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Unusual Names from My Family Tree

emilyfontes
By emilyfontes
Updated Sat May 20 2023
I'm the family genealogist and in documenting over 3500 people for my family tree I've run across some very unusual and interesting names. These are all first or middle names.
  1. Aruna

    • Origin:

      Sanskrit, Hindi

    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"

    • Description:

      This colorful Sanskrit name belongs to the Hindu god Aruna, the charioteer who drives the sun god Surya across the sky. Aruna can also be masculinized to Arun.
  2. Arvilla

    • Description:

      Arvilla is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'avis' meaning 'bird' or possibly from 'arvum' meaning 'field.' Some sources suggest it may be a variant of Arvella or a feminine form of Arvil. The name has been present in American naming records since the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era when elaborate feminine names were popular. While never enormously common, Arvilla saw modest usage through the early 20th century before declining in popularity. Today, it remains a rare vintage choice that carries a delicate, old-fashioned charm with its melodic sound and distinctive ending. Those named Arvilla might appreciate its uniqueness and connection to nature themes.

  3. Azuba

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "forsaken"

    • Description:

      Azuba is a form of Azubah, the Old Testament wife of Caleb. The name was used among early African-Americans.
  4. Abiff
    • Alanson
      • Almiron
        • Araminda
          • Arlamae
            • Brannon

              • Origin:

                Irish variation of Brennan

              • Description:

                Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.
            • Bazzel
              • Carmeline
                • Chevalier
                  • Crail
                    • Culbert
                      • Dabney

                        • Origin:

                          French

                        • Meaning:

                          "from Aubigny"

                        • Description:

                          Dapper-sounding choice with old American roots (Dabney Cosby was a 19th century Virginian architect who worked with Thomas Jefferson on some of that state's most iconic buildings). Dabney Montgomery was Martin Luther King Jr's bodyguard, giving this name yet more American history depth. Dab is a sweet nickname option for this name.
                      • Dennison

                        • Origin:

                          English

                        • Meaning:

                          "son of Dennis"

                        • Description:

                          A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623.
                      • Diantha

                        • Origin:

                          Greek

                        • Meaning:

                          "divine flower"

                        • Description:

                          Diantha, a mythological flower of the supreme Greek god Zeus, is a melodious and more unusual cousin of Diana, heard most often in The Netherlands.
                      • Delivia
                        • Electa

                          • Origin:

                            American, Greek

                          • Meaning:

                            "chosen, elected; amber"

                          • Description:

                            An early American name inspired by the word spiritual word "elect" and by a passage in the New Testament in which the Christian Church is referred to as "The Elect Lady and Her Children". Used in the 19th and early 20th century, it has since faded out of view, last appearing in the stats in 2016 when it was given to 7 girls.
                        • Elzira

                          • Description:

                            Elzira is a feminine name with Portuguese and Brazilian roots, although it's relatively uncommon even in these cultures. It may be a variant of Alzira, which possibly derives from Arabic origins meaning 'island' or from the name of an ancient Iberian city. The name has a lyrical, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodious vowel endings. Elzira carries an exotic, somewhat mysterious appeal that sets it apart from more common names. In Brazil, it was more popular in earlier generations but has become less common in recent decades. For parents seeking a distinctive feminine name with Latin flair and unique character, Elzira offers an uncommon choice that combines elegance with cultural depth.