Unique Names from History

  1. Decima
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "tenth"
    • Description:

      In the days of huge families, this name of the Roman goddess of prophecy and childbirth, and one of the Fates, would be saved for bambina number ten. Now it might be used for a girl born in October, the tenth month.
  2. Boudicca
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "victory"
    • Description:

      First century queen who led her Brittonic Iceni tribe in revolution against the Romans occupying England. Also found as Boudica, Boadicea (as in bodacious) and in Welsh as Buddug, the historic namesake was defeated and committed suicide, but is still celebrated in England as intelligent and brave. One ancient name that, while unheard these days, could be revived along with such choices as Atticus and Cassius.
  3. Amasis
    • Origin:

      Egyptian
    • Meaning:

      "son of Iah"
    • Description:

      Amasis II was the last ruler of Egypt before it was conquered by the Persians. His name is a variant of Ahmose — which he is also referred to by — a name meaning "son of Iah" referring to the minor Ancient Egyptian moon god, Iah. Today, Amasis would make a very usable rare name for a baby boy.
  4. Thurstan
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, variation of Thurston
    • Meaning:

      "Thor's stone"
    • Description:

      Thurston Howell was the snooty millionaire on Gilligan's Island, but these days such surname names don't have the same elitist air.
  5. Rayner
    • Origin:

      Variation of Rainer, German
    • Meaning:

      "wise army"
    • Description:

      Rayner was introduced to England by the Normans after the Conquest and has historical significance in medieval Europe. Though uncommon in modern usage, Rayner has seen occasional revivals as parents seek distinctive yet historically grounded names.
  6. Agrippina
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "born feetfirst"
    • Description:

      A name with a rich history in Ancient Greece and Rome, Agrippina was the sister of Caligula and mother of Nero, who had her murdered. The original male version, Agrippa, can also used for girls. The name Agrippina arose in ancient times to further distinguish it as a feminine form of Agrippa.
  7. Saladin
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "peace through faith"
    • Description:

      A name with considerable history, as the celebrated sultan of Egypt and Syria in the time of the Crusades.
  8. Cleon
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "glorious, renowned"
    • Description:

      Rare and distinctive name with intimations of antiquity, also a Shakespearean character.
  9. Haidee
    • Origin:

      Literature, English
    • Meaning:

      "modest, reverant"
    • Description:

      While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the Greek word aidoios meaning "modest, reserved".
  10. Jevon
    • Origin:

      Welsh, variation of Evan
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Yet another offshoot of the original John, also sometimes used as Jevan or Yevan.
  11. Lozen
    • Origin:

      Apache, Native American
    • Meaning:

      "one who steals horses"
    • Description:

      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 Solo and football player Jerramy Stevens for their daughter, Lozen Orianna Judith, twin of Vittorio Genghis.
  12. Leofstan
    • Origin:

      Old English
    • Meaning:

      "dear, beloved stone"
    • Description:

      A chivalrous, knightly sounding choice, that blends the appeal of Tristan, Leon, Laertes, and Leonard. Appearing in several historical chronicles and borne by a 10th century Bishop of London called Leofstan, it would make a bold choice for a baby, but an intriguing one for a character in a historical or fantasy novel.
  13. Bohemond
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Description:

      The first bearer of this majestic name was a 12th century prince of Taranto and Antioch, whose father gave him the nickname of Bohemond (after a mythical giant called Buamundus gigas) due to his large size at birth. The name was thereafter used as a given name by his descendants.
  14. Ovid
    • Origin:

      Latin, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Ovid is the English form of the Roman family name Ovidius, which possibly comes from the word for sheep. It is the usual English name for the first-century poet Publius Ovidius Naso.
  15. Azur
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ezra, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "help"
    • Description:

      Azur is a mixed up form of Ezra, a Biblical name attached to a handful of minor characters. This strong, simple name was given to 11 baby boys in the US last year.
  16. Oriel
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "golden"
    • Description:

      Pretty Victorian-feeling cousin of Ariel; also, more prosaically, a kind of bay window.
  17. Lucretius
    • Origin:

      Latin clan name
    • Meaning:

      "wealth"
    • Description:

      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 the nickname Luc.
  18. Siddhartha
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "one who has accomplished a goal"
    • Description:

      Siddhartha Guatama was the real name of Buddha, born in India in the 5th century BC. It has thus become a significant name among Buddhists, who follow Buddha's teachings.
  19. Amalfrida
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble peace"
    • Description:

      Part Amalia, part Winifred, part Frederika, Amalfrida is an Old Germanic name, combining the elements amal and fridu, to give the charming meaning, "noble peace". With a hint of historical fantasy about it, it could make a memorable choice, but with grounding nicknames Molly, Mallie, Freddie, Alfie, Frida, and Ami.
  20. Atossa
    • Origin:

      Greek from Persian
    • Meaning:

      "bestowing very richly, well trickling, well granting"
    • Description:

      The historical Atossa was the daughter of Cyrus the Great of the Persian Empire. Atossa first married her brother Cambyses II, but was later married to Darius I. She gave birth to their son Xerxes I, the next Achaemenid king.

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