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Old Names

  1. Ceclia
    • Dahlia

      • Origin:

        Flower name, from Swedish surname

      • Meaning:

        "Dahl's flower"

      • Description:

        One of the flower names, used occasionally in Britain (where it's pronounced DAY-lee-a). It seems to have recovered from what was perceived as a slightly affected la-di-dah air. The flower was named in honor of the pioneering Swedish botanist Andreas Dahl, which means dale.
    • Damaris

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "dominant woman"

      • Description:

        In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a favorite among the Puritans. Having slid off the bottom of the Top 1000 in 2012, Damaris might be deserving of more attention by parents in search of a New Testament name that is unusual but accessible, especially since girls' names ending in 's' are coming back into fashion.
    • Editha

      • Description:

        Editha is a feminine name of Old English and Germanic origin, representing an elegant, extended form of Edith. Derived from the elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'gyth' meaning 'war, battle,' Editha carries the historical meaning of 'prosperous in war' or 'blessed fighter.' Popular during medieval times, particularly in England and Germany, Editha has a regal, vintage quality that connects to European history. The name experienced some usage in the Victorian era but remains relatively uncommon in modern times. Editha offers the familiarity of Edith with a more elaborate, feminine ending, giving it an antique charm that appeals to parents drawn to vintage names with historical depth and dignified sounds.

    • Eleazar

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God helps"

      • Description:

        Eleazar is a distinguished Biblical name--in which it appears several times-- ripe for the picking following the stardom of Eli, Elijah, and other similar names.
    • Eliphalet

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God has judged"

      • Description:

        A bit too elephantine for a modern child.
    • Enoch

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "dedicated"

      • Description:

        A major figure in the Old Testament, Enoch was the son of Jared, the father of Methuselah, and the great-grandfather of Noah whose Book of Enoch provides a focal point for ancient Jewish mysticism. Another Enoch was the son of Cain. "Enoch Arden" is a famous poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. On the negative side, British politician Enoch Powell gave the infamously racist Rivers of Blood anti-immigration speech, taking the name out of consideration for many parents in the UK.
    • Ephraim

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "fruitful, fertile, productive"

      • Description:

        Ephraim is an Old Testament name we would place high on the list of neglected Biblical possibilities, solid but not solemn.
    • Experience

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.
    • Ezekiel

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "God strengthens"

      • Description:

        Ezekiel used to be reduced to its nickname Zeke, but modern parents now embrace it in full for its power and dignity. Along with biblical brethren Asher and Ezra, Ezekiel is rising steadily up the popularity charts and is poised to take over for fading first wave Old Testament choices such as Zachary.
    • Emilene
      • Eolia
        • Eudo
          • Gamel
            • Gartnait
              • Helena

                • Origin:

                  Latinate form of Helen, Greek

                • Meaning:

                  "torch; shining light"

                • Description:

                  Helena is one of those classic names that just misses making the US Top 1000 girl names for its entire history, falling off for a single year in 1992. Since then it's been drifting lazily up the charts, and makes a perfect choice if you want a name that both fits in and stands out.
              • Hezekiah

                • Origin:

                  Hebrew

                • Meaning:

                  "God gives strength"

                • Description:

                  This name of an influential Old Testament king of Judah is one that would challenge even the most adventurous biblical name-seeker, but it does have the modernizing short forms Zeke or Kiah.
              • Humphrey

                • Origin:

                  German

                • Meaning:

                  "peaceful warrior"

                • Description:

                  Humphrey is an old name that might have faded completely were it not for that Bogie flair. A royal name in Britain, where it's used somewhat more frequently, Humphrey might just have some life beyond Bogart here, especially with the recent interest in the names of Golden Age Hollywood stars. His first name was the maiden name of his mother, Maud Humphrey, a well-known illustrator who used baby H. as a model.
              • Hamon
                • Ichabod

                  • Origin:

                    Hebrew

                  • Meaning:

                    "the glory is gone"

                  • Description:

                    Ichabod, an eccentric Old Testament name, is forever tied to the character of Ichabod Crane -- and worse, the teasing possibilities of "icky bod." Even its original meaning is a negative. Skip Ichabod, as if you were ever tempted.