Unusual Names from My Family Tree

This lively Old Testament nature name (belonging to one of the three beautiful daughters of Job) entered the US Top 1000 list in 2024, and ranks highly here on Nameberry — making it one to watch!

An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb.

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.

The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.

The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical choices.

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.

Upper-class surname in England that might be prime for adoption here.

One of those names with a wide array of meanings across different cultures; it's the Lithuanian form of Anna, for instance, and William Blake used it as the name of one of his mysterious, godlike characters. But it's found major popularity in Spain, where it's just outside the Top 50. It makes the Top 10 in Catalonia, being both a diminutive of Mariona and the word for "wave".

This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.

Old Testament name of a king of Israel, related to the harvest.

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.

Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.

Though the etymology of this name is unclear, it had modest usage in the United States during the nineteenth century. Zerelda has a double connection to outlaw Jesse James: Zerelda James was his mother, and Zerelda Mimms was his wife and first cousin. Zerelda G. Wallace was a temperance activist and a women's suffragist during the same era. All three of these Zereldas were born in Kentucky.

Permelia is a feminine name with historical roots dating back to the 19th century in America. It's a variant of Pamela or Permilia, derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'sweetness.' The name enjoyed modest popularity during the 1800s, particularly in rural communities across the United States. Permelia fell out of common usage by the early 20th century, making it a rare vintage choice in modern times. Women named Permelia were often nicknamed 'Melia' or 'Perm.' The name carries a quaint, old-fashioned charm that connects to America's pioneer heritage and represents the ornate naming style popular in Victorian-era America.

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.

Pamelia is a feminine name with Greek origins, representing an elaborate variation of Pamela, which was created by Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia.' The name is derived from Greek elements meaning 'all honey' or 'all sweetness.' This ornate version with the extra syllable gives the name a more formal, antique quality that evokes Victorian elegance. Pamelia enjoyed modest popularity in the 19th century and early 20th century but has since become quite rare, making it an uncommon vintage choice. The name carries associations of classic femininity and literary romance. For parents drawn to historical names with a touch of elaboration, Pamelia offers the familiarity of Pamela with a distinctive traditional twist that sets it apart from more common revival names.

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.

Occasionally used as an alternative to Brandon or Brennan.

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.

Azuba is a form of Azubah, the Old Testament wife of Caleb. The name was used among early African-Americans.