Classic Names: Ten You Never Thought Of
We’re always coming across names on nameberry that we never thought of before, undiscovered gems that suddenly seem attractive and eminently usable for a real live person.
How come everyone flocks to Ava and Aiden, or even Avery and Atticus, when there are so many names like this hiding in plain sight? Beats us. If you truly want something distinctive, there are thousands of such choices to be found just by clicking Unusual Names in the left purple column on most pages of nameberry.
Here, the first in a series of classic names you might not have considered…..but definitely should.
ABIJAH – A Biblical name used in the Colonial times that can work for both boys and girls. Rhymes with Elijah, stands in for that name or Abigail.
AMORET – Redolent of love, this unusual name comes from Edmund Spenser’s “The Faerie Queen.” The character of Amoret represents married love, an ideal sentiment.
BATHSHEBA – True, it’s a whole lotta name. But Bathsheba, which means “seventh daughter,” has a rich Biblical and literary history. Short form Sheba walks that intriguing line between being edgy and ready for prime time.
CIRCE – Okay, so she was a siren who turned Odysseus’s men into pigs and lured the poor hero away from the patient Penelope. She also had a lovely name, pronounced sare-see, that would make a standout modern choice. That’s her in the picture above.
CORIN – It may sound like a nouveau two-syllable boys’ name, but Corin has a Shakespearean pedigree.
ELEAZAR – A Biblical boys’ name with more zest and distinction than the flagging Eli variations.
KETURAH – Old Testament name – she was Abraham’s wife post-Sarah – that hasn’t been much used in the past few hundred years but has a rhythm and feel that’s appropriate for today. And in case you’re still looking for Biblical names you never heard before, Keturah and Abraham had six sons: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.
LORCAN – If Logan and Aidan are megapopular, can Lorcan be far behind? Somehow, this Irish boys’ name meaning fierce has not achieved the notoriety of its compatriots. But smart parents will look to it as a fresh entry in that trendy crowd.
NICASIO – Love Nic-names but tired of Nicholas? Then consider this Spanish choice that’s related to Nike.
PALADIN – A French name that means “of the palace,” Paladin was a title of honor given to Charlemagne’s twelve best knights. That’s a name story any little boy would love taking to kindergarten. There was a fifties television show by this name.