Historic and Vintage Names · International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 13 pages
of 13
Latin
"pure"
The name of the Roman goddess of the household is not recommended for your little goddess. More on that deity: Vesta is primarily associated with the vestal virgins, her priestesses, who tended the…
Katura is a feminine name with biblical origins, variant of Keturah, who was Abraham's second wife in the Old Testament. The name derives from Hebrew and means "incense" or "fragrance." This…
Hebrew and Arabic
"to evaporate and to be mighty"
This Old Testament name, also translated as Ido, is well-used in the modern Middle East but nearly unknown in the US. The Biblical Iddo was a minor prophet who lived in the time of Solomon.
American, meaning unknown
Rumors abound about Waneta, which is a Canadian place name. Some say it's an Anglicization of Juanita, while others claim it's a Native American name. Interestingly, Waneta is a common name among the…
German variation of Agnes, Greek
"pure, virginal"
Low German variation of Agnes still used today in America's Amish communities.
Italian from German
"protector"
Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.) But Elmo also calls to mind the image of St. Elmo's fire--the…
