By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 197 pages
of 197
Jerrais
"cheerful"
Helier is the patron saint of the Jersey, one of the Channel Islands, and it is for him that St. Helier, Jersey's capital, is named. The name is related to Hilary, Ilario etc, and therefor shares…
Basque
"beautiful light"
Argider is a somewhat used boys' name in Basque-speaking parts of Spain.
Bulgarian variation of Dmitri
Dimitar is the Bulgarian (and Macedonian) version of Dmitri, which is itself a variation of the name of the Greek goddess Demeter, whose name means earth mother.
Gemstone name
The discoverer of this lovely bright blue gemstone named it after his daughter Larissa and the sea (mar), hence Larimar. Despite the feminine origins, the harder -mar ending makes this work for boys…
Mineral name
Alabaster is a white stone that was often used to make sculptures. The name is thought to derive from an Egyptian term al-abaste, which refers to the Egyptian God Bast.
Also known as green beryl, Heliodor is the name of a sun-kissed colored gemstone. The name is reminiscent of other -dor names such as Theodore, Esidore, Isidor, Landor, Salvador etc.
"rainbow"
Ostadar is one of the few names relating to rainbows that is definitively masculine in its original language. Beyond its lovely meaning, Ostadar has a fabulous ring to it and is ripe for greater use…
"alone"
A somewhat solemn name for a child. The feminine version is Bakarne.
"snow"
Perfect for that winter baby, when Snow isn't subtle enough. The feminine version is Edurne.
Serbian tree name
"maple tree"
Javor is the Serbian word for Maple tree. It makes a definitively masculine and interesting choice for the nature inclined namer.
Basque tree name
"Ash tree"
In the Basque lands of Spain, this name is reserved for boys. But given it's similarity to the name Lisa, we think that this might be ripe for claiming by girls.
Cornish mythological name
Cador is said to be one of the ancient rulers of Cornwall who, according to Arthurian legend, was the guardian of Guinevere. The name Cadbury is said to come from his four hill-forts.
Cornish place and saint's name
This Cornish place name is possibly named after a female saint, Senara. However, it can work just as well on a boy and would make a very interesting choice for those of Cornish descent or who love…
English word name, a type of masonry
An unusual variation on the "ash" names, Ashlar is a great choice for those who know their architecture - Ashlar is a type of fine-cut masonry work.
English, French, Latin
"flourishing"
Florence is historically a unisex name, deriving both from Latin Florentius and Florentia. Although much more commonly feminine in modern times, it appeared in the US Top 1000 for boys until 1914.…
Greek mythology
"spirit of the air"
In ancient Greece, Aither was one of the primordial deities. Aither is the personification of the upper air. He embodies the pure upper air that the gods breathe, as opposed to the normal air…
Irish mythological name
Lir is the Irish god of the sea, the equivalent of the Welsh Llyr which some equate with Shakespeare's King Lear. This is one of those rare names that is simple and has a deep history with an…
Arabic, variation of Alexander
Skandar is a shortened form of Iskandar, an Arabic form of Alexander. It is most familiar as the name of Skandar Keynes, the actor who played Edmund Pevensie in the Chronicles of Narnia. Skandar is a…
Danish
"north"
For those who can't bear to use a Kardashian name, perhaps the translation Nohr might be an option. Nohr is currently in Denmark's Top 50 and so is one of those Danish names prime to travel to the…
"spear of God"
It looks unfamiliar at first, but we think this strong Danish name is worthy of further consideration. It has a great meaning and is unusual without being a mouthful or too challenging. To us it…
