13th Century Chic
- Aeron
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"berry"Description:
Aeron was possibly a minor Celtic god of war, and is definitely a river in modern-day Wales.
- Alistair
Origin:
English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
With many British names invading the Yankee name pool, the sophisticated Alistair could and should be part of the next wave. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. You have a triple choice with this name--the British spell it Alistair or Alastair, while the Scots prefer Alasdair--but they're all suave Gaelic versions of Alexander. Adopted by the lowland Scots by the seventeenth century, the name didn't become popular outside Scotland and Ireland until the twentieth century.
- Allyn
Description:
Allyn is a gender-neutral name with versatile usage as a masculine name, though it also appears as a feminine option. With Welsh and Celtic origins, it relates to names like Alan and Allen, derived from elements meaning "handsome" or "cheerful." As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries an elegant, sophisticated quality. The distinctive 'y' spelling gives Allyn a more contemporary feel compared to traditional variants. Despite never reaching high popularity rankings, Allyn has maintained consistent, modest usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. The name appeals to parents seeking a classic-sounding option with a modern twist. Its gender flexibility makes it appealing in contemporary naming trends that favor unisex options. Allyn projects strength and refinement while maintaining an approachable quality.
- Anders
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of AndrewMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Friendly, unusual, but a decidedly Old Country version of Andrew and one of the classic Scandinavian names. It made a brief appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2006 and then reentered in 2010. Its rising popularity could be attributed to the interest in Anderson, which has been gaining steadily over the last fifteen years.Trivia tidbits: The patronymic Andersson is the second most popular surname in Sweden, and in Denmark, Donald Duck is called Anders.
- Angharad
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"much loved"Description:
This name dates back to Arthurian legend, in which Angharad was the lover of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table, and was used more recently for the name of the favorite wife of the warlord in Mad Max: Fury Road. It was quite popular in the Middle Ages and is still heard in Wales, but we doubt that even the glamorous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley could propel it to wider popularity.
- Arianell
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"silver"Description:
This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.
- Arianwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"woman of silver"Description:
Spelling variant of Arianwen. Note that in Welsh, the -wyn suffix is usually masculine.
- Auberon
Origin:
English, French, GermanMeaning:
"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"Description:
Rarely heard in the US, Auberon has a gentle autumnal feel rare in a male name. A Shakespeare-adjacent choice, Auberon started out as as a pet form of Auberi, the French form of German Alberich.
- Abrigo
- Aerend
- Aerian
- Antica
- Bannan
Description:
Bannan is a masculine name with roots in Celtic and Gaelic traditions. It likely derives from the Irish surname Ó Banáin, meaning 'descendant of Banán,' with 'bán' meaning 'white' or 'fair-haired.' As a first name, Bannan is extremely rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon Celtic option with historical significance. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound with its balanced syllables and firm ending. While not widely used in mainstream English-speaking countries, Bannan offers a connection to Irish heritage and can be seen as a more unique alternative to popular Celtic names like Brendan or Brian.
- Baran
Origin:
Turkish and Persian, RussianMeaning:
"rain; ram"Description:
Baran is barely known in the US -- unless it's mistaken for royal moniker and Trump son name Baron -- but it might make a perfect choice for a boy born under the sign of Aries.
- Bayard
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"russet-haired"Description:
An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
- Blodwyn
Description:
Blodwyn is a feminine Welsh name derived from 'blodau' meaning 'flowers' and 'gwyn' meaning 'white' or 'blessed,' creating the meaning 'white flowers' or 'blessed flowers.' Traditionally used in Wales, this name evokes imagery of delicate white blossoms and carries the natural beauty associated with floral names. Blodwyn peaked in popularity in Wales during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has remained relatively rare outside Welsh communities. The name has a distinctive sound that reflects its Celtic origins, with the characteristic Welsh 'wy' vowel combination that may be challenging for non-Welsh speakers. Despite its rarity in global contexts, Blodwyn offers a connection to Welsh heritage and language while providing an unusual alternative to more common flower-inspired names.
- Belgan
- Belifan
- Beniman
- Beridan