Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Steampunk Names
Across 5 pages
of 5
Araminta
Literature, compound of Arabella and Aminta, Greek
"loveable; unyielding + defender; unfading"
Araminta is a poetic and enchanting eighteenth-century invention with plenty of elegance and a touch of old-fashioned clunkiness. It first appeared in William Congreve's 17th century comedy The Old…
Archibald
Scottish from German
"truly brave"
The short form Archie is so open and friendly --and very trendy in the British Isles--that some parents are now beginning to consider the formerly fusty Archibald as well. SNL comedians Amy Poehler…
Artemus
Greek
"gift of Artemis"
Variant of Artemas
Balthazar
Phoenician
"Baal protects the King"
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold,…
Barnabas
Aramaic
"son of consolation"
Barnabas, whose birth name was Joseph, was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle, His name is a bit Old World compared to the…
Bartholomew
Aramaic
"son of the furrow"
Bartholomew is an apostle's name that's been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. The challenge could be to avoid the Simpson-ish…
Bartleby
English surname, probably related to Bartholomew
"son of the furrow"
Bartleby (that's his last name) the Scrivener is a famous Herman Melville character whose surprisingly powerful refrain was, "I would prefer not to." Or, in the immortal words of any two-year-old:…
Basil
Greek
"royal"
Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class…
Bertram
German
"bright raven"
Last in fashion in the 1930s, Bertram might once have been firmly in the best left in the past category, but with sweet nickname Bertie and the cool option of Bram, Bertram might just be one to…
Boudicca
Celtic
"victory"
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…
Bramwell
English
"well where the gorse grows; bramble well"
An unexpected route to nicknames Bram or Wells, this English surname derives from a historical hamlet in England, whose exact location has been lost to time. It comes from the Old English word for…
Cleora
Greek
"glory"
Cleora is a now-extinct name (there were no babies named Cleora recorded in the U.S. since 1982) that achieved some standing in the early 20th century thanks to the craze for all things…
Corentin
French, Breton
"tempest, hurricane"
Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night,…
Cornelious
Spelling variation of Cornelius
"horn"
Cornelious is an elaborated spelling variant of Cornelius, a masculine name with ancient Roman roots. The name derives from the Roman clan name Cornelius, possibly stemming from the Latin word…
Deryn
Welsh
"bird"
This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.
Drusilla
Latin
"fruitful"
Drusilla is an ancient Roman name, (probably) borne by descendants of Antony and Cleopatra, and is one of the 'illa' names that are ready for a comeback, especially with its cute short form Dru.…
Edwige
French from German Hedwig
"war"
Haitian writer Edwidge Danticat highlighted this sophisticated, chignon-wearing choice for literate parents.
Eulalia
Greek
"sweetly speaking"
Eulalia is a melodious name with a southern drawl, thanks to those lilting double L s and similarity to similar Eudora and Eula. Familiar in the US in the early 20th century, it was also a popular…
Evangelene
Evangelene is a feminine name that represents an elegant variation of Evangeline, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'bearer of good news.' This melodious name has roots in both Greek and…
Finbar
Irish
"fair-haired"
This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of…