Following Father’s Footsteps

It is common practice, at least here in the United States to name the firstborn son after their father by passing down either the first, middle or full name. Andrew Jr. may go by Drew while Andrew Sr. may opt for Andy. Nathaniel Scott may name his newborn son Ryker Scott; and so the family line continues.

This trend has even followed when it comes to darling daughters that is just as obvious as being a Jr. Welcome Charlotte and her dad Charles! Yet, we rarely see the same practice when it comes to mothers.

What has always remained is a controversy surrounding this topic in general. Maybe because the same isn’t extended when it comes to honoring our supermoms out there. This tradition has also been known to raise a few eyebrows. Some parents adore the idea of keeping the name in the family while some say this practice is egotistical and children deserve to have an individual identity. Whatever your personal stance may be, it will not stop this traditionalist naming custom.

When we think of dotting dad’s of today we often think of millennials men born between 1985 and 1996 as well as their names that defined the 80’s and 90’s. While many names defined the generation these fourteen below stood out to us, particularly because they can all be found within the top 50 between their generations time frame.

If you’re wanting a happy medium you’ve some to the right place. These names still pay homage to our paternal role models while still providing a distinct separation for individual expression.

Benjamin

Benjamin was a top 30 staple between 1985-1996. It defined the millennial generation and is more popular than ever with the generation alpha babies.

• Amelia - A top ten stunner just like Benjamin; these two names become a powerhouse couple. With their shared letters and popularity they pair perfectly together. Couldn’t you imagine them as twins? Benji and Millie - Swoon!

• Ebina - Japanese originated surname and city, Ebina sounds like it would make for an extraordinary first name too.

• Enya - This name is blazing hot! If you have ties to Irish roots or if your dad Benjamin was a fire sign this name is red hot! Enya, the Irish angelized form of Eithne means ‘fire’.

• Inga - If your father was your hero growing up give your daughter a name that means exactly that. Inga is of Scandinavian origin meaning ‘hero’s daughter’. The name also means ‘guarded and protected by Ing’, the Norse God of peace and fertility.

• Jamison - Often connected to the name James, I think Jamison is similar and classic enough to honor a Benjamin too.

• Jasmine - A botanical beauty that smells divine! Jasmine was a 90’s staple alongside Benjamin but still fits into today’s nature theme.

• Reuben - A name that has remained in the top 1,000 since the 1800’s rocking Reuben feels like such a modern take on Benjamin while remaining as rare as ever.

• Sabina - Sweet Sabina is another rare choice. Very rare in fact; given to only 71 baby girls in the year 2021.

Cameron

Kirk Cameron and Cameron Diaz both made their names known in the entertainment industry during the 80’s and 90’s. Cameron increased in popularity jumping over 100 spots from when the generation started to when it ended for boys and had a 300 spot increase on the girls side too.

• Acre - Underrated arborist inspired Acer is as sweet as it’s maple meaning. This name also brings to mind another sweet treat; honey from Winnie -the- Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood.

• Camden - Camden entered the charts in 1990 and quickly progressed up the charts, breaking into the top 100 in 2013. A name very similar to Cameron with an updated feel.

• Mare -Drawing inspiration from the middle and rearrange the letters a bit, you get the name Mare, the Irish variation of Mary.

• Mercer - This unisex occupation name sounds quite sophisticated to say the least. This name also has notable literacy and musical connections making it a memorable moniker on this list.

• Merrick - A name that made it’s debut to the top 1,000 in 2016 Merrick is a strong modern sounding surname that doubles as a first name option.

• Ramona - The names Cameron and Raymond share similar sounds, so why not consider the feminine for Ramona. Not too trendy but not unheard of either.

• Veronica - Veronica was in the top 100 for almost two decades but has since stumbled down the charts. Her honest imagery makes up vastly for her lack of popularity as she is the patron saint of photography. Veronica is also a subtle nature name as it is associated with a herb with bright blue flowers.

