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Fancy Boy Names

  1. Piers

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock"

    • Description:

      Piers was the first version of Peter to reach the English-speaking world, via the Normans, but it's never made it in the US, despite its large measure of understated panache. This might change due to the high visibility of TV personality and former news editor Piers Morgan.
  2. Alessandro

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      For anyone seeking a more unusual version of Alexander, this is a real winner.
  3. Ferdinand

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "bold voyager"

    • Description:

      Ferdinand is a traditional name among Spanish royal families and also appears in Shakespeare's The Tempest, borne by the handsome young prince shipwrecked on Prospero's island. Bold, daring, and poetic, it was a popular choice in the US in the 19th and early 20th century, but the 1938 movie Ferdinand the Bull has left it with a lingering clunkiness and it has been out of style since the 80s.
  4. Ambrosius

    • Description:

      Ambrosius is a masculine name of Greek and Latin origin, derived from the Greek word "ambrosios," meaning "immortal" or "divine." It is the original Latin form of the more common Ambrose. The name carries significant historical weight, having been borne by Saint Ambrosius of Milan, an important 4th-century theologian and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. Throughout European history, the name appeared among clergy, nobility, and scholars, maintaining associations with learning and spiritual devotion. While Ambrosius has never been widely popular in modern English-speaking countries, it retains appeal for parents drawn to names with classical roots and substantial historical significance. The name projects dignity and intellectual seriousness, with potential nicknames including Ambrose, Brose, or even Sio.

  5. Balthasar

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "God protects the king"

    • Description:

      Balthasar was one of the biblical Three Kings who visited the infant Jesus, also used by Shakespeare and in the oil-rich Getty family; offbeat and intriguing. Balthazar is another, equally appropriate spelling.
  6. Cassander

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "light of man"

    • Description:

      Cassander is the masculine form of Cassandra, and the name of an ancient king of Macedon from the 3rd century BC. It could make a nice alternative to Alexander or a refreshing way to honour a female relative named Cassie/Cassandra/Sandra.
  7. Theophilus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "friend of God"

    • Description:

      This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus.
  8. Marcellus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "young warrior"

    • Description:

      This ancient Roman family name, first borne by the distinguished Marcus Claudius Marcellus and later by two popes, is a possibilty in the hot new category of names from antiquity.
  9. Ptolemy

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "aggressive, warlike"

    • Description:

      Pronounced "TAHL-a-mee," this was the name of one of Alexander the Great's generals and several Greco-Egyptian rulers, as well as the name of a famous Greek astronomer. Actress Gretchen Mol brought it into modern times when she chose it for her baby.
  10. Whittaker

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "white field"

    • Description:

      If you discount the connection to the controversial Whittaker Chambers in the days of the Red Scare, Whittaker is a pleasant enough British surname with the preppyish nickname Whit.
  11. Cymbeline

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "sun lord or sun hound"

    • Description:

      The title of a Shakespeare play based on legends featuring the early Celtic King Cunobelinus, whose name derives from the Gaulish sun god Belenus.
  12. Aristotle

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "superior; the best purpose"

    • Description:

      The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophical American ones. With user friendly nicknames such as Ari, Aris, Artie, and Ris, Aristotle is a ambitious choice, associated with morality, ethics, literature, and psychology.
  13. Gulliver

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "glutton"

    • Description:

      Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors Damian Lewis, of Homeland, and Helen McCrory also have a son named Gulliver.
  14. Marmaduke

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "devotee of Maedoc"

    • Description:

      One of the ultimate teasable names, an Irish saint's name now associated with the oversized comic-strip dog. Scottish adventurer Bear (born Edward) Grylls took up the challenge when he used it for his son.
  15. Guillermo

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of William

    • Description:

      As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
  16. Ludovic

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish variation of Ludwig

    • Meaning:

      "famous warrior"

    • Description:

      Euro-cool. Heard more in Scotland than in England or the US, Ludovic Lesly is a character in the Sir Walter Scott novel Quentin Durward and Sir Ludovic Kennedy was a noted Scottish broadcaster and writer. Cute nickname: Ludo.
  17. Simeon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "he [God] has heard"

    • Description:

      Could Simeon be the next Gideon? Parents seeking a less simple form of Simon might consider this biblical appellation that was chosen by Wynton Marsalis for his son. Simon is actually the Greek substitute for Simeon.
  18. Sinjin

    • Origin:

      Phonetic spelling of St. John

    • Description:

      The name St. John is much more usable in its phonetic spelling — similar to the way St. Clair evolved into Sinclair. St. John has some literary cred — St. John Rivers is a cool character in Jane Eyre.

      St. John has been attached to a number of notable men — not as a first but as a middle name, one shared by Evelyn Waugh, Basil Rathbone, Richard Harris and Brian Eno.

  19. Chauncy

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "gamble, fortune"

    • Description:

      A popular American name in previous centuries in honor of famed Harvard President, Charles Chauncy. This name is burdened by an incredibly pompous sound and best left in the past.
  20. Hyperion

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "the high one"

    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).