The most beautiful English names. English and American names

What guides the inhabitants of "foggy Albion" when choosing a name for their son or daughter? Read about modern English "trends" in choosing names for newborns in our article. Bonus: 10 most British names for girls and 10 for boys.

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When the British Bureau for National Statistics published its annual report for 2014, an interesting fact caught the attention of experts: more and more parents are choosing a name for newborns influenced by pop culture, and above all modern TV shows.

The growing popularity of the Game of Thrones movie epic has given rise to a whole galaxy of new names - in the real, not fictional world. The character of Emilia Clarke gave a start to life to two names at once: title), and 9 more were given the name Daenerys (Daenerys).The name Arya Stark turned out to be even more popular: 244 families chose the name Arya for their daughters, but only 6 girls were named Sansa (Sansa).

British boys were also not spared by the new fashion: 2014 was a fruitful year for Tyrions (17) and Theons (18) - for comparison, in 2013 there were 6 and 11, respectively.

But Game of Thrones isn't the only show to inspire Britain's new parents. "Downton Abbey" revived a dozen names popular at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Since the launch of the movie saga in 2010, the names Rose, Cora, Violet and Edith have grown in popularity. Hollywood is not far behind: the Disney cartoon “Frozen” sparked interest in the old-fashioned but charming name Elsa.

Fans of "Sherlock" also contribute to the "nominal statistics". And although no one was named Sherlock in 2014, 132 little Britons were named Benedict.

Meanwhile, heading the list of the most popular names in England and Wales Oliver (Oliver) and Amelia (Amelia) - however, as in previous years.

10 most British male names

Alastair, Alistair, Alistair - Alastair, Alistair

Meaning: protector

Scottish equivalent of the Greek name Alexander.

Fergus

Meaning: strong

A Scotch-Irish name, rather old-fashioned but colorful.

Crispin - Crispin

Meaning: curly (lat.)

Saint Crispin, the patron saint of shoemakers, is mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry V. A beautiful English name, and most importantly, a rare one.

• If we are talking about Henry the Fifth, we strongly recommend watching the 1989 English film "Henry V: The Battle of Agincourt" with Kenneth Branagh in the title role. An amazingly dramatic film that is useful to watch in the original.

Ellis — Ellis

Meaning: benevolent

No, this is not a female name: Ellis is the Welsh version of the male Greek name Elias.

• Fun fact: Emilia Brontë wrote her Wuthering Heights under the pseudonym Ellis Bell.

Piers

Meaning: stone

Pierce is the first variant of the Greek name Peter to reach the English-speaking world at the time of the Norman invasion. Among the famous Pierces are Brosnan, Pierce Brosnan, the lead actor in four Bond films.

Conall - Conall

Meaning: strong wolf

The Scottish name Conall is a variant of the name Connor. Wolves hunt in packs - choosing this name, parents must hope that their offspring will always be surrounded by friends.

Kenzie

Meaning: fair-skinned

And although the meaning of this name refers to the color of the skin, Kenzi boys are often endowed with a special inner light that distinguishes them from their peers.

Euan, Ewan

Meaning: born of a yew tree; youth

Scottish version of the name John. Judging by Ewan McGregor, the owners of this name are very talented, but at the same time modest.

Lachlan

Meaning: Warrior from the Scottish lands

The most Scottish name imaginable. You should not be surprised if this child prefers a Scottish kilt to trousers from childhood.

10 most British female names

Amelia - Amelia

Meaning: work

The most popular British name of the previous year, in fact, is not a name at all. This word is a hybrid of the Latin Emilia (Emilia) and the German Amalia (Amalia), and the letter e in the middle of the word symbolizes good old England (England) :)

Gladys

Meaning: country; people

Welsh name, equivalent to Claudia (Claudia).

Myrtle - Myrtle, Myrtle

Meaning: bush

Someone somewhere in the mists of time decided to name his newborn daughter in honor of a flowering bush - anything can happen. Surprisingly, the name stuck and became quite popular in Britain.

Frideswide

Meaning: peaceful, calm

The name comes from the Old English Friðuswiþ, combining the words frið (peace) and swiþ (strong). Therefore, little Fridesvids (no matter how unusual this name may seem) show an enviable firmness of character with outward calm. Just like Saint Frideswide (by the way, a princess) who lived in the 8th century and founded the Church of Christ in Oxford.

Note: To be honest, this name is, of course, quite rare these days. But in the days of Queen Elizabeth, it was in the top 50 most popular female names.