• Wren - On the rise Wren is a showstopper. Currently ranked at #251 this little bird has flown high up the charts in such a short amount of time.

Jeffery

In the 80’s Jefferey was the 29th most popular boy name by the decade, in the 90’s he dropped down to the 54th spot. Jeffrey was still a popular millennial name regardless as he still remained in the top 250 during the millennial time period.

• Eros - A deeply lovable name connected to the Greek God that is both powerful and highly desirable, especially in Italy.

• Ferris - Ferris became a household name after the cinematic release of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Yet the name has never made it in the top 1,000 making it a rare find. You may want to consider Ferris if you’re looking to honor a Peter as well as the two names share the same meaning.

• Fergus - Meaning ‘man of strength and virility’ Fergus offers the nickname Gus that is favored alongside trendy August and Magnus.

• Fern - A botanical plant that symbolizes eternal life, a hope for future generations, sincere determination and good luck for new lovers.

• Freyr - The Norse mythological God of weather (particularly sunlight), fertility, sacral kingship, peace, prosperity and virility offers a masculine take on the name Freya while sharing a peaceful relation to Jeffery.

• Mireya - A lovely Spanish name meaning ‘admired miracle’ has some presidential history behind her.

• Reyes - Another Hispanic name with royal ties. Reyes is a masculine name that sounds similar to rising star Raya.

• Reed - A unisex moniker also spelt Reid symbolizes the color red and all it represents from love to vigor to passion and even the autumn season.

Jordan

Jordan was a rising star within the 80’s and 90’s finding itself in the top 50 for both boys and girls. Between the two decades nearly 200,000 boys were named Jordan alone.

• Andromeda - A powerful Greek mythological name with celestial ties is gradually making it’s way to the world of baby names thanks to offering a plethora of playful nicknames like Andie, Remi, Rome and Romy.

• Bjorn - A very traditional Scandinavian name meaning ‘bear’ will help your son grow up to be as brave as a bear itself.

• Cordelia - Jordan and Cordelia may differ greatly in style but they share a special bond amongst the open waters. Jordan is a significant river located in Asia while Cordelia means ‘jewel of the sea’.

• Dante - Your enduring and everlasting little love will have you wrapped around your finger before you know it.

• Gordo - A few millennials might remember the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire and the male costar Gordo played by actor Adam Lamberg. Reminiscence in the depths of your own childhood with this unique baby name.

• Marjorie - Vintage as can be but still so loved, this variation of Margaret was highly appreciated in the early 1920’s. Believe it or not, Marjorie called the top 1,000 her home from the 1800’s to 2017.

• Raj - Big Bang Theory fans will recognize this name rather quickly. Raj is a Sanskrit name meaning ‘king’ and ‘ruler’.

• Shenandoah - A place name just like Jordan that has a very romantic meaning; ‘beautiful daughter of the stars’. How stunning!

Joseph

Joseph was a biblical figure, a religious saint and a name that has never departed from the top 30. Joseph even reached the top ten twice during the millennial years.

• Ephraim - Ephraim was the name of Jospeh’s son in the bible. It would make a excellent name for your son too!

• Lily - Often a chastity symbol of Joseph’s this floral blooms on the charts and in the garden.

• Moses - Another religious with a similar sound is Moses. The also offer similar nicknames; Joe and Moe. Moses is currently ranked at #519.

• Persephone - Persephone is a name that draws from the “seph” sound. An eccentric and out of the box option is just what we need to lived up this traditional name.

• Pilar - A Spanish name meaning ‘pillar’ adds a nod to his title “a pillar of families”.

• Sayer - Saint Joseph was a craftsman, a carpenter to be exact. The Welsh name Sayer means ‘craftsman’ paying homage to a wood worthy talent.

• Shepherd - Joseph was one of Jacob’s twelve sons whom later became a shepherd.

