Uncommon Potterhead baby names

The ancient name Albus has modern currency as the first name of the headmaster of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, more formally known as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Can Albus work if you're missing the long white beard and the magic wand? Maybe, though it might be a heavy mantle for a Muggle child to wear.

Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.

J.K. Rowling is a modern master of naming who brought a whole constellation of ancient and celestial names to modern parents. Bellatrix, of one of the stars of Orion, combines fashionable names Bella and Beatrix to make a convivial and original name. The down side: the Harry Potter character Bellatrix, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is a character so evil she's called a Death Eater, killing one beloved character and being murdered by another. And the name Bellatrix is so closely associated with that character that it might be challenging to sidestep the association.

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.

Cornelius, the New Testament name of a third century Pope and saint, is one of those venerable Latin names on the edge of consideration, despite the corny nickname alert.

Dedalus is a masculine name derived from Greek mythology, referencing Daedalus, the legendary craftsman and artist who created the Labyrinth of Crete and fashioned wings of wax and feathers to escape imprisonment. This uncommon name carries connotations of ingenuity, creativity, and masterful skill. While rarely used as a given name historically, it gained some literary recognition through James Joyce's semi-autobiographical character Stephen Dedalus in 'A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' and 'Ulysses.' The name evokes classical education and intellectual aspirations, making it appealing to parents drawn to names with mythological depth and artistic associations. Despite its ancient origins, Dedalus maintains a somewhat modern, distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common classical names.

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 theory is that it comes from Cornish ty "house" plus malsai "eel" – likely a reference to Cornwall's fishing trade.

Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter.

Florean is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from 'florus' meaning 'flowering' or 'blossoming.' It shares roots with names like Florian and Florence, carrying associations with nature, growth, and prosperity. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Florean has a lyrical quality and classical undertones that give it sophistication. The name may be recognized by some from the character Florean Fortescue in the Harry Potter series, who owned an ice cream parlor. Florean combines floral imagery with masculine endings, creating a balance between gentleness and strength. The name remains distinctive while being relatively straightforward to pronounce, offering parents a unique option with historical depth.

A rarely used last-name-first-name, never as popular as cousins Garrett or Derek.

A traditional Nordic name, Helga was extremely popular throughout Scandinavia in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In Germany, it was a Top 10 pick from 1924 to 1943. And it still ranks in the Icelandic Top 50 today.

This is a streamlined spelling of the biblical Hephzibah. Hephzibah is an Old Testament name that came into use in the 17th century, but is not often used today. It does have less formal nicknames Eppie and Hepsie, which seem revivable. Hephzibah "Eppie" Cass/Marner is the heroine of George Eliot's novel Silas Marner and Hepzibah Smith is a witch in the Harry Potter series.

A Top 200 choice in the US from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, Irma has nevertheless fallen out of favor with modern parents, and doesn't look set for the sort of comeback that some of her vintage sisters have enjoyed in recent years. The devastating hurricane which hit the Caribbean Islands and the south-east coast of the US in 2017 has no doubt dealt its chances of revival a further blow.

Kingsley is a sophisticated Harry Potter name that entered the US Top 1000 in 2013.

Regal Kingsley seems like an all-boy name, but a growing number of parents have bestowed this name on a girl. Credit the ever-trendier -ley suffix.

This cool and quirky short form of the suave Ludovic could be an even-more-adventurous spin on Nico and Hugo.

Mafalda is nearly unknown in the English-speaking world, despite an appearance in Harry Potter. Indeed, it does have a witchy feel. Matilda itself is preferable, or her French form Mathilde, Spanish Matilde, or abbreviation Maud.

Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.

A name rich in Hindu tradition as the alternate name for the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty and charm; currently borne, appropriately, by model-actress-writer Padma Lakshmi.