy and Jude keep it light. It sounds serious in a way very few modern names bother to.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: A woman from Judea
- Pronunciation: JHUW-Dihth
- Variations: Judithe, Judyth
- Namesakes: Judith Liberman, a French storyteller of Anatolian fairy tales in Turkey. Judith Light, an American actress appearing in Who’s the Boss? from 1984 to 1992.
- Popularity: In 2025, Judith came in at #790 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 4,673 births.
Keoua
Keōua is one of the rarest names here, one of the few beginning with K, and it exists because of Keōua the Great, an Ancient Hawaiian noble and father of the first King of Hawaii, whose subjects named him for the heavenly rains he used to warn of danger. The federal name data has never recorded enough U.S. births to list it.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Rain cloud
- Pronunciation: Kiy-OW-ah
- Namesakes: Keōua (called Keōua the Great), an Ancient Hawaiian noble and father of the first King of Hawaii.
- Popularity: SSA data only publishes names with at least five U.S. births in a year; Keoua has never crossed that line.
Leonore
Leonore is a trimmed version of Eleonore, carrying the senses of God is my light and torch. Countess Leonore of Orange-Nassau is seventh in line to the Dutch throne, and Leonor Teles was a 14th-century Portuguese queen consort married to King Ferdinand I. In the U.S. it is the rarest of the names here that the SSA still ranks, #12,626 in 2025, or roughly one girl in 250,000. Leonor and Lenore are the shorter routes to the same sound.
- Origin: German, Greek
- Meaning: Shining light
- Pronunciation: Liyah-NAOR
- Variations: Leonor, Lenore
- Namesakes: Leonore Kirschstein, a German opera singer at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. Countess Leonore of Orange-Nassau, a member of the Dutch royal family and seventh in line to the Dutch throne.
- Popularity: Leonore’s 2025 U.S. rank among girls was #12,626, roughly 18% higher than the decade before.
Leopold
Leopold began as the German Luitbald, built from liut, meaning people, and bald, meaning brave. Leopold II was king of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909. Leo does the heavy lifting day to day, which makes the long form easier to commit to. Leopolde, Leopoldo and Leupolde spread it across Europe.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Brave people
- Pronunciation: LIY-ah-Powld
- Variations: Leopolde, Leopoldo, Leupolde
- Namesakes: Léopold Bihumugani, the prime minister of Burundi from 1965 to 1966. Leopold B. Felsen, a German physicist known for studies of Electromagnetism.
- Popularity: Leopold ranked #2,001 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 76 babies born that year.
Lilibet
Lilibet is an English nickname for Elizabeth, and a famously private one. It was Queen Elizabeth II’s own childhood name, and it passed to Prince Harry’s daughter, born in 2021. Lillibet is the alternate spelling. It is affectionate where Elizabeth is formal, which is the entire point of it.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: God is my oath
- Pronunciation: Lih-liy-BEHT
- Variations: Lillibet
- Namesakes: Lilibet Windsor, the daughter of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Lilibet Foster, an American director and winner of the 1997 Independent Spirit: Truer Than Fiction Award.
- Popularity: Among U.S. girls in 2025, Lilibet held #3,326, about 1 in every 34,483 births.
Liliʻuokalani
Liliʻuokalani has the most startling meaning on this list, and the story behind it explains why. The last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, who reigned from 1891 to 1893, had an eye infection at birth and was christened accordingly by her people. It is long, musical, and completely unlike anything else here.
- Origin: Hawaiian
- Meaning: Smarting pain of the eyes
- Pronunciation: Lee-lee-Ooh-oh-kah-LAH-ni
- Namesakes: Liliʻuokalani (born Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Kamakaʻeha), the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1891 to 1893.
- Popularity: The federal SSA count starts at five births a year for a name to appear, and Liliʻuokalani has never met that threshold.
Lionel
Lionel joins the Latin lion with the French diminutive suffix -el, giving little lion. Lionel of Antwerp was the son of English king Edward III and Philippa of Hainault, and a Lionel sat at King Arthur’s Round Table in medieval folklore. Lionel Messi has since made it a football name first and a royal one second.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Young lion
- Pronunciation: LAEY-ow-Nehl
- Variations: Lionell, Lionnel, Lyonel
- Namesakes: Lionel of Antwerp, the 14th-century son of English king Edward III and Philippa of Hainault. Lionel Messi, an Argentine footballer who captains the Argentina national team.
