By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 21 pages
of 21
Tigris is a masculine name derived from the famous Tigris River, one of the major rivers of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The river's name itself comes from the Old Persian word "tigra" meaning…
Timotheos is the original Greek form of Timothy, derived from Greek elements meaning 'honoring God' or 'God's honor.' This classical version maintains the full richness of its ancient origins,…
Timun is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be related to the Indonesian word for 'cucumber,' or it could be a variation of Timothy, which has Greek origins meaning 'honoring…
Titos is a masculine name with Greek origins, representing a variation of Titus. In ancient Rome, Titus was a common praenomen (personal name) and is famously known through Emperor Titus Flavius…
Vasos is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Vassilios,' the Greek form of Basil, meaning 'royal' or 'kingly.' In Greek Cypriot communities, Vasos functions as both a standalone name…
Greek variation of Benedict
Though this one would be sure to inspire confusion, Ven- names can be an intriguing alternative to the Ben- group.
Greek
"golden-haired"
This alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound and can always be shortened to Xan.
"foreign voice"
This name of an ancient Greek historian sounds too long-ago and faraway to consider for a modern child.
"hospitality, guest"
One of the more accessible X names, though Xeno or Zeno might sound more modern.
"sea-strength"
Appealing sound and meaning, but there is that discount-store association.
Greek, meaning unknown
Like Gandy, a rarely heard name (there was a seventies movie called Zandy's Bride ) that has a lot more energy and charm than its commoner cousins Andy, Randy, and Sandy.
"life of Zeus"
Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.
"affectionate"
Also written as Philemon, this New Testament character was a recipient of Paul's epistles.
Place-name
Patrick Lafcadio Hearn was born on the Greek Island of Lefkada, the origin of the name he used as a first. But as a writer, he was known as Koizumi Yakumo, a collector of Japanese folk tales and…
Russian from Greek
"song of the hero"
Well used in Russia, this is a distinctive and undiscovered choice here. Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the fictional protagonist of Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky.
Latinized form of Greek Erastos
"beloved"
The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical…
Rouvin is a masculine name of French origin, likely a variant of Ruben or Reuben, which has Hebrew roots meaning "behold, a son." This uncommon name carries an air of sophistication and uniqueness.…
Romanos is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the Greek form of the Latin name 'Romanus,' which means 'Roman' or 'from Rome.' This ancient name has historical significance in both…
Semon is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may function as a rare variant of Simon, which derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "listening." Alternatively,…
Latin from Greek
"honor"
Timaeus is an ancient name that appears in both Plato's Dialogues and in the New Testament. Might make a so-old-it's-new-again version of Timothy. The feminine variation is Timea.
