User-created list
Not so guilty pleasures!
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Sancia
Italian, from Latin
"sacred"
Rarely heard outside Italy, could make an interesting import.
Tacita
Latin, feminine variation of Tacitus
"silence"
This Roman mythology name for the goddess of silence has the ancient Roman feel now coming into fashion, as boys begin to have names like Atticus and Aurelius.
Benno
German
"bear"
Benno is a cool name in its own right -- there was a tenth century Saint Benno -- though it is also used as a lively nickname for Benjamin. Saint Benno of Meissen is the patron saint of anglers and…
Leander
Greek
"lion-man"
Leander was once an almost unknown name, however, with the popularity of Leo and the rise of Leandro, it now feels like a perfectly accessible alternative to Leon or Alexander. In Greek legend,…
Zeno
Anglicized form of Greek Zenon, related to Zeus, king of the gods
Zeno, the name of two ancient philosophers, has a muscular dynamism that's lightened by its cheerful final vowel, resulting in a kind of offbeat sci-fi feel. Zeno of Citium was the founder of the…
Marlin
Combination of Mary and Lynn
Sounds like Marlon (as in Brando) and looks like marlin (as in the fish).
Mazarine
French color name
Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.
Kalindi
Hindi, variation of Kalinda
"sun"
Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
Tarian
Welsh
"shield"
A distinctive name, originally male, that could be an updated tribute to Grandma Marian.
Roone
Irish
"red-haired"
Roone is a lively, attractive and unusual redhead entry brought into the mix by the late TV sports and news executive Roone Arledge, who seemed to own it as a one-person name when he was alive. Roone…
Maize
English
"corn"
One of the more unusual nature names , Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. It could also be short for Maisie/Maizie.…
Livinia
Livinia appears to be a variant of Lavinia, a feminine name with ancient Roman roots. In Roman mythology, Lavinia was the daughter of King Latinus and the wife of Aeneas, playing a significant role…
Rasmus
Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus
"beloved, desired"
A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and…
Antinea
French after the Greek name for the Queen of Atlantis
In Pierre Benoit's novel, Antinea is a beautiful and charming queen with a hideous secret: She has a cave wall with 120 niches carved into it, one for each of her lovers. Only 53 have been filled;…
Veridian
Latin
"green"
Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.
Liadain
Irish
"grey lady"
A variation of an old Irish saint’s name, Liadin, and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Be prepared for some clumsy pronunciation outside Ireland, however.
Solenne
Solenne is a feminine French name derived from the Latin word 'sollemnis,' meaning 'solemn' or 'ceremonial.' In French culture, it carries connotations of dignity, grace, and reflection. The name has…