Agatha - Agatha

Meaning: good, respectable

Agathos means "good" in Greek, which is why Agathos are good girls (literally). The name migrated to England in the 11th century with the Normans who venerated Saint Agatha, who lived in the 3rd century and was probably a very good girl. And then there is Agatha Christie - a very, very good girl.

Olivia - Olivia

Meaning: olive

The female version of the male name Oliver (Oliver), meaning an olive seller or just an olive, an olive. Some names do not need to look for subtext.

Boadicea (Boudicca)

Meaning: victory

The militant Boudicca is the queen of the Briton tribe of the Iceni, who raised an uprising against the Romans (the events are mentioned in the Annals of Tacitus). And although the uprising was crushed, the name of the warrior has survived for centuries.

Edith - Edith

Meaning: riches obtained in battle

The Old English word ead means riches or blessing, and gyth means struggle. A girl named by this name will excel in martial arts. An interesting fact: the wife of William the Conqueror was also called Edith. Edith the Conqueror :)

Avaline- a small apple.
Avalon (Avelina, Avaline)- a small bird.
Adelaide- noble, high-born.
Adamina (Adminna, Admin)- Earth.

Adeline- fragrant.
Adelicia- noble.
Admiranda- worthy of admiration.
Alexandrina- courageous, protector.
Alberta- brilliant, famous.
Amalia- diligent.
Anabella- attractive.
Angelica- angelic.
Annette- cheerful, trouble-free.
Arlene (Arlene)- dedicated.
Aspen- poplar.
beatrissa- blessing.
Bertha- bright, bright, gorgeous.
Brianna- strong.
Brittany- purposeful.
Brittney Brittany is a region in France.
Brook- refined.
Vivianna- dreamer.
Virginia clean, girl.
Gabriella- the firmness of God.
Hermione- an aristocrat
Gloria- happy.
Goldie- bright and shiny.
Gray- calm.
Davinia- beloved.
Jill- Energetic and young.
Dawn- dawn.
Dianne- divine, heavenly.
Dakota- friendly.
Jennifer- white-skinned.
Gina- queen, regal.
Jordan- Jordan River
Julia- curly.
Jackson- braggart.
Eve- mobile, mischievous.
Erania- heavenly.
Erline- noblewoman, princess, warrior.
Jasmine (Jasmine, Jasmine, Hasmine)- flower.
Geneva- always fresh.
Zara- golden.
Zennia (Zenia, Xena)- open.
Isabel- gorgeous.
Yolanda (Iolanthe)- violet.
Camilla- noble.
Carissa- large-fruited.
Carmen- Madonna of Mount Carmel.
Kelly- battle, war.
Catherine (Catherine)- Love.
Clarissa (Clara, Clarina)- clear, light.
kimberley- leader.
Connie- true
Carrie- beautiful song.
Catherine- chaste.
Caitlin (Catlinn, Catlinna)- virtuous.
Laura- crowned with laurel.
Lysander- protector of people.
Linda- beautiful.
Linsey- inspirational.
Malinda (Melinda)- honey beauty.
Margaret (Rita)- a priceless gem.
Marianne- a sad beauty.
Marilyn- sad.
Mirabell (Marabelle, Mira)- excellent, display of perfection.
Morgana- marine.
Mary- beloved.
Nadia- hope.
Nirvana- free.
Nora- soothsayer.
Nancy- merciful, beneficent.
Audra- given by God.
Ora- mountain.
Pamela (Pamila)- a stranger.
Penelope- patient, dreamer.
Poly- baby.
Peggy- pearl.
Rebecca- dexterous.
Rexana (Roxana)- dawn.
Rinna- queen.
Rosalind (Rosalina)- queen of flowers, rose.
Rosita- golden yellow, red.
Rubina- the queen of gems.
Sabina- a name from the tribe of the Sabines.
Sabrina- from the name of the River Severn.
Sarina (Sarah)- Noble, princess.
Serena (Sarina, Serina)- calm.
Sayana- assistant.
Sigourney- winner
Cynthia (Cindy)- goddess of moonlight.
stephanie- wreath.
Suzanne (Susie)- lily.
Tera- unknown land.
Tiana- the ultimate.
Whitney- blonde.
Flora- the goddess of flowers.
Frida- world.
Frannie- friendly.
Hanna (Hana)- merciful, beneficent.
Helen (Ellen)- light.
Hilda (Hilda)- practical, protector.
Harla (Carla, Carolina, Charlotte)- free.
Hazel- reliable.
Shania (Shani)- ambitious, with bright eyes.
Shanika- bright, cheerful, joyful.
Shonda- trusted friend.
Eureka (Everika)- enlightenment, enlightenment.
eglantina- rose hip.
Edwina- bringing victory with the sword.
Elysia- playful.
Elfrida- magical, deer.
Emma- universal.
Ernest- serious, strict.
Eugenia- noble.
Younis- good, good victory, dove.

