Washington, DC kids are surrounded by history and culture—evident by the monuments and memorials that can be found on nearly every block. Channel that richness into your baby’s name by paying homage to the people, places, and things that make it an awesome place to live. From leaders who have changed the course of history to twin names with extreme flower power, read on for a list of the coolest baby names for boys and baby names for girls that showcase the distinct personality of the nation’s capital.
Alexandria
Located in the northeastern tip of the Northern Virginia region on the banks of the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is a charming stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and cobblestone streets (some dating back to the colonial era). The name is both strong and feminine, and can be shortened to "Allie," "Alex," or "Lexi."
Ben
Home of the half-smoke, Ben's Chili Bowl is a landmark restaurant located next to Lincoln Theater along the U Street corridor. A popular little spot, this DC mainstay has been frequented by rock stars, actors, and presidents.
Cap
What a cute nod to Washington, DC, the CAPital of the nation. And if you dream of raising a hockey star, Caps is the nickname for the Washington Capitals professional hockey team.
Cherry and Blossom
Twin baby girls born in DC couldn't score more precious names than this. This year's cherry blossoms are expected to peak between Mar. 21-14.
Chevy
There's Chevy Chase the actor and there's Chevy Chase the neighborhood that hugs the northwest border of Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD. Either way, Chevy is a pretty rad first name.
Ellington (or Ellie)
Duke Ellington, the legendary jazz musician whose influence on music is undeniable, was born and raised in Washington, DC. There is even a school of arts named after him in Georgetown.
George
It's a classic name for a reason. George Washington was a military general, Founding Father and the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797.
Hill
Locals refer to the United States Congress as the Hill for short. The Hill is the largest and oldest historic residential hood in DC. stretching east towards the United States Capitol. Politics aside, Hill is a name that conjures hard work and confidence.
Lincoln
The Lincoln Memorial, a national monument built to honor the 16th president of the United States, is home to where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech, Marian Anderson broke barriers with her singing, and more.
Nat
Short for Natalie and the Washington Nationals (DC's high profile MLB team), baseball fans might want to add this sporty name to their short list.
Rosslyn
This hub for working professionals in Northern Virginia is located in the northeastern corner of Arlington and home to a ton of business headquarters including Nestle.
Smith
The Smithsonian Institute consists of 20 cool museums (our personal faves include the National Air and Space Museum and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, plus the National Zoo. With a name like Smith, baby is bound to be a history buff.
Star
Inspired by the U.S. and DC flags which both feature stars--50 in the American flag to represent all of the states, and three in the DC flag--this name is both powerful and feminine.
Tenley
Sitting adjacent to American University Park, the Tenleytown neighborhood is a quiet, peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of the district. Tenleytown’s Heritage Trail comes with a notable historical background as it played a huge role as a lookout spot at Fort Reno during the Civil War.
—Ayren Jackson-Cannady
featured photo: Jason Sung via Unsplash
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