Over The Top

Sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus in Greek mythology, Ismene's name is unlikely to make it in modern times because of its teasability factor. Ismay or Esme would be better bets.

Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.

The name of a mythically handsome youth – loved by Selene, the moon, who bore him fifty daughters. If you're looking for a mythological name for your son, this might make an excellent choice both rare and appealing.

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.

One of Dumas' swashbuckling Three Musketeers, now better known as a men's cologne.

The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider.

Araluen is a beautiful Aboriginal Australian place name, used in several sites, always connected to the dainty water lily.

The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion for goddess names, we may see more little Aphrodites in the playground with Jupiter and Juno. Nineteen baby girls received the name in the US last year.

This ephemeral name of the loving angels surrounding the throne of God is all but unheard of in the US, although its feminine forms Seraphine and Seraphina are catching on. In Russia, it's long been in use, spelled Серафим (Serafim).

Sad tinge to the name of the beautiful German city firebombed during World War II. Its name derives from Sorbian drezga, meaning "forest".

Altalune is an invention used by Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson as one of several middle names for their daughter. It's evocative Latin meaning roughly translates to "over the moon." Celebrity baby Altalune will be called the more familiar Luna for short.

An unusual Gwyn name with a lovely meaning, this compound name pairs Gwyn with the name Eira, meaning "snow". A relatively modern creation, it remains very rare.

A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want something longer, or more gender neutral.

Bright and vibrant but elegant too, Estrella is a rising star among Hispanic families that would make a good cross-cultural choice too. A Spanish word name that literally means "star", it is similar to other popular names with the same stellar meaning such as Esther and Stella.

Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen is one of many pretty wen-ending names prominent in ancient Welsh legend.

Esylt is a feminine name of Welsh origin, being a variant spelling of Essyllt or Esyllt, which is the Welsh form of Isolde (or Iseult). The name is prominently featured in Arthurian legend and Celtic mythology as the Irish princess in the tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde. The Welsh pronunciation typically emphasizes the first syllable (ES-ilt). While maintaining deep connections to Celtic heritage and medieval romance, this particular spelling remains extremely rare even in Wales. The name carries associations with tragic beauty, forbidden love, and ancient Celtic traditions. Its unusual spelling and mythological connections make it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with strong cultural roots and literary significance while remaining distinctly uncommon.

An attractive enough name, but for die-hard Star Wars fans only.

This name feels warmer and more human-appropriate in its longer version, but still retains that breezy feel. Trivia tidbit: Zephyrinus was a Jewish pope.

A rare Biblical name, reminiscent of Gabriel, Aziel, and Malachi, Gamaliel appears in the Old Testament as a son of Pedahzur and in the New Testament as a Jewish priest and scholar who taught Saint Paul and who saved the Apostles when the Sanhedrin wanted to persecute them.

Ursula, while beautiful, still carries a whiff of the Disney sea witch. Perhaps Ursuline smells a bit sweeter?