Women's full names in England have their own distinctive feature. They consist of three parts, two of which are written with a hyphen, and last names. The first name is the main one. The second is the average. The third is the last name. The first name is the main one, it is by him or by a diminutive form from him that a girl is called in life. The list of English female names is constantly updated, because any word can become a name, even the surname of one of the relatives or a celebrity.

History of the origin of the English name

Initially, English names, like all other peoples, were a common nickname, consisting of two words - a noun and an adjective. They reflected the character of a person, his main features and signs. Further development led to the fact that people began to attribute names (nicknames) to born girls that reflect the most desirable qualities that would predetermine and influence fate.

Native English female names

For England itself, true English names are rare. They account for less than 10% of the total. But it's not just in England. In any Christian country, the basis is made up of names borrowed from the Bible, that is, they have Jewish, Latin or Greek roots. List of English female names of English origin:

• Mildred - Mildred. Delicate and strong.
• Alice - Alice. It means "noble class" in translation.
• Alfreda - Alfreda. Wisdom, mind.
• Yvonne - Yvonne. Archer.
• Eloise - Eloise. Daughter close to God.

Nevertheless, some Britons remain true to their traditions and name their daughters. The conquest of England by the Vikings reduced the number of English names. Instead, the Normans appeared. At present, in Britain, not all female names are English, the list is constantly growing due to famous foreign women, after whom democratic Britons name their babies.

Names from Christian calendars, Bibles

The spread of Christianity in England greatly influenced women's names. At baptism, babies were named after saints and characters in the Bible. The people twisted these words in their own way, so new English female names began to appear. A list of them is given below:

• Mary - Mary. Serene. It comes from the Hebrew name Maria. That was the name of the mother of the Lord Jesus.
• Ann - Ann. Grace, Grace. This name was the mother of the prophet Samuel.
• Maryanne - Maryann. Serene grace. This name united two - Mary and Ann.
• Sarah - Sarah. Name Means "powerful princess".
• Sophia - Sophie. Wisdom. Came to English from Christianity.
• Katherine - Katherine. Purity. The name comes from Christianity.
• Eva - Eve. Life. Came from the Bible. That was the name of the progenitor of people.
• Agnes - Agnes. Innocent, undefiled. The name comes from Christianity.
• Susanna - Susanna. Little lily.
• Judyt - Judith. Glorification. Biblical name.
• Joan - Joan. A gift from a merciful God.

A large number of names that are still used today owe their appearance to Protestants and Puritans, who opposed themselves to the Anglican Church and gave their children new names that were different from the usual ones. For the most part they were of a rather strange nature, consisting of sentences. For example, The-Work-of-God Farmer, which means God's Work Farmer. But life has conquered religious fanaticism. Ordinary people gave their daughters beautiful and new names:

• Daniel - Daniel. God is my judge.
• Sarah - Sarah. Imperious.
• Susan - Susan. Lily.
• Hannah - Hannah. It came from the name of Anna. Grace. Grace.
• Dinah - Dina. Derived from Diana. Divine.
• Tamar - Tamara. Date palm.

The modern list of English female names that appeared in Puritan families is quite significant. Many representatives of this trend were forced to hide and went to Australia or North America.

American names

America was settled by immigrants from different countries. Mostly immigrants from the British Empire: British, Scots and Irish. For the most part, these were commoners and criminals who fled from persecution in their homeland. It was they who brought here a shortened form of names that took root well and gained popularity. The list of English female names has been replenished with new ones, such as Ben, Ed, Mud, Mel, Dan, Meg, Ellie, Tina, Lina.

In addition to the inhabitants of Britain, thousands of people from all over Europe moved here, who came with their own traditions and names, which were partly remade by the English-speaking population in their own way.

