A powerful name with an intriguing air of antiquity, Zenaida has the freshness of Zephyr and Azalea too. Meaning "life of Zeus" or "dedicated to Zeus", it was notably borne by the first-century saint, Zenaida of Tarsus. She and her sister Philonella, were physicians, particularly interested in experimental medicine, pediatrics, and psychiatric disorders.

With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically unusual. Tina Fey used it as her daughter Alice's middle name.

This Theodore sound-alike derives from the name Diodorus, associated with the ancient Greek historian Diodorus Siculus.

As long as nobody connects it with xenophobia -- the fear of strangers and the unknown.

Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.

An upbeat and unusual name featuring the fashionable V sound and striking initial Z.

Diodorus derives from the Greek elements Dios, meaning "of Zeus," and doron, "gift." Diodorus Siculus, a Greek historian from the first century BC, is the most notable bearer.