- Popularity: Lionel held #659 for U.S. boys in 2025, up about 100% on the previous ten years of births.
Louis
Louis is the streamlined descendant of the Old German Chlodovech and the French answer to Ludwig. Fourteen kings of France carried it. The Frankish king Chlodowig I, also called Clovis, stands at the start of that line. Louis Armstrong took the name somewhere else entirely, and it fits both worlds comfortably.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Famed warrior
- Pronunciation: LUW-ee
- Variations: Lewis
- Namesakes: Louis XVI, the last King of France before the French Revolution. Louis Armstrong, an American jazz trumpeter awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972.
- Popularity: Louis comes in at #249 among U.S. boys in 2025, a name 1,391 babies carried that year.
Louisa
Louisa is the feminine form of Louis, built from the Old German hlut, meaning famous, and wig, meaning battle. Princess Louisa of Great Britain was a grandchild of King George II. Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, gives it a literary anchor most royal names lack.
- Origin: French, Latin
- Meaning: Famous warrior
- Pronunciation: Luw-IY-Zaa
- Variations: Loisa, Louiza
- Namesakes: Louisa May Alcott, an American novelist famous for Little Women (1868). Louisa Chafee, an American sailor who competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: In 2025, Louisa came in at #697 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 3,953 births.
Madeleine
Madeleine carries the sense of high tower, and reads as woman from Magdala when tied to Mary Magdalene. Madeline and Madalyne simplify the spelling if the French version feels like work. Princess Madeleine of Sweden, daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf, is eighth in line to the Swedish throne. The French spelling asks a little more of early readers than a simplified version would.
- Origin: French, Hebrew
- Meaning: High tower
- Pronunciation: MAED-ah-Layn
- Variations: Madaline, Madeline, Madalyne
- Namesakes: Madeleine Worrall, a Scottish actress appearing in Jane Eyre at the Royal National Theatre in 2014. Madeleine Kunin, the 77th governor of Vermont from 1985 to 1991.
- Popularity: Among U.S. girls in 2025, Madeleine ranks #455, having eased back from #217 in 1998.
Makeda
Makedah is the Ethiopian name of the Queen of Sheba, referred to in the Bible, and it also carries the sense of the beautiful. Ethiopian queens from Meroe and Seba used it long before it reached American birth certificates. It is rare here and carries more history than almost anything else on this page.
- Origin: Ethiopian
- Meaning: Greatness
- Pronunciation: Maa-KIY-dah
- Variations: Makedah
- Namesakes: Makeda Cheatom, an African-American entrepreneur and founder of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.
- Popularity: Among U.S. girls in 2025, Makeda held #7,365, about 23% above the prior decade’s pace.
Margaret
Margaret comes through the French Marguerite and the Greek Margarita, and it means pearl. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, was the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and Margaret Thatcher led the UK from 1979 to 1990. St. Margaret of Antioch, a 3rd-century martyr, adds a religious layer. It has settled well below its 1913 best of #4, but a prime minister and a princess keep its royal credentials intact.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Pearl
- Pronunciation: MAAR-gaa-Reht
- Variations: Margarett, Margeret
- Namesakes: Margaret Thatcher, the prime minister of the UK from 1979 to 1990. Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Popularity: Margaret ranked #112 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 2,436 babies born that year.
Marjorie
Marjorie grew out of Margaret by way of the medieval Margery, so it inherits the same pearl. Margery is the older spelling and still turns up. Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is the royal bearer. It has a soft, slightly vintage sound that suits the current taste for old names.
- Origin: Scottish, Greek
- Meaning: Pearl
- Pronunciation: MAAR-jhao-Riy
- Variations: Margery
- Namesakes: Marjorie Gross, a Canadian comedian, and writer for Seinfeld. Marjorie Clapprood, a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.
- Popularity: Marjorie’s 2025 U.S. rank for girls was #1,019, close to 1 birth in 6,536.
Mary
Mary rests on the Hebrew Miriam and holds several meanings at once: bitter, rebelliousness, drop of the sea, wished-for child. It was the most popular name for American girls from the 1880s to 1946. Mary, Princess Royal, was the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. Short and plain, it has never needed embellishment to carry weight.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Drop of the sea
- Pronunciation: MAER-iy
- Variations: Maire
- Namesakes: Mary, Princess Royal, the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. Mary Berry, an English food chef and host of the Great British Baking Show.
- Popularity: Mary now sits at #125 for U.S. girls in 2025, a long way from its 1913 peak at #1.
