The Canterbury Tales
- Oswold
Description:
Oswold is a masculine name of Old English origin, a variant of Oswald, derived from the elements "os" meaning "god" and "weald" meaning "power" or "ruler," thus translating to "divine power" or "god's ruler." This noble name was borne by an Anglo-Saxon king and saint, Oswald of Northumbria, who lived in the 7th century. Despite its rich historical significance, Oswold remains quite rare in modern usage, overshadowed by the more common spelling Oswald. The name carries an air of ancient dignity and strength, appealing to parents interested in historical Anglo-Saxon or Germanic names. Its distinctive character makes it stand out while still providing familiar nickname options like Oz or Ozzie.
- Parson
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"clergyman"Description:
The name Parson might have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago, but when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their son Deacon, they opened up a whole new field of ecclesiastical cool. Bishop, Priest, and Pastor are other possibilities.
- Perkin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"little Peter"Description:
Perkin sounds a bit Hobbit-ish as a full name, but it might make a good honor name or nickname for a boy called Peter.
- Phoebus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"shining, brilliant"Description:
One of the names of the sun god Apollo, this is better known in its feminine form, Phoebe. Rarely used as a given name, perhaps owing to the clunky end sound, it might work as a unique alternative to Phoenix, Felix, or Phineas.
- Palamon
- Pertelote
- Reeve
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"bailiff, sheriff, local official"Description:
Cool and dignified, sophisticated and modern, Reeve might be seen as alternative to long-familiar Reese. A medieval occupational name, a reeve was an English manor officer responsible for overseeing the discharge of feudal obligations; as such, it has been linked to bailiffs and sheriffs.
- Theseus
Origin:
Greek mythology nameDescription:
The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work.
- Tiburce
- Topas
- Valerian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strength, health"Description:
This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor name for grandma Valerie.
- Virginius
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