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Apocalyptic Names

  1. Reno

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Has a lively and swaggering sound, and also some unfortunate associations with Reno, city of gambling and failed marriages.
  2. Takeo

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "strong as bamboo"

    • Description:

      Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning.
  3. Emry

    • Origin:

      Variation of Emery, German

    • Meaning:

      "industrious"

    • Description:

      Emry is an abbreviated form of Emery but might also be considered a relative of the Welsh Emrys. Emry was used for only 35 baby boys in the US last year and about 150 girls, placing it well below the Top 1000.
  4. Volker

    • Description:

      Volker is a traditional Germanic masculine name derived from the Old High German elements 'folk' meaning 'people' and 'heri' meaning 'army' or 'warrior.' Historically, it translates to 'people's guardian' or 'defender of the people.' The name appears in the medieval German epic 'Nibelungenlied,' where Volker is a brave knight and skilled musician. Popular primarily in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions, Volker saw its greatest popularity during the mid-20th century. While less common among younger generations today, it maintains an air of classical strength and cultural heritage. The name conveys reliability and service to community, making it a dignified yet increasingly distinctive choice in the modern era.
  5. Sakae

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "prosperity"

    • Description:

      Unisex Japanese name used by the singer Thalia as her daughter Sabrina's middle.
  6. Kerrigan

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Ciaragán"
  7. Ashlen

    • Origin:

      Variation of Aislinn, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream"

    • Description:

      Ashlen is a feminine name with modern appeal that emerged in the United States during the late 20th century. It's a contemporary variation of Ashley or Ashlyn, blending elements of these popular names, and also drawing on the Irish Aislinn or Aisling.

  8. Brandt

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on burnt land"

    • Description:

      Less commercial-sounding than Brand.
  9. Silje

    • Origin:

      Danish

    • Meaning:

      "variation of Celia"

    • Description:

      This Danish variation of Celia / Cecilia is quite popular in Denmark in recent years.
  10. Arkadi

    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "Arcadia"

    • Description:

      Nice, bouncy three-syllable rhythm, à la Jeremy and Barnaby.
  11. Zvi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "deer"

    • Description:

      An alternative transcription of Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding micro name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.
  12. Kaatje

    • Description:

      Kaatje is a charming Dutch feminine name that serves as a diminutive form of Katherine or Katrina. Originating in the Netherlands, the name carries the same meaning as its root forms: "pure" or "clean." The distinctive Dutch spelling with the double 'a' gives it a unique character while maintaining its connection to more widely used Katherine variants. In Dutch culture, diminutive forms like Kaatje express endearment and affection. While primarily found in the Netherlands and among Dutch-speaking communities in Belgium, the name has begun to appear occasionally in other countries as parents seek distinctive yet historically-rooted names. Its pronunciation (KAHT-yuh) may present challenges in non-Dutch speaking regions.
  13. Kingsley

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "king's meadow"

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Majken

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian version of Marie or Mary, Hebrew or Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea; bitter; beloved; love"

    • Description:

      Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.
  15. Ciji

    • Origin:

      Modern invented name, initials C + G

    • Description:

      This name, which sounds like "C.G.", was popularized by the character Ciji Dunne on the soap opera Knot's Landing. She appeared from 1982-3, and her name peaked sharply in 1983 before slowly fading.
  16. Kyah

    • Description:

      Kyah is a contemporary feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Aboriginal Australian word meaning 'hello' or could be a modern variation of Kaia or Kaya, names with Norse and Native American roots respectively. The name has gained modest popularity in the early 21st century, particularly in Australia and among families seeking short, distinctive names with a global feel. Kyah carries a fresh, vibrant quality with its crisp sound and straightforward spelling. Despite its brevity, the name has character and presence. As a relatively new addition to the naming landscape, Kyah doesn't carry heavy traditional associations, making it appealing to parents seeking something modern yet accessible.
  17. Legend

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "hero or fable"

    • Description:

      Legend joins cousins Story, Saga and Fable in the baby name pantheon of narrative words. Unlike Story and Fable, however, Legend comes with additional weight, being used for fame ("living legend") and to denote a person who is fantastic "what a legend"). Who can live up to that?
  18. Argider

    • Origin:

      Basque

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful light"

    • Description:

      Argider is a somewhat used boys' name in Basque-speaking parts of Spain.
  19. Zahavi

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.
  20. Carlye

    • Description:

      Carlye is a feminine name that serves as a modern variant of Carly, which itself developed as a diminutive of Caroline or Carla. These names ultimately derive from the Germanic male name Karl, meaning "free man" or "strong." This spelling variation with the added 'e' gives the name a more distinctive, stylized appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Carlye emerged during the trend of creating unique spellings for traditional names in the late 20th century. The name balances strength and femininity, with the original masculine roots tempered by the softer ending. While less common than Carly, Carlye appeals to parents seeking a recognizable name with a personalized touch. Its association with strength and independence makes it an empowering choice for a daughter.

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