With many of us spending more time at home lately than we perhaps ever have, we have all things house related on our minds! While we’re hunkered down in different kinds of spaces—from urban apartments in high rise buildings to houses in the sprawling suburbs—we can all appreciate the things that make our home uniquely ours. And for babies born right now, a home-inspired name would be a testament to the times.
For this list, we’ve collected names with meanings related to home, architectural terms with baby-name potential, and names of famous figures in residential design. Call us crazy, but we think these work! Read on and let us know which home-inspired baby names you’d use.
Akiva
This beauty of a name meaning “shelter” is perhaps most associated with the important 1st-century Jewish rabbi, Akiva ben Yosef, known as Rabbi Akiva.
Alcott
An on-trend but hardly used surname name, Alcott means “dweller at the old cottage.” It evokes the smarts of Amos Bronson Alcott and his daughter, Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women.
Ardley
Ardley makes a great alternative to other preppy names trending up the charts right now, like Hadley. And its meaning—“from the home lover’s meadow”—has us dreaming of wide open spaces.
Arris
In architecture, an arris is an edge where two surfaces meet at an angle. But we think the word has baby name potential. It’s not quite Aaron or Harris but has the same likable sound.
Burke
A French name meaning “from the fortress,” Burke is a bold one-syllable choice that could sound a bit serious but also makes us think of weekends filled with pillow-fort building.
Cashel
A great way to get to nickname Cash, Cashel is an Irish name meaning “castle.” It’s a name fit for your little royal one.
Cella
In classical architecture, the inner chamber of a temple is a cella. The beauty of ancient Greek and Roman temples is inspiring in itself, as is the baby name Cella.
Enzo
Sometimes used as a nickname for Lorenzo, Enzo is an Italian name related to Henry, which means “rules the home.” With its desirable “z” sound and -o ending, it’s no wonder it’s sailing up the charts.
Gable
A gable may be an architectural feature but the name has Old Hollywood vibes as well, thanks to Clark Gable. For others, the name will evoke the Green Gables farm, from the Anne of Green Gables novels.
Gehry
Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry was actually born Frank Goldberg. But we think his famous name is perfect inspiration for architecture-loving parents-to-be. Gehry is the French spelling of the Irish name Geary and is pronounced more like “gear-ee” than Gary.
Hank
With the same root as Enzo but a very different, mid-century style, Hank also means “estate ruler.” Hank makes a great underused honor name for a beloved Henry, and it won’t be a stranger alongside peers like Archie, Theo, and Cal.
Hayward
Hayward feels a bit like Hayden or Howard but with a more current and upper-crust feel. And it gives Hayes-lovers a more formal name option. It makes this list for its meaning: “guardian of the hedged enclosure.”
Peyton
It’s a surname name that went from being most famous for the show Peyton Place to being the name of superstar quarterback Peyton Manning. Though it means “fighting-man’s estate,” Peyton is now much more popular for girls (#101) than boys (#401), though both are still in the US top 1000.
Pilar
A Spanish name meaning “pillar,” Pilar is one of our personal favorites. This stunning moniker has religious connotations, and literary ones as well; Hemingway fans will know Pilar as the heroine of For Whom the Bell Tolls, as well as his nickname for his third wife and the name of his fishing boat!
Porter
It might have beer vibes for some, but we like Porter’s surname style and could totally picture it on a sleeping newborn or rambunctious tot. And we’re not alone. The name, meaning “gatekeeper,” is in the baby-name “sweet spot” right now, not unheard of but still refreshingly different.
Prescott
Distinguished and dapper, this name meaning “priest’s cottage” is outside the US top 1000 baby names. But when dressed down with the nickname Scotty, it fits in alongside other fast-rising nickname-style baby names.
Quincy
Quincy might mean “estate of the fifth son,” but it’s a gender-neutral choice in 2020. The name is equal parts cool (thanks to Quincy Jones), prep, and quirk.
Savion
Savion is a great, underused name, and it’s not just because we love Savion Glover. Meaning “bright” or “new house,” it’s a modern name that is ready to be loved but yet to be discovered by most people.
Shelby
Shelby’s on this list for its meaning: “estate on the ledge.” It’s a name that’s full of sweet, Southern charm and often associated with the ‘80s film Steel Magnolias. Car enthusiasts may love it for its ties to Carroll Shelby and the Cobra.
Slate
Slate can be found from roof shingles to floor tiles, though we think it might also wear well on a baby. The bold sound of this blue-gray rock’s name makes an appealing baby name with a nod to nature or color.
Thatcher
An occupational surname meaning “roof thatcher,” this name joins other -er baby names climbing up the charts as of late. Its most famous association in the UK is former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Wright
American architect Frank Lloyd Wright gave us some gasp-worthy homes. As a baby name, Wright is solid and straight forward. It’s loaded with positive connotations (like “right”) and a perfect tribute to the man who was famous for pushing boundaries.
Xavier
Meaning “bright” or “new house,” Xavier is a not-at-all-obvious home-inspired name that just feels bright. It’s currently a top-100 baby name, but that bold X makes it far from ordinary.
And that’s what we’ve got! If you’re looking for a baby name while hunkered at home right now, these would give you a story to tell one day. You can also visit our list of healthcare-worker-inspired baby names for more inspiration in these trying times. Readers, what home-inspired baby names would you use? Any no-gos?