Unusual, Rare, and Unique Baby Names · Historic and Vintage Names
Unique Names from History
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Ismay
Possible variation of Esme
"esteemed, beloved"
The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain…
Isolde
Welsh, German
"ice ruler"
Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of…
Ivaylo
Bulgarian
"wolf"
Ivaylo was first borne by Ivaylo of Bulgaria, a 13th-century Bulgarian tsar, and it is still commonly used in its native country. It comes with the fashionable -o ending, a cool animal meaning, and a…
Ivo
Germanic, Slavic
"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"
Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o . It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of…
Jevon
Welsh, variation of Evan
"gift of God"
Yet another offshoot of the original John, also sometimes used as Jevan or Yevan.
Kaloyan
Bulgarian
"handsome John"
A popular name in its native Bulgaria, Kaloyan comes from the Greek words kalos Ioannis, meaning "handsome John". It was used as a nickname for Tsar Ivan I of Bulgaria which eventually became the…
Kassiani
Greek
"cinnamon"
Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in…
Kenelm
English
"brave, bold helmet, keen protection"
A rarely used member of the Ken- family, Kenelm has a rugged, surname-style feel. Borne by a 9th century martyr and a member of the Mercian royal family, it could make an intriguing namesake for a…
Lalage
Greek
"to chatter"
An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman . Appealing…
Lambert
French and German
"land brilliant"
Ancient saint's name used for cowardly cartoon lion.
Lothar
German
"famous army"
Lothar is cloddish, till you add a dashing io to the end...
Lozen
Apache, Native American
"one who steals horses"
Lozen is the name of a female Apache warrior and medicine woman who fought with Geronimo in the 19th century. The sister of the warrior called Victorio, Lozen was the name chosen by soccer star Hope…
Lucretius
Latin clan name
"wealth"
Lucretius is the name of the Roman philosopher who invented Epicureanism. But even in these days of old Roman name revival, Lucretius sounds a bit long-white-beardish, though it can be enlivened with…
Ludmila
Slavic
"beloved of the people"
This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from…
Margery
Medieval variation of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
An old royal name in England and Scotland that's also spelled Marjorie. Popular in the Middle Ages and Tudor period, it was revived at the end of the 19th century, peaked in 1921 and dropped off the…
Malalai
Pashto
"sad, grieved"
A beautiful girl name with a melodic sound, Malalai is best known for Malalai of Maiwand, a woman who is considered a national folk hero in Afghanistan. She was a 19th-century freedom fighter,…
Meliora
Latin, Cornish
"better; honey"
Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.
Merneith
Egyptian
"beloved by Neith"
An alluring ancient name with feminist history: Merneith was an Ancient Egyptian consort and ruler who may have been the first female pharaoh, and even the first queen regnant in all of recorded…
Mirabai
Sanskrit
"ocean"
The Hindu princess and poetess Meera, was also known as Mira Bai. Mira Bai was a Rajput princess, the only child of Ratan Singh, younger brother of the ruler of Merta. Her royal education included…
Nefertiti
Egyptian
"the beautiful one has arrived"
This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.