Medieval Beauties
- Odilia
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"wealth, fortune"Description:
Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.
- Melisandre
Origin:
French variation of Millicent, GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.
- Aldous
Origin:
English from GermanMeaning:
"old"Description:
Aldous has long been associated with British writer Huxley, author of Brave New World. So many of these rare British names are starting to be reconsidered by the literary or hipster crowds and this one, considering its pedigree, deserves the renewed interest.
- Margery
Origin:
Medieval variation of Margaret, GreekMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
An old royal name in England and Scotland that's also spelled Marjorie. Popular in the Middle Ages and Tudor period, it was revived at the end of the 19th century, peaked in 1921 and dropped off the list in 1958, enough time to be reconsidered as a Margaret alternative. The name Margery Daw is familiar via the seesaw nursery rhyme and Margery Williams wrote the children's classic The Velveteen Rabbit..
- Bennet
Origin:
Variation of Bennett, English form of Benedict, LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
This spelling of Bennett is typically seen as a surname, but gets moderate use as a first name for baby boys and girls.
- Everard
Origin:
English spelling variation of EberhardMeaning:
"hardy"Description:
An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the Rings. Yet, even now that Ever- names are the height of style, Everard hasn't been seen on the charts for decades.
- Jennet
Origin:
Old English short form of Jean or JanetMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
It feels like a slenderized modern version, but Jennet actually has deep roots. Could this plucky name rescue Janet and Jenny from their datedness?
- Trea
Description:
Trea is a concise masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a shortened form of names like Treavor or Patrick (via the Irish nickname Patrea), or it could derive from the Irish 'treasach,' meaning 'warlike' or 'fighter.' In some cases, it might represent a variation of the word 'treasure,' suggesting someone highly valued. As a standalone name, Trea remains quite uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Its brevity makes it straightforward to pronounce and spell across cultures, though its rarity means people may occasionally need to clarify it. The name has a contemporary feel despite potential traditional roots, making it appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with a strong, confident sound.