Maud
Maud is a short form of Matilda. It appears as Mawd in Welsh and has been used for many members of the British royal family.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Powerful battler
- Pronunciation: MAWD
- Variations: Maude
- Namesakes: Maud of Wales, Queen of Norway, and the daughter of King Edward VII. Maud Gonne, an English-Irish revolutionary for the 1916 Republic.
- Popularity: Maud has dropped off the SSA’s yearly lists; it last appeared in 2024 at #14,648, far below its best rank of #372 in 1913.
Michael
Michael is the name of one of the biblical archangels, which is where the sense of who is like unto the Lord comes from. Prince Michael of Kent keeps it in the British line of succession. Michael Jordan and Michael Hutchence took it in two entirely different directions. It remains a familiar, comfortable choice decades after its peak.
- Origin: English, Hebrew
- Meaning: Gift from God
- Pronunciation: MAEY-Kahl
- Variations: Mical, Mykal
- Namesakes: Michael Hutchence, an Australian musician who co-founded the rock band INXS. Michael Jordan, an American basketball player with the Chicago Bulls.
- Popularity: Michael’s 2025 U.S. boys’ rank is #21, with 8,094 babies given the name.
Muhammad
Muhammad rests on the Arabic hammada, meaning to praise, and is often called the most widely used name in the world. It belongs to nobles and to everyone else at once, which is unusual for a name with this much weight behind it. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was the crown prince of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1965, and Muhammed and Muhamad are the common alternate spellings.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Praised
- Pronunciation: Muw-HHAA-Mehd
- Variations: Muhammed, Muhamad
- Namesakes: Muḥammad ibn Marwān, an Umayyad prince known for the 7th-century Arab conquest of Armenia. Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1965.
- Popularity: In 2025, Muhammad came in at #239 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 1,160 births.
Nefertiti
There are few Nefertitis, and only one that anyone can name. Nefertiti was a powerful Egyptian queen and the wife of the pharaoh Akhenaton, and her name reads as a beautiful woman has come. Neferteti and Nefertity exist, though the original spelling is the one with the history. It is a bold choice, closer to a statement than a name.
- Origin: Egyptian
- Meaning: A beautiful woman has come
- Pronunciation: Neh-fahr-TIY-Tiy
- Variations: Neferteti, Nefertity
- Popularity: Nefertiti sits at #9,290 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #2,780 in 1980.
Nicholas
Nicholas comes from the Greek Nikolaos, joining nike, meaning victory, and laos, meaning people. Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia, ruling from 1894 to 1917. The 4th-century Bishop of Myra, patron saint of children, is better known today as Santa Claus. It moves comfortably between a formal document and an everyday classroom.
- Origin: Greek, Russian
- Meaning: Victory of the people
- Pronunciation: NIHK-ah-Lahs
- Variations: Niccolas, Nichalas
- Namesakes: Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia from 1894 to 1917. Nicholas Cannon, an American TV host of The Nick Cannon Show.
- Popularity: Nicholas held #112 for U.S. boys in 2025, down about 54% on the previous ten years of births.
Noor
Noor also means “divine light.” In Norse mythology, Nór was the founder king of Norway, but it’s utilized more as a royal female name today.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Light
- Pronunciation: NOWR
- Variations: Nor, Nour, Nur
- Namesakes: Noor Al-Hussein, the Queen of Jordan from 1978 to 1999. Noor Hassanali, the second president of Trinidad and Tobago (1987 to 1997).
- Popularity: Noor ranked #659 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 435 babies born that year.
Octavius
Octavius derives from the Latin octavo, meaning eighth, and began as a family clan name in ancient Rome. Caesar Augustus was born into that clan and known as Octavian before becoming the first Roman emperor from 27 BC to AD 14. Octavus is the shorter variant, and the name overall is heavy, ornate and entirely serious.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Eighth
- Pronunciation: AhK-TEY-viy-Ahs
- Variations: Octavus
- Popularity: In 2025, Octavius came in at #2,073 among U.S. boys, or about one in every 23,810 births.
Olga
Olga is the Russian version of Helga and is based on the Scandinavian Helge, meaning “blessed.” The Grand Duchess Olga was the daughter of the last Tsar of the Russian Empire, Emperor Nicholas II.
- Origin: Russian, Scandinavian
- Meaning: Holy
- Pronunciation: AOL-Gaa
- Namesakes: Princess Olga, the daughter of author Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark. Olga Markova, a Russian long-distance runner who won the Boston Marathon in 1992 and 1993.
