Updated September 2019
Single page list
Cornish
"from the high stronghold"
This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who…
Cornish variation of Jacob or James
"supplanter"
A dashing alternative to the popular James and Jacob, Jago is the jaunty Cornish form of the Biblical names. Occasionally (or historically) appearing as Jagoe, Jego, and Jaego, it may have been…
Cornish variation of Kane
"man of the eastern sky"
This name is unusual enough that the spelling variation won't be too much of a further complication. While the Biblical cognate Cain may be more classic, this removes the name from any negative…
Cornish, from Caius, Latin
"rejoice"
This name of an ancient saint and one of the first knights of King Arthur's Round Table has a modern, if feminine, feel.
Cornish, diminutive of Christopher, Greek and Latin
"bearer of Christ"
Kitto updates Dad Name Christopher with a trendy o-ending short form. Use it as an honor name or an original nickname.
Cornish variation of Pascal
"Easter"
Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.
"red"
Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.
Silyen is an uncommon masculine name with mysterious origins. This rare name may have roots in various linguistic traditions, possibly derived from Latin, French, or constructed from modern naming…
Scottish
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish…
Irish and Scottish, meaning unknown
The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn,…
Cornish and Welsh place name and surname
"top of the heath"
Penrose – an ancient locational surname derived from several villages in Cornwall, Wales, and the Welsh border country of England – might work as a first name, although the "Rose" syllable might lead…
Cornish saint and place name
St. Keverne is a town on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula and also the name of an ancient saint. While the name is virtually unused for children in the modern world, it could be a Kevin update and has…