The most popular American female names (list in English):

• Mary - Mary. Derived from Mary. Serene.
• Patricia - Patricia. Noble.
• Linda - Linda. Beautiful.
• Barbara - Barbara. Foreigner.
• Elizabeth - Elizabeth. God is my oath.
• Jennifer - Jennifer. Enchantress.
• Maria - Maria. Serene.
• Susan - Susanna. Little Lily.
• Margaret - Margaret. Pearl.
• Dorothy - Dorothy. Gift of the gods.
• Nancy - Nancy. Grace.
• Karen - Karen. Generous.
• Betty - Betty. Oath to the Gods.
• Helen - Helen. Sunbeam.
• Sandra - Sandra. Male protector.
• Carol - Carol. Derived from Karolina - princess.
• Ruth - Ruth. Friendship.
• Sharon - Sharon. Princess, plain.

English Catholics, Protestants, Puritans brought their own rules to America, according to which names were given. They, as well as in England, consist of three parts - the main, middle and surname. Many American names were borrowed by the British.

New female names

In the 18th century, a new tradition appeared in England to give children a middle (middle) name. This brought back to life Old English and Gothic names such as Matilda, Diana, Emma. New beautiful English female names have also appeared. Their list was supplemented by famous English writers. Jonathan Swift, William Shakespeare and others gave English women the following names:

• Stella - Stella. Star.
• Vanessa - Vanessa. Butterfly.
• Juliet - Juliet. Born in July
• Ophelia - Ophelia. Exalted.
• Viola - Viola. Violet.
• Silvia - Sylvia. Lesnaya.
• Julia - Julia. Girl with soft hair.
• Clara - Clara. Clear. Light.
• Pamela - Pamela. Wanderer. Pilgrim.
• Wendy - Wendy. Girlfriend.
• Candida - Candida. Net. White.
• Clarinda - Clarinda. Light. Purity.
• Belinda - Belinda. Beautiful.
• Fleur - Fleur. Flower. Blooming.
• Sybil - Sybil. Prophetess. Oracle.

Beautiful female names

Every parent wants, above all, their child to be healthy and beautiful. For their newborn daughters, the British choose euphonious and gentle names. It is hoped that the girl will have those character traits that the name denotes. Therefore, the names are chosen sonorous and with meaning. If there is no such name, then the child can be called any word you like. Legislation allows this, so new beautiful English names for women appear. The list is given below:

• Agata - Agatha. Good, good.
• Adelaide - Adelaide. Noble.
• Beatrice - Beatrice. Blessed.
• Britney - Britney. Little Britain.
• Valery - Valerie. Strong, brave.
• Veronica - Veronica. The one that brings victory.
• Gloria - Gloria. Glory.
• Camilla - Camilla. Worthy of serving the gods.
• Caroline - Carolina. Princess.
• Melissa - Melissa. Honey.
• Miranda - Miranda. Delightful.
• Rebecca - Rebecca. Trap.
• Sabrina - Sabrina. Noble.

English surnames

It so happened historically that the personal name is primary, and the surname, which denotes belonging to a clan, family, is secondary. In the same way, English names and surnames are formed for women. List of the most popular and frequently occurring surnames:

• Anderson - Anderson.
• Baker - Baker.
• Brown - Brown.
• Carter - Carter.
• Clark - Clark.
• Cooper - Cooper.
• Harrison - Harrison.
• Jackson - Jackson.
• James - James.
• Johnson - Johnson.
• King - King.
• Lee - Lee.
• Martin - Martin.
• Morgan - Morgan.
• Parker - Parker.
• Patterson - Patterson.
• Richardson - Richardson.
• Smith - Smith.
• Spencer - Spencer.
• Taylor - Taylor.
• Wilson - Wilson.
• Young - Jung.

For the most part, like most peoples, they came from personal names. In some cases, they do not undergo any changes - Allen, Baldwin, Cecil, Dennis. Others are associated with the names of the gods and Teutonic mythology - Godwin, Goodiers, Godyears. Part is formed from Scandinavian names - Swain, Thurston, Thurlow.

Some surnames consist of a personal name, to which the ending - son is added, which meant "son of such and such": Thompson, Abbotson, Swainson. The people of Scotland use the prefix - Mac, which also means "son". For example, MacDonald is "Donald's son", MacGregor is "Gregor's son".

Some surnames have a professional connotation, that is, Stuart - "royal seneschal", Pottinger - "the cook who cooks the royal soup." Surnames, like first names, can be given in honor of the place of residence, these can be the names of counties, countries, cities.

List of popular and rare English names for girls.

