By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 599 pages
of 599
Kajus is a masculine name with Northern European origins, particularly popular in Lithuania and other Baltic countries. It likely derives from the Roman name Caius (also spelled Gaius), which was a…
Meade is a masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname meaning 'meadow' or referring to someone who lived near a meadow. Alternatively, it may have evolved from the…
German
"dweller near the bush"
For stalwart Republicans only.
Place-name or surname
"meeting place"
Stowe, the name of a beautiful mountain town in Vermont as well as the surname of the great author Harriet Beecher, is one of the oldest last names on record. The meeting place the name Stowe refers…
Maier is a German surname that has been adopted as a given name. It derives from the Middle High German word 'meier,' meaning 'steward,' 'tenant farmer,' or 'village headman' - someone who managed…
Arabic, possible variation of Hussein
"beautiful"
There will probably be lots of little namesakes after the fastest man in the world, Jamaican Olympic runner Usain Bolt--middle name St. Leo.
Place name
From the name of the river which flows through Pakistan, India, and Tibet.
Italian and Spanish from Latin
"blond, fair"
Elvio is a barely-ever-used name that might just be a hidden gem. From the Latin family name Elvius, international bearers of the name include several footballers and the Paraguayan poet Elvio…
English
"shrub farm"
A busby is the English name for the fur military headdress originally worn by the Hungarian hussars . As a first name, Busby is also the unique name of iconic movie choreographer Busby Berkeley.
Aspin is a rare masculine name with English origins, derived from the aspen tree (Populus tremula), known for its distinctive trembling leaves. The name carries natural imagery and strength,…
Diminutive of Aleksandr, Russian from Greek
An alternative to Sasha, another common Russian nickname for Aleksander.
Ahern is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname 'Ó hEachthighearna,' meaning 'lord of horses' or 'horse lord.' As a given name, Ahern is uncommon, representing a modern…
Italian from Greek
"honor"
Timeo is a Top 100 name in France but is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world. Appearing briefly in the New Testament and related to Timon, a Shakespearean name, Timeo is a valid…
Hebrew
"servant of God"
Avdel is an obscure Old Testament name with a straightforward feel and sound and the fashionable A initial. One to consider if you want a highly unusual yet not difficult Hebrew or Biblical name.
Maxey is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, primarily used as a surname before transitioning to first-name usage. Derived from the medieval name Macey (a form of Matthew) or possibly…
Elven is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old English word 'ælf' meaning 'elf' or 'supernatural being,' connecting it to mythological traditions. Alternatively,…
"gloomy"
Ephai may have a sad meaning but it's an interesting Biblical alternative to such widely-used names as Eli and Elijah.
"to arise; dawn"
The Biblical Zerah is etymologically related to such names as Zora, which also means dawn. While the vowel sound at the end of the name does not sound as feminine to our modern ear as it once did,…
Hebrew, meaning uncertain
We've been hearing a lot more of Silas and even of Cyrus, which means the obscure Tiras may have a shot at resurrection as a same-but-different name. And you can call him Ti. The Old Testament Tiras…
"mighty one"
The Biblical Addar was a son of King Bela. This obscure name is simple and strong and well-suited to modern life. It feels almost like a cross between Adlai and Asher, two better-known boys' names…
