Cathan is one Irish boys' name that remains underused and would be an intriguing way to honor an ancestral Catherine. It is related to Cain and, theoretically, the nouveau Cayden.

Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.

Baby-naming rule #984: forget any name that contains the syllable wig.

Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

Often spelled Gauthier, this could make a distinctive way to honor Grandpa Walter, but first syllable pronounced 'goat' might be a problem.

Feeney is an Irish surname found mostly in northwest Ireland. It may rise in the US as a first name for girls along with such Irish surnames as Riley and Kennedy. Feeney might also be considered an out-of-the-box short form of Josephine.

Army plus meaner equals an unappealing name.

A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.

A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author Umberto Eco.

Malkin is medieval short form of Maud or Matilda, popular in the Middle Ages. The name later developed folkloric associations, sometimes referring to a female cat (particularly a green-eyed one) or a witch's familiar in English folklore. In Shakespeare's time, 'grimalkin' referred to an old female cat or a fiery woman.

At the very least, shorten it to Hilda.

St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc would be an almost unique, but easy-to-pronouce choice.

Hereswith is a rare name that comes to us from the dark ages. She was a Northumbrian saint, whose more famous sister, Hilda, was the Abbess at Whitby and patron of the first English poet, Caedmon. The name has a soft, lispy sound that is more wearable than its spelling would suggest.

Feeney is an Irish surname most popular in Counties Sligo and Mayo in northwest Ireland. It may rise in the US as a first name as other Irish surnames from Riley to Kennedy become increasingly popular for both genders.

An Icelandic relation of Roger, Hróar is derived from the Old Norse element hróðr meaning "fame". combined with either herr meaning "warrior" or "geirr meaning "spear". English speakers might find the pronunciation unintuitive at first, but it is said as RO-ar, with a slightly audible H sound at the beginning.

This cute mini-name is the Greenlandic form of both Louis and Louisa, making it a distinct and wearable unisex choice for a baby of any gender.

The M and the R add welcome strength.

This variation removes the d from the original spelling, making it even rarer. Clotilde may not see much usage in the US, but it is currently Number 431 in France.

The Hungarian form of Roger is a fun twist on the retro classic. The name is also related to Rudolf: The Hungarians affectionately referred to Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria as Prince Rezső. Namesakes include the pianist and composer Rezső Seress and the former Minister of Finance of Hungary Rezső Nyers.