By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 21 pages
of 21
Greek
"called forth"
Sometimes used as a short-form of Catholic Pope name Anacletus, Cletus is an ancient name that has not-yet found the popularity of Theodore, Leo, Atticus and Max. It perhaps suffers from its…
Scottish form of Gregory
"vigilant, a watchman"
Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And…
Romanized form of Aeson, Greek
Jason is the better known name and the more familiar mythological figure, but if you're wanting something rare, Aison (or Aeson) could make an interesting choice. Borne by the father of Jason (and a…
Biblical, Greek, Hebrew
"exchange"
A rare Biblical name that appears in the New Testament, borne by the father of two of the Apostles, Alphaeus may appeal to those who want something with Biblical roots but don't want to go for any of…
Demitrius is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Demetrius, which comes from the ancient Greek name Dēmḗtrios (Δημήτριος), meaning 'devoted to Demeter' (the Greek goddess of…
"blessed"
Macarius, the name of several early saints, is virtually unknown in the U.S. though its Spanish forms Macario and the feminine Macaria are sometimes used. With the revival of many ancient s-ending…
"story of Odysseus; long journey"
Odyssey is a rare and weighty word name — following the footsteps of Hero, Legend, Prosper, and Story. Despite its literal connection to Odysseus, Homer's epic hero, Odyssey has always been slightly…
Serbian, Bulgarian, and Ukrainian form of Sabbas, Greek
"old man, grandfather"
A Slavic form of the Greek Sabbas, this name is notably associated with Saint Sava, a 12th-century Prince and monk who became known as The Illuminator. He was the founder of Serbian Law and the first…
Symeon is a historical Greek variant of Simon, originating from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning "he has heard" or "listening." This ancient form appears in the New Testament and was borne by several…
Diminutive of Alexander, Greek
"defending men"
There's Zan and there's Xan--take your pick. Both of these are the latest generation of Alexander nicknames, Xan having been noticed first as a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (a rich source…
Phoenician
"Baal protects the King"
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold,…
English word name
"disorder and confusion"
Associated with havoc, disaster, and trouble, this bold moniker is unlikely to be many parents' first choice, but it has nevertheless been appearing in the US charts since 2006. It may appeal to…
"glorious, renowned"
Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.
Short form of Konstantinos, Greek form of Constantine
"steadfast"
Kostas makes the ancient emperor's name more approachable.
Italian and Spanish from Greek
"purple dye"
This ancient saint's name was borne by the infamous midcentury playboy, Porfirio Rubirosa.
"aggressive, warlike"
Pronounced "TAHL-a-mee," this was the name of one of Alexander the Great's generals and several Greco-Egyptian rulers, as well as the name of a famous Greek astronomer. Actress Gretchen Mol brought…
"bright, shining, glistening"
Also spelled as Argos, this name appears in Greek mythology, borne by Odysseus's loyal dog, by a giant creature with a hundred eye, a son of Zeus and King of Argos, and an Argonaut ship builder. The…
Leandros is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the name Leander, which comes from the Greek elements 'leon' meaning 'lion' and 'andros' meaning 'man', thus translating to 'lion man' or…
"loving"
Could Philo be the next Milo? We love the o-ending and sweet meaning of this dynamic and distinctive Greek name, often used in literature, but never particularly popular. The ancient Philo (aka Philo…
Greek diminutive of Eustace
Became completely feminized in the unisex name revolution of the seventies.
