Olivia Chen

By Olivia Chen
Historical Naming Consultant

Updated on September 03, 2024

Dexter

US Popularity Rank: 1436

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Right-handed; Favorable; One who dyes

Centuries ago, Dexter was someone who dyed clothing; on TV, Dexter took care of a different kind of dying, namely murdering people as a serial killer on the eponymous series. The Latin name, however, referred to someone who was "right-handed", therefore believed to be dexterous and skilled. Also meaning "one who dyes" and "favorable," there can be no limit to baby's talent and charm. While the name has fluctuated in the charts for centuries, Dexter always seems to hang around. It has also hit a high note with singers: Elvis Costello and Diana Krall named one of their twin boys Dexter in 2006, and Charlotte Church named her son Dexter in 2009.

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