Now many newly-made parents come up with various and interesting names for their babies. Along with the old Russian names, foreign ones are gaining popularity. Their popularization is associated with foreign films and serials.

What are the most popular, beautiful, rare, unusual, short English names for girls: rating of the best with meaning

Now in our country there are a lot of girls with foreign names. We offer you a rating.

Foreign names and their decoding:

• Abigail. It means "Father's Joy". Most often, very positive girls grow up, they are in a good mood.
• Elinor. In translation, it stands for "shepherdess". Usually girls are quite simple and comfortable in communication.
• Eveline. The girl is very independent and flies out of her parent's nest early. It means "free bird".
• Avalon. It means "Apple". Girls grow up to be very powerful and responsible. In America, girls are called that in winter.
• Holly. The girls are very sensual and loyal. They never betray. It means "sister" in translation.
• Anabel. The girls are very non-standard and different from the majority. They have a subtle mental organization that not everyone likes. It means "elegantly beautiful" in translation.
• Andrea. Means "warlike". This is a girl fighter who is not afraid of difficulties. She is always ahead and very brave.
• Doris. These girls are very cheerful and cheerful. It means "funny" in translation.

Short beautiful English female names for girls and girls: list, meanings

Short names are popular because of their conciseness.

List:

• Laura. Such girls can predict the future. They are endowed with good intuition. In translation, it means "seer".
• Chloe. The girl is very strong spiritually and will not stop at any obstacles. It translates as "mighty".
• Chris. A very popular name in the US. There is a legend dedicated to this name. The girl is very brave and brave.
• Lisa. A friendly girl who has many acquaintances. Loves to communicate. The name means "friendship" in translation.
• Easy. The girl is very emotional and sensual. It means "sensual" in translation.
• Audrey. This name is of English origin but gained popularity in America. It means "light" in translation.
• Neli. A popular name that means "appearing". Such a girl can be unexpected and spontaneous.
• Katie. Very gifted and active. Means "girl".

The most popular English female names: list, meanings

There are also a lot of foreign names that I most often call girls.

List:

• Agatha. The girl is very good and responsive. Means "kind", "bright".
• April. The girl is very emotional and is able to evoke a response from many men. It means "spring" in translation.
• Audrey. A well-known and common name in the states. Means "light, radiant".
• Sessilia. This girl is fire. Very passionate and emotional. Means "changeable".
• Emily. The girl knows what she wants, and is constantly on the move. Means "rival".
• Amanda. A girl with bright and good energy, always positive. Means "pleasant".

The rarest English female names: list, meanings

As in our country, in foreign countries there are names that girls are called the least often.

WITH squeak:

• Rebecca. This is a very sociable representative of the fair sex. She gets along well with others, as her name in translation means "friendly".
• Mabel. An unusual representative of the fair sex. She has a calm disposition and finds a way out of any life situations. It means "pearl" in translation.
• Candlis. A girl with that name is very modest and shy. She rarely causes a lot of noise, because her name translates as "virgin".
• Madeline. The fair sex with this name is very calm and responsible. From childhood, she can be entrusted with a variety of tasks. It means "obedient daughter".
• Nellie. Our name is also not particularly popular, as in Europe and America. It means "appearing" in translation.
• Laura. With such a girl is not bored, she will always find something to do. It means "toy" in translation.

The most unusual English female names: list, meanings

There are names that are quite rare and are unusual.

WITH squeak:

• Annick. A girl with that name tries to be helpful. Indeed, in translation, her name means "useful."
• Christie. The girl is very pious, since the name in translation means "follower of Christ."
• Dusty. The character of the fair sex is strong and strong-willed, as in translation it means “stone of Thor”.
• Stanley. A young lady with that name strives for harmony in everything. It means "cleansing" in translation.
• Manley. The young lady always strives for clarity and certainty. Perhaps due to the fact that the name in translation means "clarifying."
• Base A somewhat non-standard name, which is very reminiscent of a man's. It means "grass" in translation.
• Ogden. The girl is very persistent and strong in spirit. She does not lose heart and always goes ahead, because her name means "oak grove".
• Kevin. This name is called both girls and men. In translation, it means "dear, beloved."
• Clare. The name can often be found in films, but it is not popular. It means "glorifying" in translation.
• Phillip. This name can also be considered both male and female. It translates as "horse lover".

Despite the popularization of a foreign language, girls in our country are rarely called English names. More often used names that have gained popularity both here and in Europe.