Great Names from Books

Mercedes is one of the few names attached to luxury living that we can wholeheartedly recommend, it being a legitimate Spanish appellation stemming from one of the epithets given to the Virgin Mary--Santa Maria de las Mercedes, or Our Lady of the Mercies. The car, by the way was named after the eleven-year-old daughter of the Daimler company's French distributor in 1901.

A little heavy on the fiber content; we prefer Bram. But Bran is also the Celtic god of the underworld, whose symbol is the raven.

Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with.

This version of the sea god's name may be more ready for prime time than the Roman version, Neptune -- slightly.

Variant of Marianne or Maryann

One of the names of the sun god Apollo, this is better known in its feminine form, Phoebe.

Darryl is a masculine name with ancient Celtic origins, derived from the Irish name 'Dáire' or 'Daire,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' It entered common usage in English-speaking countries as both a given name and surname. Darryl experienced significant popularity in the United States from the 1950s through the 1970s, reaching its peak in the mid-1960s. Sports figures like baseball stars Darryl Strawberry and cultural references in television and film helped maintain the name's visibility. While its usage has declined since its heyday, Darryl retains a friendly, approachable quality. The name is often associated with reliability and straightforwardness, carrying a classic yet not overly formal feel with its characteristic double-r spelling.

Aurielle is a feminine name with French and Latin influences, derived from 'aurum' meaning 'gold.' It's a melodic elaboration of Auriel or Ariel, with the feminine '-elle' suffix adding elegance. The name evokes qualities of preciousness, brilliance, and celestial beauty. Aurielle gained modest recognition in the late 20th century as parents sought names with positive associations and beautiful sounds. Its connection to gold suggests value and radiance, while its similarity to 'aura' implies a special presence or energy. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, with familiar elements combined in a distinctive way. While never reaching top popularity charts, Aurielle appeals to parents seeking something both ethereal and substantial, with a touch of French sophistication.

Hosteen is a masculine name derived from Navajo (Diné) culture, where it functions as an honorific title meaning 'elder' or 'respected man.' In traditional Navajo society, the term indicates a man of wisdom, age, and community standing. As a personal name, it carries connotations of dignity, wisdom, and leadership. While uncommon outside Native American communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, Hosteen represents indigenous naming traditions and cultural heritage. The name has special significance in the American Southwest, particularly in areas with strong Navajo presence like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. For those seeking a name with authentic Native American roots and meanings that honor wisdom and respect, Hosteen offers a distinctive choice with deep cultural significance.

This is one case where removing a letter makes a name more complicated, not more simple.