Pilgrim Names

Carver is an occupational name with an artistic bent, as is the newly arrived Painter, which has a fresher feel than the 1990's Carter. It also has eminent last-name links to botanist and educator George Washington Carver and short story master Raymond Carver.

No one will ever forget it. But Remember as a name came over on the Mayflower, so it has deep history as well as modern potential.

Russian form of Eli mainly used today by families with Russian Jewish heritage.

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

Brad in a Brooks Brothers suit.

While Clark ranks in the Top 500 for boys, the Clarke spelling leans towards the girls' side. Regardless, the name works well for either sex.

Eaton's similarity to Eton gives it an upscale Old School feel, though in the U.S. a name that sound like eatin' could have teasin' potential. Eaton could also sound like the much-more-familiar Ethan with a tough-guy accent.

Believe it or not, this was a fairly common appellation in early New England, interpreted not in the sexual sense, but more in terms of desiring salvation. In modern times, the French name Desiree, pronounced dehz-ih-ray, would be more acceptable.

One of the less common names that came over on the Mayflower, albeit, one with modern potential.

Famously the name of a Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower.

Best known as the name of a Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower.

An romantic Puritan virtue name that elaborates on the already-amorous Love.

Virtue names are making a comeback, but we don't foresee Humility coming into fashion. A baby named Humility Cooper was a passenger on the Mayflower.