Reject Pile (Or is it?)
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For all the names that people can be cool enough to pull off.
- Abdurrahman
Description:
Abdurrahman is a masculine name of Arabic origin that combines "Abd" (servant) and "ar-Rahman" (the Most Merciful), meaning "servant of the Most Merciful," referring to one of the 99 attributes of Allah in Islam. This deeply meaningful name has been borne by numerous scholars, leaders, and significant figures throughout Islamic history, including companions of the Prophet Muhammad and rulers of various Islamic states. The name is widely used across Muslim communities worldwide, with slight pronunciation and spelling variations depending on regional dialects. While less common in Western countries, globalization has increased its presence internationally. Parents choosing this name often do so for its powerful spiritual significance and cultural heritage, reflecting devotion to faith and the nurturing of compassionate qualities in their child.
- Accalia
Origin:
Latin, mythological nameDescription:
Accalia was the human foster-mother of twins Romulus and Remus. Her name is even more obscure than theirs.
- Adlai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is just"Description:
Adlai is an Old Testament name long associated with 1950's liberal presidential candidate Stevenson, who was named after his grandfather, who was Grover Cleveland's vice president in the nineteenth century. Now it's an unusual Biblical choice ripe for rediscovery.
- Aeliana
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"sun"Description:
This female form of the ancient Latin Aelian has an appealing sound, though kids might have a hard time handling that initial "ae" spelling. Just remember that the "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think Aesop's fables).The Annals of Aeliana is a children's fantasy series by Ryan Watters. The meaning is uncertain but is thought to derive from the Greek helios, which means sun.
- Aenea
Origin:
Greek, female variation of AeneasMeaning:
"the praised one"Description:
This name found in the fantasy series Endymion/Rise of Endymion has a slightly physiological feel to it.
- Agapi
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"love, affection"Description:
Agapi has a sweet meaning of love and affection, but though this name is used in modern Greece, it's one of the Greek names for girls that has not yet emigrated to the US along with so many of her sisters.
- Agatha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
- Agrippa
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"born feet first"Description:
A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).
- Aladdin
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"height of religion; excellent in faith"Description:
We can't pretend that this name is not indelibly linked to the Disney's eponymous character, at least in the USA; but it's not a negative connotation and may appeal to you. Bosnian variation Aldin may be more wearable in the US, though.
- Alala
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"war cry"Description:
This name of the mythological sister of Mars might be used for a girl born under one of the signs ruled by the planet Mars--Aries or Scorpio. She is the personification of the war cry.
- Alveanea
Description:
Alveanea is an exceedingly rare feminine name with unclear etymological origins, possibly a modern creation or adaptation of other names. Its melodic quality suggests possible Latin or Romance language influences, perhaps combining elements like 'alva' (white) with decorative suffixes. The name has a distinctly ethereal and fantasy-like quality, making it appeal to parents seeking something truly unique. With its flowing syllables and unusual letter combinations, Alveanea creates a memorable impression. The name remains statistically uncommon in all regions, making it a choice for those wanting to ensure their child has a genuinely distinctive name. The elaborate construction gives Alveanea an elegant, almost musical quality when pronounced.
- Amapola
Origin:
Arabic, SpanishMeaning:
"poppy"Description:
A rarely heard name that was the title of a hugely popular Big Band song in the forties. Amapola, with the emphasis on the third syllable, is one flower name that has not been widely discovered. Baseball player Francisco Lindor and his wife Katia named their daughter Amapola Chloé in 2023.
- Anahera
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"angel"Description:
This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
- Anahita
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"immaculate"Description:
Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls.
- Andreaka
Description:
Andreaka appears to be a modern constructed name that combines the traditional name Andrea with the suffix '-ka' or '-aka,' a pattern seen in various contemporary naming practices. Andrea derives from the Greek 'Andreas,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave,' and has historically been used for both men and women. The addition of the suffix creates a distinctive variation. Andreaka emerged in usage records in the United States in the late 20th century, primarily after the 1980s. The name represents the trend toward creating unique identities through name modifications while maintaining connections to traditional naming elements. Though relatively uncommon, Andreaka exemplifies the creativity in modern naming practices that blend established names with distinctive suffixes.
- Andrewena
Description:
Andrewena is a feminine name derived from the masculine name Andrew, which comes from the Greek name Andreas meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' The feminine suffix '-ena' creates a distinctive variation that maintains the connection to Andrew while establishing it as clearly feminine. This elaboration follows a pattern similar to names like Georgina (from George) or Josephina (from Joseph). Andrewena is quite uncommon, giving it a unique quality that might appeal to parents seeking distinctive names with recognizable roots. The name appears occasionally in English-speaking countries, particularly Scotland and parts of the United States, though it remains rare. Its uncommon nature makes it stand out while still having familiar elements that make it accessible.
- Anonna
Description:
Anonna is an uncommon feminine name with possible Latin origins, potentially derived from 'annona,' referring to the annual harvest or yearly production of grain. In ancient Rome, Annona was the goddess who personified the grain supply, associated with abundance and sustenance. The doubled 'n' spelling variation gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining its melodic quality. Anonna features a pleasing rhythm with its alternating consonants and vowels, creating a name that sounds both ancient and accessible. While rare in contemporary usage, it connects to themes of nourishment, fertility, and natural cycles. The name may appeal to parents interested in classical mythology or seeking a feminine name with unusual historical depth and subtle connections to themes of prosperity and natural abundance.
- Anselma
Description:
Anselma is the feminine form of Anselm, a name of Germanic origin derived from the elements "ans" (god) and "helm" (helmet, protection), meaning "protected by God" or "divine helmet." The name gained prominence through St. Anselm of Canterbury, an influential 11th-century theologian and philosopher. Anselma has been used primarily in Latin countries and regions with strong Catholic traditions, including parts of Spain, Italy, and Latin America. Though never achieving widespread popularity, it has maintained consistent usage among families valuing its religious significance and historical depth. Anselma conveys a sense of divine protection and scholarly dignity, reflecting its saintly associations.
- Antania
Description:
Antania is a feminine name with possible origins in Latin or Greek linguistic traditions. It may be a feminine form of Anthony or a variant of Antonia, ultimately derived from the Roman family name Antonius, meaning 'priceless' or 'beyond price.' The name carries an elegant, classical quality while remaining relatively uncommon. Antania has a melodic flow with its four syllables and soft consonants, giving it a romantic, lyrical quality. While not among the most popular names in any country, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with classical roots and feminine attributes. The name suggests strength and value while maintaining a gentle, sophisticated sound that works well across multiple languages and cultures.
- Anthanasios
Description:
Anthanasios is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of the Greek name Athanasios (or Athanasius in its Latinized form). Derived from the Greek word 'athanatos' meaning 'immortal,' it combines 'a' (without) and 'thanatos' (death). The name has deep historical roots in Greek Orthodox tradition, most notably through Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a significant 4th-century theologian. The variant spelling with an added 'n' may represent a regional dialectical difference or a personalized adaptation. While uncommon outside of Greek communities, Anthanasios carries gravitas and religious significance for those connected to Greek heritage or Orthodox Christianity.