User-created list
By SadieSadie · Updated May 2023
Across 5 pages
of 5
Greek
"order, beauty, universe"
Cosmas was the name of an Arabian saint who was martyred with his twin brother Damian. They are the patron saints of physicians. Cosmas is related to the more familiar Cosmo. a name gaining more…
English
"graceful protection"
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the…
"divine protection"
Osmund is a masculine name with ancient Germanic origins, composed of elements meaning 'god' (os) and 'protection' (mund). With roots stretching back to Anglo-Saxon and Norse cultures, it was brought…
"aggressive, warlike"
Pronounced "TAHL-a-mee," this was the name of one of Alexander the Great's generals and several Greco-Egyptian rulers, as well as the name of a famous Greek astronomer. Actress Gretchen Mol brought…
German
"victorious protection"
The connection to Freud is a strong one, but this German name has a strong and interesting sound and great nickname potential: Ziggy, Iggy, Sim, Sid...
Germanic
"old, wise ruler"
In an era with so many created, modern names, Aldrich oozes history and substance. But it is also fit for modern times, given its surname-as-name status and the nickname potential (Al, Richie, etc).
Latin
"lame; enclosure"
Claudius is one of the most user-friendly of the ancient Roman names – even though it's associated with the villainous character in Shakespeare's Hamlet . But as with feminine form Claudia, the…
"noble friend, friend of the elves"
Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.
"from the east, rising sun"
Anatole is one of the unique boys' names with an unusual-ish feel but an uncertain provenance, with a meaning related to sunrise and thus to fire. While it's Greek in origin, it is associated more…
"chickpea"
Roman statesman's name with a cool and quirky sound. Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman scholar, orator and lawyer who had an immense impact on the Latin language.
"reward, honor"
Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground…
Nordic variation of Vladimir
Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo…
Welsh
"amiable, beloved"
Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys,…
There once was a moralizing fabulist who tried to make it as a baby name...and failed.
"elf warrior"
This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more…
"bright strength"
One bright spot: famous namesake Threepenny Opera playwright Berthold (later known as Bertolt) Brecht.
French from German
"magnificent crow"
This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director…
Eadmund is an Old English masculine name composed of the elements 'ead' meaning 'wealth, fortune, prosperity' and 'mund' meaning 'protection, guardian.' It's the ancient form of the more common…
English from Greek
"stable"
Eustace was originally popularized by St. Eustace, who was born a Norman nobleman and is said to have been converted to Christianity by seeing a crucifix between the antlers of the deer he was…
Gervas is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the name Gervasius, which may have come from a Germanic element meaning 'spear.' The name has historical significance in Christianity as…
