By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 47 pages
of 47
Italian
"praise the Lord; deliver us"
An Italian form of expressive Hosanna, this spiritual name might appeal to those who enjoy nicknames Ozzy or Anna. Borne by a number of saints, including a 15th century Italian mystic, Osanna also…
Latin
"mariner"
Has a medieval, slightly fusty but romantic feel.
"little wave"
Mythological water spirit with the more common spelling of Ondine, heroine of an Edith Wharton novel.
Latin clan name
"wealth"
Lucretius is the name of the Roman philosopher who invented Epicureanism. But even in these days of old Roman name revival, Lucretius sounds a bit long-white-beardish, though it can be enlivened with…
Mythological spirit of the waters; spelled Undine, she was an Edith Wharton heroine.
"messenger"
A vivacious Italian name; also a diminutive of Annunziata.
"unwilling"
A saucy Latin name that also defines a trendy New York area north of Little Italy.
"goddess of childbirth"
The Nixi were a tribe of childbirth goddesses in ancient Rome. The similar Nixie is a girls' name associated with German water nymphs. Whichever variation you choose, this is a unique name with a…
"home"
Very rarely used, could provide a distinctive alternative to Lydia.
"little muse"
A musette is both a dance and an antique instrument, but the name is most associated with the classic opera La Bohème .
Latin plant name
Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.
Latin, Cornish
"better; honey"
Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.
Diminutive of Mercury, Roman mythological name
Merc has been introduced to the American public by the network executive character on Showtime's Episodes, and is a contemporary-sounding short form of the Roman god and planet name Mercury. Mercury,…
Latin, diminutive of Maurice
Soft and sensitive and elderly, associated with mega-best-seller Tuesdays with Morrie .
Latin, diminutive of Cornelius
A lot more substantial than Corny or Nellie.
Nicasius is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek word 'nike' meaning 'victory.' This distinguished and scholarly-sounding name has ancient roots and religious significance, as it…
Variation of Marcia, Latin
"warlike"
Martia, more distinctive than cousins Marta, Marcia and Marsha, also has a strong image and slightly unexpected feel.
Latin and Scandinavian variation of Oliver
Unconventional nickname option that's best kept as a nickname.
"song for unaccompanied voices"
Madrigal might be a pretty and highly distinctive choice for a child of a musical family--or for the parent looking for a less conventional path to the nickname Maddie than Madeline or Madison .…
English word name
"month name"
November is one of a growing list of month names that can work for a baby boy, and is also one of the ideal names for November babies .
