Unique Names from History

Cleon

Greek

"glorious, renowned"

Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.

Ovid

Latin, meaning unknown

Ovid is the English form of the Roman family name Ovidius, which possibly comes from the word for sheep. It is the usual English name for the first-century poet Publius Ovidius Naso.

Erasmus

Greek

"beloved, desired"

Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off. The fourth century Saint Erasmus was…

Constantine

Latin

"steadfast"

This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback. Constantine…

Clovis

Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

An aromatic, unconventional name.

Aurelius

Latin

"the golden one"

Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, it has joined Augustus as an ancient Roman name that feels usable today. Slightly mystical and magical with a golden hue,…

Cicero

Latin

"chickpea"

Roman statesman's name with a cool and quirky sound. Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman scholar, orator and lawyer who had an immense impact on the Latin language.

Cassander

Greek

"light of man"

Cassander is the masculine form of Cassandra, and the name of an ancient king of Macedon from the 3rd century BC. It could make a nice alternative to Alexander or a refreshing way to honour a female…

Caedmon

Anglo-Saxon, Brythonic

"battle, wise warrior"

An ancient name with poetic and mystical qualities, Caedmon was borne by a 7th-century poet, notable for being the first English poet to have their name recorded. Caedmon appears in the 8th-century…

Brutus

Latin

"heavy, dull"

Brutus is the quintessential brute--far too close to the word brutal. And any child with this name would spend much of his life hearing "Et tu." Originally an old Roman family name, borne by Marcus…

Amasis

Egyptian

"son of Iah"

Amasis II was the last ruler of Egypt before it was conquered by the Persians. His name is a variant of Ahmose — which he is also referred to by — a name meaning "son of Iah" referring to the minor…

Bohemond

Latin

The first bearer of this majestic name was a 12th century prince of Taranto and Antioch, whose father gave him the nickname of Bohemond (after a mythical giant called Buamundus gigas) due to his…

Archimedes

Greek

"master planner"

Archimedes of Syracuse was a famous Ancient Greek thinker, especially in the fields of mathematics and sciences. He made important contributions to geometry and calculus. His name was a perfect…