- Popularity: Olga sits at #3,201 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #126 in 1916.
Philip
Philip is the English form of the Greek Phillippos, from philos, meaning friend, and hippos, meaning horse. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, is the definitive modern bearer. Composer Philip Glass and actor Philip Seymour Hoffman round it out on the artistic side. Two syllables keep it quick to say and quick to write, practical for a busy family.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Lover of horses
- Pronunciation: FIHL-ihp
- Variations: Phillipp, Phillip
- Namesakes: Philip Glass, an American composer, and founder of the Philip Glass Ensemble. Philip Seymour Hoffman, an American actor named one of the 50 Greatest Actors Of All Time by Empire Magazine.
- Popularity: Philip held #528 for U.S. boys in 2025, roughly level with the previous ten years of births.
Philippa
Philippa is the elaborate feminine form of Philip and shares its horse-loving meaning. Philippa of England was Queen of Denmark, Norway and Sweden from 1406 to 1430, and Philippa of Lancaster was Queen of Portugal from 1387 to 1415. That is two crowns for one name.
- Origin: Greek, English
- Meaning: Lover of horses
- Pronunciation: FIH-lihp-ah
- Variations: Philipa, Phillipa, Phillippa
- Namesakes: Philippa of England, and Queen of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from 1406 to 1430. Philippa Forrester, a British presenter for CBBC.
- Popularity: Philippa ranked #2,808 for U.S. girls in 2025, the name of 61 babies born that year.
Rania
Rania means queen. In Arabic it also carries readings like glittering object and eye-catching, and one longer gloss describes looking at a person with the stillness of a blink. Raniah is the alternate spelling, and it is short, current and easy to wear.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Queen
- Pronunciation: RAEN-Yaa
- Variations: Raniah
- Namesakes: Rania Elwani, an Egyptian swimmer who competed in the 2000 Olympics. Rania Mamoun, a Sudanese editor for the journal al-Thaqafi.
- Popularity: Rania placed #2,682 among U.S. girls in 2025, roughly 1 in 25,000 births.
Richard
Richard joins the German rik, meaning ruler, with hardu, meaning brave. Richard I, the 12th-century king of England, is remembered as Richard the Lionheart. Richard Nixon and Richard Ashcroft of The Verve cover the other end of the range. It has slid well past its 1930 peak of #5, though the Lionheart legend keeps the name from feeling ordinary.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Powerful, hardy
- Pronunciation: RIHCH-ahrd
- Variations: Richerd, Ritchard
- Namesakes: Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the U.S. from 1969 to 1974. Richard Ashcroft, an English musician and member of the rock band The Verve.
- Popularity: Richard’s 2025 U.S. rank among boys is #234, well off its 1930 high of #5.
Rupert
Rupert is built from the Old German hrothi, meaning glory, and berht, meaning bright. Ruppert is the alternate spelling. Rupert Cambridge, Viscount Trematon, was a great-grandson of Queen Victoria. It sounds unmistakably British and slightly literary, and it has almost no American competition.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Bright fame
- Pronunciation: RUW-Pahrt
- Variations: Ruppert
- Namesakes: Rupert Wainwright, an English filmmaker known for Stigmata (1999). Rupert Keegan, an English race car driver and the 1976 British Formula 3 Champion.
- Popularity: Rupert held #3,831 for U.S. boys in 2025, up about 103% on the previous ten years of births.
Savannah
Savannah also means “large, grassy plain.” It uses the Spanish root “sabana,” which also refers to a “treeless plain” like Savannah, Georgia.
- Origin: Spanish
- Meaning: Treeless plain
- Pronunciation: Saa-VAA-naa
- Variations: Sahvannah, Savanah
- Namesakes: Savannah Marshall, a British boxer and the WBO female middleweight champion between 2020 and 2022. Savannah Stehlin, an American actress known for the film Spork.
- Popularity: Savannah’s 2025 U.S. rank among girls is #135, given to 2,141 babies that year.
Sibylla
Sibylla comes from the Latin Sibylla, a word for a fortune teller. The sibyls were Greek women who read the ancient oracles, so the name carries a whiff of prophecy. Sibylla was queen of Jerusalem in the 12th century, and Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was the mother of Sweden’s current king, Carl XVI Gustaf; it has fallen off the SSA’s lists entirely, but the prophetic backstory gives it more presence than the numbers suggest.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Prophetess
- Pronunciation: Zih-BIH-laa
- Variations: Sibyl, Sybilla
- Namesakes: Princess Sibylla of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, mother of the current king of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf. Sibylla Budd, an Australian actress known for the series The Secret Life of Us.
