Updated November 2023
Across 45 pages
of 45
Greek
"from Taras"
Taras is the former name of the Italian city Taranto, which was settled by Greeks in the 8th century BC. The founders named it after Taras, who figures in Greek mythology as the son of Poseidon. A…
Latin
"Sabine"
At one time, the name Sabellius was given to someone with Sabine origins — i.e., from the Apennine Mountain region of ancient Italy.
"fair speech"
Euphemios is the masculine variation of Euphemia. It was borne by an early archbishop of Constantinople.
Latin from Greek
"flourishing people"
An obscure name connected to several saints.
Lithuanian
"mention in grief, celebrate in grief"
Gediminas is derived from the Lithuanian elements gedauti , meaning "grieve," and minėti , "to celebrate" or "to mention." The most famous bearer of the name is Gediminas, Grand Duke of Lithuania…
Russian variation of Heliodoro, Greek
"gift of the Sun"
Rare Russian name borne by an enemy of Rasputin.
"gift of Zeus"
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.
"mother appearing, shining mother"
Metrophanes is derived from the elements meter , meaning "mother," and phanes , "appearing" or "shine." It was borne by several important bishops, most notably Metrophanes of Byzantium, who was later…
Yoruba
"God lifted me"
The full first name of actor Gbenga Akinnagbe, born to Yoruba Nigerian parents. The Olu- prefix (meaning "God") appears in lots of popular Yoruba names, and Gbenga is also a popular Yoruba name in…
"cheerful, happy"
This cheerful Ancient Roman name may be too close to "hilarious" to use these days, but it does provide the root for choices such as Ilarion, Hilary, Ilaria, and Ilariy.
German occupational surname
"iron cutter"
Eisenhower is derived from Eisenhauer, a German surname composed of the elements eisen , meaning "iron," and hauer , "hewer." In modern English, that translates to "iron cutter." It's best known as…
Maori
"chief"
An ariki is a member of a hereditary noble rank in Māori culture, the highest in status and seniority. Ariki, and its variant Te Ariki, were the most popular Māori names for baby boys in Aotearoa…
"supreme"
An energetic Māori name with a strong meaning to match.
Abdinasir is a masculine name primarily found in Somali and other East African Muslim communities. The name combines Arabic elements: "Abd" meaning "servant of" and "Nasir" meaning "helper" or…
Abdulahi is a variation of Abdullah, a name with Arabic origins meaning 'servant of Allah' or 'servant of God.' The name consists of 'Abd' (servant) and 'Allah' (God), making it a name with deep…
Diminutive of Abramo, Judeo-Italian
"father of multitudes"
A rarely heard variation of Abraham — a significant religious figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Actaviano is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of Octaviano, the extended form of Octavio (Octavius in English). It derives from the Latin 'octavus' meaning 'eighth,' historically given…
"the crown meets joy"
Russian
"immortal"
Russian form of the Greek name Athanasius, borne by renowned 19th century Russian poet Afanasy Fet.
"very steadfast"
The name of a king in Greek mythology who led the Greek expedition to Troy to rescue Helen. He was killed by his wife Clytemnestra partly to avenge their daughter Iphigenia, and partly due to her…