User-created list
By ratling · Updated December 2022
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Phoenician
"Baal protects the King"
This evocative name of one of the Three Wise Men of the Orient, also spelled Balthasar, may finally be ready for prime time. Balthazar, Melchior and Caspar were the Magi who brought gifts of gold,…
German variation of Magdalen
On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
French
"faith"
Foppish name with a distinguished forebear, French general Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in the American Revolution. It accounts for the L in L. Ron Hubbard. Old-time short form: Fayette or Fate.
English variation of Latin Horatius
"hour, time"
Like Horace, Horatio is a variation on the Latin Horatius, but its Shakespearean and optimistic Horatio Alger pedigree makes it an attractive up-and-comer, especially with its cool final o. A modern…
Italian form of Caesar, Latin, "hairy; to cut"
"hairy; to cut"
The handsome Italian variant of Caesar, a name synonymous with Julius, leadership, emperors, and salad, Cesare offers a form with plenty of flair. A rising choice in Italy where it recently made the…
Word name and literary name
Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs.…
Greek mythology name
The mythological queen whose perpetual weeping for her slain children turned her into a stone has always cast a pall over this name. Still, when other names with less-than-savory associations --…
Cornish
"eel house or Maeldaf's fort"
A punchy modern Cornish name derived from a place name, which is of disputed origin. It is sometimes said to derive from a rare Welsh name, Maeldaf, plus dinas , the Cornish for "fort". Another…
Gaelic variation of Catherine
"pure"
Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress…
Italian variation of Florentia and Florence, Latin
"flourishing, prospering"
Bold and elegant, Fiorenza is an Italian form of Florence, which was used as the name of the Tuscan city in the Middle Ages. Appearing in the title of a 1907 play but Thomas Mann, it has been notably…
Medieval variation of Esther, Persian
"star"
The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter 's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an…
Ravena is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be derived from the Italian city of Ravenna, known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and rich history. Alternatively, it could…
Variation of Tamsin, Cornish, English
"twin"
A feminine form of Thomas that originated in Cornwall, this spelling might appeal to those who dislike the substring of sin at the end of the more familiar Tamsin, or to those who enjoy the spikiness…
Hebrew
"father of peace"
Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver. In the Old Testament, Absalom was the handsome, favored but rebellious son of King David. In…
Latin
"born feet first"
A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).
Russian, diminutive of Ann
"grace"
A lively, affectionate Russian pet name that is never given as a full name in its homeland, but has found some popularity in upper-crusty British society. It's also a surprising cultural crossover…
French, feminine variation of Armand
Feminine form of Armand, has an elegant charm.
