When Kimye named their first daughter North West in 2013, the name got people talking! While North was seen as a bold choice because of the pun it created with last name West, it was actually pretty spot-on style-wise. At that point, it was a new addition to the “directional” baby name trend that was already well underway.
Today, we’ve got the two most popular direction-themed baby names duking it out in a Name vs. Name match-up. Scroll down to vote for your favorite!
Name 1: Easton
Origin: English
Meaning: “East-facing place”
Pronunciation: EAS-ton
Nicknames: Eas, East
Current Rank: #66
Trending: holding steady after a quick rise
Our Take: There is a lot to love in this preppy “surname name,” which has had a quicker and higher rise up the charts than Weston. It’s not a literal directional name (like North is), so it could appeal to a variety of parents. Sure Easton could celebrate one’s love of the East, be they an East Coaster, an eastsider, or someone from the Eastern hemisphere. But it could also honor a famous Easton, like author Bret Easton Ellis or singer Easton Corbin, or allude to the athletic equipment brand for the sports-enthusiast parents out there.
Name 2: Weston
Origin: English
Meaning: “West-facing place”
Pronunciation: WES-ton
Nicknames: Wes, West
Rank: #102
Trending: holding steady after a quick rise
Our Take: Once more popular than Easton, Weston has settled into its groove just outside the top 100 baby names for males. It’s a name that is at once preppy sounding but also a bit country, what with the association we’d make with the Wild West and cowboys. At the same time, it has an English properness to it—think Mr. Weston from Jane Austen’s Emma. We like it as an alternative to Wesley, if you’re trying to get to nickname Wes but prefer the -on final syllable.
The Verdict
These names have different beginning sounds but feel perfectly tied together by their “directional” theme. They both have a surname preppiness that’s appealing for parents with tastes that lean in that direction. Ultimately, in a choice between the two, it might come down to whether you’re an Eastie or a Westie at heart.
Star’s pick: I like Easton slightly better than Weston as a full name, but I prefer nickname “West” to nickname “East.” Let’s call it a tie for me.
Lynda’s pick: Easton
Vote for your favorite, and tell us why in the comments!