• Seraphine - Josephine may be the obvious choice but don’t count out the similar Seraphine. Seraphine’s ethereal whimsy keeps drawing us to time an time again.

Kevin

A handsome saint name that became popular amongst millennials. Over 350,000 boys were named Kevin between the 80’s and 90’s. The popularity of Kevin has died down a bit but it still remains in the top 200 today.

• Adonis - Adonis would make for an interesting twist on the classic Kevin. Adonis was considered to be the handsome lover of Aphrodite. Kevin is considered to be quite a ‘handsome’ name itself.

• Genevieve -Adorable little Evie hides herself in the feminine name Genevieve as well as in the masculine name Kevin.

• Evander - If this millennial dad is considered to be a good man by many make sure his baby boy grows up to be good too by giving him a name that means exactly that; ‘good man’.

• Ivanka - This Russian name meaning ‘God is gracious’ was made famous by the former first lady Ivanka Trump.

• McKenzie - Unisex name Mckenzie happens to be the birth name of self made musician Mothica.

• Nev - The name of the creator of the MTV series Catfish has a lot of multicultural history.

• Stevie - Also unisex on this list is the name Stevie. Stevie also plays onto that hidden Evie in the name. Traditionally a nickname for Steven or Stephanie is currently unranked for boys but comes in at #284 for girls.

• Vincent - Victorious Vincent is a force to be reckoned with. Vincent and the diminutive Vince share many notable references from Astor to Diesel to Gill to Van Gogh. There’s a namesake for everyone to love.

Michael

The ultimate Millennial name! You probably know dozens of men named Michael. I know plenty. That’s because Michael was the number one rated name throughout the entire millennial time period with over one million boys being gifted the name.

• Axel - An edgy alternative to the number one millennial name that works well if dad is an automobile enthusiast.

• Camille - A predominantly female name with a religious background has been found to be used for boys too in the early 1900’s.

• Ciel - Another heavenly name happens to be the French word for sky and can be pronounced as “seel” or “shell”.

• Gael - Some sources state this name is of Welsh origin taken from the Gaelic word Goidel meaning ‘Irishman’.

• Kjell - An extremely unique name shared with Norwegian-American comedian Kjell Bjorgen.

• Miko - A female Japanese name meaning ‘beautiful child’ and ‘shrine maiden’ is also believed to be a variation of Michael itself.

• Milo - A name with a multitude of meanings including, ‘merciful soldier’, ‘yew flower’, ‘lovable’ and ‘dear’, currently ranked at #127.

• Raphael - An archangel just like Michael that is god’s source of healing and the patron saint of medical workers, travelers and the blind. Raphael shares his feast day with archangels Michael and Gabriel on September 29th.

Mark

Whether you spell it Mark or Marc the numbers show both names reaching the top 200 between ‘85-’96. Mark, the more popular spelling, even made it to the top 30!

• Alaric - Similar to Frederic and Roderick but less popular. Alaric is an ancient royal name that still remains strong and regal.

• Clark - An unexpected occupation option that brings to mind the “King of Hollywood” Clark Gable.

• Lark - A playfully lighthearted songbird joins this baby name list defining generation alpha just like Mark defined the millennial generation.

• Mars - In astrology the planet Mars is the ruler of both Aries and Scorpio. If dads birthday happens to fall under one of the zodiacs this name may be a top contender.

• Meraki - Meraki is a Greek word that means ‘to do something with a lot of soul, creativity and love’ and ‘to put yourself into your work’. I think Meraki would make for a breathtaking baby name!

• Mordecai - A ‘follower of Marduk’, this Hebrew deity that stands for justice, fairness and order; a great representation of a Libra baby.

• Omar - Originally of Arabic origin meaning ‘flourishing and long lived’ as well as ‘speaker’ in Hebrew, provides your baby boy a long life of love and possibilities available to him.

