Rare English Names

Parents prefer different names in England than they do in America. About half of the popular English names are also common in America. Even more rank lower on American charts. Perhaps some rank below the top 1000. Here are some examples from the English top 200:

Alba

Alba has a similar old-fashioned feel and sound as rising Alma. Yet, this name also has clunky consonants that are more stylish overseas. 

Chester

Chester is a vintage name bringing to mind former president Chester A. Arthur. It ranks among the top 100 names in England. Chester sounds a bit too fusty for American parents, though. 

Darcy

Darcy brings to mind Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. This British literary pick sounds like a sister for Harper and Scarlett. This name ranked in America during the 1960s, but it was never popular enough to feel dated today. Thus, Darcy should be more common here. 

Imogen

This Shakespearean name from Cymbeline has the sound pattern of Emily and Vivian. Yet, few names sound like it, making the name stand out. Imogen is also easy to pronounce. 

Kit

Kit sounds like a nickname for classic Christopher. Most nickname names are more common in England than in America, and Kit is no exception. 

Orla

This Celtic top 100 pick from England hits all American style notes, a short and sweet name ending in "la". Thus, it's strange Orla is much rarer here. 

Ottilie

Ottilie marries the sounds of Charlotte and Matilda, shortening to Lottie or Tilly. Both nicknames are also rare in the United States but common in England. 

Pippa

Pippa is to Philippa as Tessa is to Theresa. Tessa has been somewhat popular lately after the decline of its classic full form. Yet, Philippa never even ranked in the United States, so it makes sense that Pippa wouldn't either. 

Primrose

Primrose has the dainty style of Pearl and Violet. Of the three, only Violet is rising. Maybe American parents are avoiding such "proper" names in our feminist age. 

Rupert

Rupert is more vintage and quirky than Robert, making it a fine honor choice. It's the British parents who are accepting this honor, though. 

Wilfred

Vintage Alfred hangs on the fringes of the charts. The similar Wilfred, though, has been long gone in America while it remains common in England. 

Which of these names do you think should be more common in America?