Calvin
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #182
Meaning: Bald
Calvin Klein's clean, spare lines, sexy jeans and multiple high-end licensing deals made the minimalist designer one of the richest and most well-known names in fashion. He wasn't afraid to court controversy, and his arresting ad campaigns caused plenty of controversy — and sold boatloads of beautiful clothes. Calvin comes from the French surname Chauvin, which referred to someone "chauve," or "bald." Maybe you could just think of it as pared-down, unfussy, simple and elegant — like Calvin Klein's good-looking designs.
Christian
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #42
Meaning: Christian, believer
Christian sounds so sexy in French. Maybe that's why it's the given name of two Parisian couture designers — Dior of the gorgeous gowns and Louboutin of the red-soled shoes. The name comes from medieval Latin for "Christian," a believer in the teachings of Christ. It's been worn by kings and commoners, and the Danish author who wrote the fairy tale "The Emperor's New Clothes." Hmmm. Better make that evening wear and stilettos, and put the accent on the last syllable, Krees-tee-ANN, like the French.
Coco
Popularity rank in the US: Not ranked.
Meaning: Flirt, siren
Coco Chanel was one singular sensation. So your little Coco won't run into herself coming and going, but that's fine. She's her own person, just like the legendary French designer who liberated post-World War I women from stays, corsets and crinolines, adapted menswear for women, and designed iconic, chic clothes that have never really gone out of style. Coco is a made-up name that may have come from a popular song Chanel sang in her cabaret days. She suggested it linked back to the French word "coquette," which today might mean "flirt."
Donna or Donatella
Popularity rank of Donna in the U.S.: #985
Meanings: Lady (Donna); given (Donatella)
Donna Karan and Donatella Versace own a certain splashy segment of fashion that can be sophisticated and understated or flat-out spectacular and Swarovski-studded. The two big talents have unmistakable names. Donna is Italian for "lady." Donatella is adiminutive of Italian Donata from Latin for "given." The names have been shared by sculptors and saints — and a couple of visionary women who live as large as they dream.
Giorgio
Popularity rank in the US: Not ranked.
Meaning: Farmer, earth worker
Giorgio has that melodic, soft quality that English George just can't pull off. Giorgio Armani makes clean, tailored menswear with sinuous, silky lines — all neutral hues and perfect fit. The same meticulous detail characterizes his women's evening wear, ski clothes, matador costumes, rock star concert gear and Zen minimalist luxury housewares. Armani was the first major designer to ban unhealthy, ultra-skinny models from his runways. Giorgio is Italian and comes from the Greek words for"earth" and "worker."
Lauren
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #94
Meaning: Laurel bush, honor, achievement
Ralph Lauren, a kid from the Bronx, made his name with classic, preppy looks, rich in history and fabrics. His ready-to-wear pieces are not-quite-costumes that evoke the British gentry — and Wild West cowboys, Russian czars and safari adventurers. There's nothing ordinary about the clothes and home goods — and that tiny polo player embroidered on the shirt — and nothing ordinary about the name either. Lauren, a girl's given name, refers to the laurel shrub, used to crown victors in the ancient Greek games. Name her Lauren and buy her a pony — you know where to find the clothes to go with it.
Sarah
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #50
Meaning: Lady, princess, noblewoman
Sarah Burton is the creative director of the Alexander McQueen fashion brand who designed Kate and Pippa Middleton's dresses for the latest royal wedding. Burton, who has an OBE (for Order of the British Empire) after her name, has been on Time Magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People. Her showstopper dresses, worn by personalities as diverse as Cate Blanchett, Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga, are woven of fantasy and moonlight. Sarah comes from the biblical Hebrew for "lady, princess" and "noblewoman," a name as magical as fairy tale couture.
Stella
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #66
Meaning: Star
Stella McCartney may be Beatle legend Paul McCartney's kid, but her design business is pure Stella, and she runs it to her own tune. Her youthful, popular clothes are made sustainably with mostly organic products and no leather or fur. But her dresses show up on Hollywood's red carpets, and her uniform designs won loyal fans at the London Olympics. In every collection, she refuses to be pigeonholed, designing eclectic styles for modern multitasking women. Stella means "star" in Latin, and that quality might rub off on any lucky girl who wears the name.
Vera
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #367
Meaning: Faith, true, summer
Vera Wang, American-born figure skater with Chinese-American parents, turned to fashion design when she failed to make the Olympic team. Her wedding gowns, featured in fashion spreads, TV programs like "Sex and the City" and movies, are first choice for celebrity and wealthy brides, and her figure skating costumes for high-profile competitions won her a spot in the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Vera means "faith" in Russian, "true" in Latin, and "summer" in Albanian.
Yves
Popularity rank in the US: Not ranked.
Meaning: Yew, archer
Yves Saint-Laurent was a precocious artistic child who designed dresses for his mothers and sisters, was hired by Dior, and became House of Dior principal designer at 21 upon Dior's unexpected death. His is one of the most celebrated names in couture history — he was romantic and fearless in his designs, starting trends and startling the fashion press. Yves comes from French medieval name and earlier German and Celtic words for the yewtree.