• Parker - This gender neutral name was recently chosen by Property Brother’s co-host Drew Scott for his newborn boy. Parker currently ranks at #93 for boys and #115 for girls. A very close encounter.

Matthew

Considered to be the third most popular millennial name right behind Michael and Christopher. Matthew was an unescapable Hebrew name of the 80’s and 90’s.

• Atwell - An Anglo-Saxon surname with an aquatic spring vibe works well as a first name too.

• Eartha - Eartha hasn’t been a very popular name, being essential nonexistent since the 90’s but the name is gorgeous and is in need of a revival. Singer Eartha Kitt was one of the most notable bearers of this name.

• Harriet - A French name that brings to mind Harriet Tubman. The nickname Hattie seals the deal as its very similar to Matthew’s nickname potential Mattie.

• Hewitt - Originally a surname and a descendent of Hugh draws inspiration from the double T’s in Matthew.

• Hugh - If Hewitt isn’t for you what about Hugh? A very intellectual name sharing it’s sound with the ending of Matthew.

• Malti - A floral name new to the celebrity universe as Nick and Priyanka Jonas gave this marvelous name to their baby girl earlier this year.

• Minnow - Similar in appearance (same beginning and ending with double letters in the middle) but vastly different in style! Minnow made it’s debut in 2020 in the film Love and Monsters. If you love the names Minnie and Willow you’ll love Minnow too.

• Wyatt - The most popular name of the year that includes double T’s. Wyatt is the Matthew of team Alpha.

Nicholas

Speaking of millennial musician Nick Jonas it’s no wonder his formal name has made this list. Just one spot away from making the top ten millennial names overall Nicholas was an understandable popular choice with 564,865 boys born during that time.

• Annika - A feminine “nick” name that makes for a creative way to honor anyone named Nicholas; especially if you have Russian heritage within the family.

• Douglas - Playing off of that ‘las’ ending Douglas and Nicholas share connects these two very recognizably classic and manly names.

• Holden - Hold on to your hats. Holden is half literacy, half nature and all Americana. This name is currently listed at #236.

• Hollis - Another ‘hol’ name is Hollis. A gender neutral name meaning ‘holly tree’ that adds a connection to the Christmas spirit.

• Laszlo - Laszlo is one of the rarest names in North America listed here but is a ‘glorious ruler’ on the baby name charts in Hungry.

• Olaf - Everybody’s famous snowman also remind us of Hollywood royalty Betty White. Olaf shares three little letters with Nicholas making it a potential contender.

• Silas - Short and simple Silas also draws from that ‘las’ ending just like the previously mentioned Douglas that could also be considered to be a subtle nod to Christmas. As Silas means ‘forest’ brings to mind cutting down Christmas trees.

• Victoria - Regal and refined Victoria is fit for a goddess or a queen. Victoria pays homage to the ‘victorious’ meaning of Nicholas.

Patrick

A well known saint name found within the top 50 on the baby name charts between ‘85-96’ is still high on the charts today.

• Astrid - A ‘divinely beautiful’ Scandinavian name just like it’s meaning has gained a lot of recognition in America currently ranking #438 for girls.

• Beatrix - This vintage name is making a comeback. A name from children’s literature thanks to Mrs. Potter. While it’s never been as popular as the beloved Beatrice that extra X ending provides an edgy twist that certainly makes us smile.

• Crista - A Spanish name meaning ‘follower of Christ’ shares many letters with the name Patrick. It’s unexpected but totally works!

• Dimitri - Equally French and Russian, Dimitri is one of those names that has wavered in popularity since 1989. This year it made a return to the charts coming in at #987.

• Fiadh - While Patrick has such rich Irish heritage why not consider giving your daughter a very traditional Irish name. Fiadh, pronounced Fee-ah, is the second most popular girls name in Ireland.

• Pates - This rare form of Patrick was often used as a surname in honor of the saint.

