Updated May 2023
Across 7 pages
of 7
Welsh
"son of Harry"
Parry is quite common in Wales, often as a surname, but would inevitably be misunderstood as Perry or even Harry.
Greek
"broad-shouldered"
The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered…
Cornish
"little dark one"
Also spelled as Piran, this Cornish saint's name is thought to have derived from the Irish Ciaran. Borne by a 5th-century monk who founded a monastery, it also appears as a place name in Cornwall, as…
Spanish variation of JosÉ
Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
Latin
"villager, country-dweller"
While patriot Thomas Paine is a worthy honoree, the mere association with the word 'pain' knocks this name out of bounds.
Spanish artist name
A worthy honoree that would place a too-heavy expectation on a child, probably subjecting him to ridicule. Try Pablo instead.
Spanish
"stone"
Cooler and rarer than Pedro, but also has a slightly industrial sound.
"practical"
In mythology, another name for Aphrodite -- but the rare feminine name that sounds better for a boy.
French from Greek, "dear, beloved"
"dear, beloved"
Varying Filbert does not improve the name: it still makes one think of a nut.
French from Greek
"of strong nature, or, pacifier"
Pacome is a French saint's name rarely heard in this country, but currently being revived in its native France. Some variants are Pacomi, Pacomio and Pacomius.
English modern coinage
"picture cell or element"
Coined in the 1960s to define the smallest photographic element of a televised image. It's a portmanteau of "picture" + "cell" or "element".
French
"page, attendant"
Strictly for the girls.
French and English
"providing food"
This spelling does not dispel the "perv" connection.
Diminutive of Patrick, Irish
"noble, patrician"
Because it's a generic (and often derogatory) term for an Irishman, Paddy fell out of use as a diminutive or given name, though actress Mare Winningham used it not long ago.
"lost"
The feminine version, Perdita, is more familiar here.
Italian and Spanish
"serene"
Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.
"north star"
The astronomical Polaris is better known as the North Star, the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation. It's also the name of a character in the Marvel Universe, the daughter of Magneto.…
"first"
The revival of long-dormant Roman names would put this back in the lexicon if it wasn't so connected to a telecommunications network.
Literary name
Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell. We love Puck for its…
Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper
"succeed, prosper"
Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.