International Names

A pretty name heard in the Louisiana Cajun community, Abella would fit right in with all the other, more familiar, bella names.

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, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, though their names were not mentioned in the Bible.

Crisdean is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing the Gaelic form of Christian or Christopher. Pronounced approximately as 'KRIZH-jan' in Gaelic, the name derives from the Greek 'Khristophoros,' meaning 'bearing Christ.' This traditional Gaelic spelling preserves cultural heritage while offering a distinctive alternative to more common variants. Crisdean has maintained popularity primarily in Scottish Highland communities and among families seeking to honor their Gaelic heritage. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name represents a strong cultural connection to Scottish traditions. Its unique spelling combined with recognizable roots makes it appealing for parents seeking a name with both distinctiveness and historical significance.

Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of his female characters.

Finlay is a Scottish royal name: it belonged to Macbeth's father, Finlay MacRory--or Findlaech mac Ruaidri--that has a bit of a split personality. It has two acceptable spellings--Finlay and Finley, the first more popular in its native Scotland, where it ranks in the Top 10, the second in the US. It is also becoming more and more unisex in the States, with the Finley spelling now split between girls and boys, while Finlay was used last year for TEN TIMES as many boys as girls, about 50 to only five.

Has the fusty charm of recently excavated ancient Roman male names like Augustus and Magnus, which might just appeal to the fearless baby namer.

Parents seeking a distinctive New Testament name might consider this one. Adopted by some Puritans in the seventeenth century, Persis was used in the William Dean Howells novel The Rise of Silas Lapham for the wife of the protagonist.

Derived from an ancient Roman name, this is best known in its male form Placido, thanks to the tenor.

Sabina is a sleek but neglected name from an ancient Roman tribal name that's well worth consideration. The equally alluring Sabine is heard in France and Germany. Related names include the more popular Sabrina or Serena. All are equally lovely.

Though it has literary credentials--making an appearance in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and as the mean-spirited teacher Severus Snape in the Harry Potter books, most modern parents would find it too--well--severe.

A favorite in England and Wales where nicknames as given names are very much the norm, Tilly has the potential to catch on in the US, given its similarity to the popular Lily and Ellie and the rising stars Millie, Billie, Kallie, and Nellie.