• Saint - We celebrate Saint Patrick yearly on March 17th so Saint would be an opportunity in the making. The name isn’t strictly reserved for the West family after all.

• Trinity - The Triquetra, also known as the Celtic knot or the Holy Trinity adds an intriguing entanglement between relations. The Irish three leaf clover also adds an extra tie to the name trinity making this an top tier name for baby number three.

Timothy

Between ‘85-’96 you could find the name Timothy within the top 40 on the baby name charts. This led to over 280,000 baby boys being named Timothy between the two decades.

• Artimeo - A strikingly rare name that is related to the moon goddess and huntress Artemis.

• Fatima - A ‘captivating’ Arabic name that includes Tim in the name; how cute is that!

• Imogen - Imogen was a name that was curated from a Shakspearian misprint of the name Innogen in the play Cymbeline.

• Minnie - Disney’s leading lady Minnie Mouse often comes to mind when hearing this name but it’s adorable for anyone who wears it.

• Othello - While less popular than Imogen, Othello is also inspired by a William Shakespeare play.

• Ottilie - This feminine form of Otto works beautifully for honoring a Timothy too. This name is extremely rare in America but is heavily talked about in the baby name community.

• Tamsin - An offbeat name more commonly found in Britain could be an interesting name for Timothy’s twin.

• Thea - Thea is a Greek name with mythological roots often tied to the name Theodore or Dorothea but we can see it honoring Timothy as well.

Travis

A French occupation name that has a laid back vibe. Travis wasn’t the most popular name back then but we do think of the millennial man when we hear it.

• Ava - An aviation inspired name found in the top ten is as lively as ever.

• Elvis - With the talk of the town being the new biographical movie about the “king of rock and roll” Elvis Pressley his name is one to highly consider. Elvis and Travis connect in identical endings but people may not know the connection in another screen. The actor that will be playing Elvis; Austin Butler previously starred as Wilke on a show called Switched at Birth alongside another character named Travis played by actor Ryan Lane. Small world.

• Ivy - Tap into your inner Beyoncé and give your darling daughter the name Ivy. She chose the name after the roman numeral IV. Switch the letters around and you’ll find VI in the name Travis.

• Mavis - Just like Ava, Mavis is also a bird whose name is up and coming in the baby name world.

• Octavius - Roman emperor and the inspiration behind the month of August was once a name given to the eighth child in the family as the name itself means ‘eighth’.

• Raven - One of the fastest rising names in 1990 Raven became a household name thanks to actress Raven Simone on the Cosby Show.

• Sylvia - A vintage name that still remains on the charts today, sweet Sylvia taps into ones love for nature, the forest and the trees. If Travis is a nature lover too Sylvia would be a perfect pairing.

• Taavi - The finish variant of David is a darling name for your dear daughter too.

Zachary

Zachary climbed his way up 25 spots during the millennial years. In fact he ranked at #12 in 1994, the highest he’s ever been. Between the two decades, 327,124 boys were named Zachary.

• Acacia - This floral name brings to mind the flowers with protective thorns symbolizing the immortal spirit.

• Ace - Millennials may think of Ace Ventura when they hear this name. A mini moniker meaning ‘one’ and ‘unity’ could make for a neat name for little Zachary.

• Achilles - A Greek warrior that was most notable during the Trojan War. The name itself entered the top 1,000 in 2015 and stayed until 2018.

• Archer - A strong boy name perfect for a warrior hunter or Sagittarius.

• Chadwick - A beloved actor gone too soon! While Chadwick and Zachary differ greatly in popularity they make up in shared sounds.

• Charlotte - We all know Charlotte is the feminine form of Charles but why couldn’t it work for Zachary too?

• Cherry - Released two years before the millennials began the film The Outsiders was released which included a character named Cherry, making this fruit a first name to remember.

• Khai - Khai was the name chosen by Gigi Hadid and Zayne Malik for their darling daughter that meaning ‘benevolence sea’.