- Popularity: Sibylla has dropped off the SSA’s yearly lists; it last appeared in 2021 at #17,346, far below its best rank of #9,851 in 2017.
Sophie
Sophie is the French form of the Greek Sophia and means wisdom. European royal history is full of them, including Catherine the Great, born Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst. Sophy, Sofi and Sofie shift the spelling without touching the sound. It stays familiar without feeling like it is everywhere.
- Origin: French, Greek
- Meaning: Wisdom
- Pronunciation: SOW-Fiy
- Variations: Sophy, Sofi, Sofie
- Namesakes: Sophie de Boer, a Dutch racing cyclist for Parkhotel Valkenburg. Sophie Turner, an English actress appearing on Game of Thrones (2011 to 2019).
- Popularity: Sophie’s 2025 rank among U.S. girls is #55, just below its 2011 high of #51.
Stephanie
Stephanie is based on the Greek stephanos, meaning garland. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is the youngest child of the Prince of Monaco and the actress Grace Kelly. It is down about 65 percent against the previous ten years of births. Steph is the short form, and it never left.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Crown
- Pronunciation: STEHF-ah-Niy
- Variations: Stefanie, Steffanie
- Namesakes: Stephanie Wilson, an American NASA astronaut and the second African American woman to enter space. Stephanie Kwolek, a Polish-American chemist known for inventing Kevlar.
- Popularity: Stephanie held #557 for U.S. girls in 2025, down about 65% on the previous ten years of births.
Stephen
Stephen derives from the same Greek stephanos, read as crown and wreath, with the further senses of honor and fame. Stephen Benson was the second president of Liberia from 1856 to 1864. Stephan and Steven settle the spelling debate in two directions, and Steve is inevitable. For a name meaning crown, it wears remarkably lightly.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Garland
- Pronunciation: STIYV-ahn
- Variations: Stephan, Steven
- Namesakes: Stephen Benson, the second president of Liberia from 1856 to 1864. Stephen Gyllenhaal, an American film director and father of Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
- Popularity: Stephen ranked #383 for U.S. boys in 2025, the name of 829 babies born that year.
Teimei
Little is recorded about Teimei beyond its use in Japan and its sense of enlightened constancy. It exists because of Empress Teimei, wife of the Japanese Emperor Taishō. The U.S. name data has never listed it.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Enlightened constancy
- Pronunciation: TIY-meh
- Popularity: Because SSA only lists names with five or more U.S. births annually, Teimei has never appeared in the data.
Thyra
Thyra carries the senses of follower of Thor and Thor’s battle, so the Norse god of thunder stands behind it. Thyra was a Danish queen and the wife of the first King of Denmark. Tyra is the spelling most Americans will recognize. It is short, strong and almost unused here.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: Thunder warrior
- Pronunciation: DHAEY-Raa
- Variations: Tyra
- Namesakes: Thyra Thomson, the Wyoming Secretary of State from 1963 to 1987. Thyra Samter Winslow, an American short story writer for The New Yorker.
- Popularity: Thyra sits at #11,838 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #1,436 in 1915.
Umberto
Umberto is the Italian variant of the Old German Humbert, with the added sense of famous. Umberto II was the last King of Italy, in 1946, and the name could not save the throne. Umberto Eco, who wrote The Name of the Rose, gave it a second kind of authority. It is warm, rolling and unmistakably Italian.
- Origin: Italian, German
- Meaning: Renowned warrior
- Pronunciation: Uwn-BEHR-tow
- Namesakes: Umberto Eco, an Italian writer known for the 1980 novel The Name of the Rose. Umberto Tozzi, an Italian pop singer who sold over 70 million records globally.
- Popularity: Umberto has dropped off the SSA’s yearly lists; it last appeared in 2021 at #13,927, far below its best rank of #1,215 in 1915.
Victor
Victor means conqueror and also winner, and it is one of the earliest Christian names, originally Vittorio. Victor Amadeus I, the 17th-century Italian Duke of Savoy, was called the Lion of Susa. It was strongest with American parents in the early 1900s, reaching #63 in 1918.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Conqueror
- Pronunciation: VIHK-Tahr
- Variations: Viktor, Vycter
- Namesakes: Victor Borge, a Danish-American comedian and pianist named “The Clown Prince of Denmark.” Victor Buono, an American actor appearing in the Batman series (1966 to 1968).
