Myles
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #226
Myles Standish was technically English, but asa Mayflower passenger and the military leader of the Plymouth colony, there'sno denying his importance in America's earliest days. This spelling is avariation on Miles, a name that could mean "soldier" or"gracious" but has no definitive significance.
Virginia
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #581
Meaning: Virgin
If you're looking for the ultimate historicalbaby name, Virginia most closely fits the bill: This was the name given to thefirst baby of English parents who was born in America, in 1587. The name comesfrom the Roman name Verginius or Virginius, which is believed to come from"maid" or "virgin." This is one decidedly ladylike moniker.
Frederick
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #497
Meaning: Peaceful ruler
Though he was raised a slave, FrederickDouglass became a famous and respected human rights activist and writer whoadvised Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Appropriately, this namecomes from a Germanic name meaning "peaceful ruler."
MORE: Gemstone Baby Names
Susan
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #851
Meaning: Lily
Susan B. Anthony, another prominent civilrights activist, was so passionate about a woman's right to vote that she votedillegally in the 1872 presidential election. She was fined $100, which sherefused to pay. That's the kind of courageous legacy that any little girl canlook up to. Susan is derived from a Hebrew word for "lily."
Abraham
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #180
Meaning: Father of the nations
No leader is without controversy, but AbrahamLincoln is widely considered one of America's greatest presidents. Honest Abeended slavery, led the country through the Civil War and rocked a fierce tophat. He's another leader with a fitting name: Abraham is Hebrew for"father of the nations."
Helen
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #404
Meaning: Torch, moon
Helen Keller didn't let blindness and deafnesskeep her from greatness. This activist changed the way people see those withdisabilities and helped found the American Civil Liberties Union. Her name isthe English form of the Greek name Helene, which is believed to mean"torch" or "moon." Either way, this name symbolizesbrightness.
Hudson
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #80
Meaning: Son of Hudde
Henry Hudson was English, but the discoverieshe made during his exploration of America laid the groundwork for much of ourcountry's settling. Though his journeys were in the early 1600s, Hudson is atrendy name today. It means "son of Hudde"; Hudde was a medievalnickname for Hugh or Richard.
Abigail
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #8
Meaning: My father rejoices
Abigail Adams was the wife of one president(John), the mother of a second (John Quincy) and an early advocate for women'srights. Her Hebrew name has colonial, stately charm but is also a mainstreamchoice for modern parents.
Elvis
Popularity rank in the U.S.: #904
Meaning: All-wise
If you like your history a little more recent,look to Elvis Presley. His Old Norse name means "all-wise," aquestionable meaning when you consider The King's love of peanut butter, bananaand bacon sandwiches. Few idols burned brighter in 20th-century America.
Billie
Popularity rank in the U.S.: Not ranked
Meaning: Resolute protector
Billie Holiday was one of the greatest jazzsingers of all time; Billie Jean King is a tennis star who broke down barriersfor female and openly gay athletes. Either one makes a suitable namesake for abold little girl. This name, which is a feminine version of the Old German nameWilliam, is part tomboy and part girly-girl.