- Popularity: Among U.S. boys in 2025, Victor sits at #211, a name 1,664 babies received.
Victoria
Victoria is the Latin word for victory and the feminine form of Victor. Queen Victoria reigned over Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901, which is why an entire era carries her name. It remains one of the more familiar classic names on this list, timeless without feeling scarce.
- Origin: Latin, English
- Meaning: Victory
- Pronunciation: Vihk-TOW-riy-Ah
- Variations: Victoriah, Viktoria, Vicktoria
- Namesakes: Victoria Jackson, an American comedian on Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1992. Victoria Nyame, a Ghanaian politician in the Parliament of Ghana from 1965 until 1966.
- Popularity: Victoria held #54 among U.S. girls in 2025, roughly 1 in every 399 births.
Wanda
Wanda came into being because of the European Vandal tribe, and it also carries the sense of wanderer. Princess Wanda was the daughter of Krakus, the founder of Kraków. Comedian Wanda Sykes has kept it in American ears. It is plain-spoken and slightly retro, and it is due for another look.
- Origin: Polish
- Meaning: Shepherdess
- Pronunciation: WAAN-Dah
- Variations: Wandah
- Namesakes: Wanda Vázquez Garced, the Governor of Puerto Rico from 2019 to 2021. Wanda Sykes, an American stand-up comedian, and writer on The Chris Rock Show.
- Popularity: Wanda sits at #6,096 for U.S. girls in 2025, down from its best rank of #47 in 1934.
William
William also means “strong-willed warrior,” based on the German Wilhelm. William is the son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, and is heir to the British throne.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Resolute protector
- Pronunciation: WIHL-Yahm
- Variations: Wiliam
- Namesakes: William III, known as William of Orange, the King of England, Ireland, and Scotland from 1689 to 1702.
- Popularity: William’s 2025 U.S. rank among boys is #9, about 20% below the previous decade’s pace.
Xenia
Xenia gathers up outlander, welcomed guest and hospitality in one short name. Xeenia and Xeniah are the alternate spellings. Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia was the sister of Tsar Nicholas II. The X is the whole draw, and it earns its keep.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Foreigner
- Pronunciation: ZIY-niy-Ah
- Variations: Xeenia, Xeniah
- Namesakes: Xenia Goodwin, an Australian actress, and dancer in the series Dance Academy. Xenia Stad-de Jong, a Dutch track and field athlete, and gold medalist at the 1948 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Xenia’s 2025 U.S. rank among girls is #2,931, given to 58 babies that year.
Yasmin
Yasmin comes from the Persian “yâsamin,” meaning “God’s gift.” It’s also one of the aristocratic names inspired by flowers. Princess Yasmin Aga Khan is the daughter of Rita Hayworth and Prince Aly Khan.
- Origin: Persian, Arabic
- Meaning: Jasmine flower
- Pronunciation: YAEZ-Mihn
- Variations: Yasmine, Yazmin, Yasmeen
- Namesakes: Yasmin Brunet, a Brazilian model appearing in the 2008 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Yasmin K., a German pop singer in the second season of Popstars.
- Popularity: In 2025, Yasmin came in at #959 among U.S. girls, or about one in every 5,988 births.
Zara
Zara is associated with the Arabic Zahrah, meaning blooming flower. Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, is the royal bearer, and Zara Yaqob was the 15th-century Emperor of Ethiopia. Zarah, Zarra and Zarrah are the spelling variants. It sits close to its 2022 best of #201, not far off its peak.
- Origin: Arabic, Hebrew
- Meaning: Radiance
- Pronunciation: ZAH-Raa
- Variations: Zarah, Zarra, Zarrah
- Namesakes: Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II. Zara Leghissa, a Swedish member of the Riksdag since 2022.
- Popularity: Zara ranks #212 among U.S. girls in 2025, close to its 2022 peak of #201.
Zetian
In Mandarin Chinese, Zetian carries the readings to the day and obey the will of heaven. Wu Zetian ruled the Tang dynasty from 665 to 705 and remains the reference point for the name, along with the 1995 Chinese TV series about her life. Zethan and Zetan are the alternate spellings. It is rare, and it belongs to an empress.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Empress of China
- Pronunciation: ZEH-tiy-Ahn
- Variations: Zethan, Zetan
- Popularity: SSA publishes a name only once it reaches five U.S. births in a year, a mark Zetian has not hit.
