Fantastical Names
- Deveraux
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of Evreux; riverbank"Description:
Swashbuckling name worthy of a hero in a romance novel. Deveraux or Devereaux is drawn from the town of Evreux in France and combined with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area.
- Devraj
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"ruler of the gods"Description:
An imposing meaning, an appealing sound.
- Dianthe
Description:
Dianthe is a rare feminine name with Greek origins, derived from the elements 'dia' meaning 'divine' or 'heavenly' and 'anthos' meaning 'flower.' This beautiful combination creates the poetic meaning 'divine flower' or 'heavenly blossom.' Closely related to the Greek goddess Diana (Artemis) and the flower world, Dianthe carries mythological elegance. Though uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with natural associations. The name has a delicate, flowing quality when spoken, with a timeless charm that connects to ancient traditions while feeling fresh. Dianthe offers the familiar 'Di' nickname option while maintaining its unique identity.
- Dion
Origin:
Diminutive of Dionysius, GreekMeaning:
"child of heaven and earth; of Zeus"Description:
A variation of Greek Dionysius, itself derived from the name of the god of wine, revelry, and dance, Dion gives a nod to mythology while also having historical ties to a student of Plato, to a Greek mathematician and to 1st century writer and historian.
As a contemporary name, it came into popular use in the late 1950s and remained in the Top 1000 until 2006. It has dipped in and out of the charts since then, and is still given to a not insignificant 200 boys each year.
- Dryden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dry valley"Description:
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.
- Eabha
Origin:
Irish form of EveMeaning:
"life"Description:
Eabha, along with Aoife and Aoibhe and even the Anglo Ava, are all Eve sisters or soundalikes in the Irish Top 100. Outside of Ireland, though, this Gaelic spelling would prove difficult. Confusingly for English speakers, this name beginning with E is pronounced as Ava, while the A-beginning Aoibhe is like Eva.
- Eachann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"keeper of horses; brown horse"Description:
Authentic Gaelic name with pronunciation problems in the US. In Scotland Eachann has been anglicized as Hector, not because of its sound, but because the Trojan hero Hector had the reputation as a mighty horseman.
- Eamon
Origin:
Irish variation of EdmundMeaning:
"wealthy protector"Description:
Eamon is one of the traditional Irish names that has not yet emigrated to the US. This Irish name pronounced ay-mon was popularized by early president of the independent republic Eamon de Valera (birth name George), who was born in the United States to an Irish mother and a Cuban father. Eamon definitely has possibilities as a successor to the epidemically popular Aidan/Aiden.
- Edlyn
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"small, noble one"Description:
Feels like a hybrid. Better go for Edith or Evelyn.
- Edmonia
Description:
Edmonia is a feminine name of uncertain etymology, though it may be a feminine form of Edmund, a Germanic name combining elements meaning 'wealth' or 'fortune' and 'protection.' The name gained some prominence in the 19th century, notably through American sculptor Edmonia Lewis (1844-1907), who achieved international recognition for her work. Despite this historical figure, Edmonia has remained relatively uncommon in usage throughout recorded naming statistics. The name saw modest usage in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but declined in popularity thereafter. While uncommon today, Edmonia carries a certain vintage charm and distinguished sound that appeals to parents seeking a rare name with historical connections. Its pronunciation typically places emphasis on the second syllable: ed-MOH-nee-ah.
- Edrie
Origin:
Short form of Edris, Welsh; ArabicMeaning:
"lord; studious"Description:
Edris was used occasionally for baby girl 100 years ago, but one can't help but wonder whether those girls might really have been named Edie but with bad handwriting. Edrie is cute, though, and unusual.
- Eglantine
Origin:
French botanical nameDescription:
This name for the sweetbriar shrub is a bit too reminiscent of eggplant.
- Eilam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"eternal"Description:
One of Noah's biblical grandsons, making it a natural to honor a relative with the name of the ark builder.
- Einar
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"bold warrior"Description:
With Norse (and pseudo-Norse) names such as Thor, Odin and Magnus growing in popularity, this one, which refers to warriors destined for Valhalla on account of their bravery, might have some appeal outside Scandinavia. Its slightly Eeyore-ish sound is balanced out by connections to some major historical figures, including a Norwegian prime minister.
- Eion
Description:
Eion is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Ian (the Scottish form of John), or related to the Greek name Eon, meaning 'being' or 'existence.' Some also connect it to the Irish name Eoin (another form of John). The name gained some recognition through New Zealand-American actor Eion Bailey. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Eion has a distinctive yet accessible quality with its straightforward pronunciation and spelling. The name possesses a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming roots. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name that's both unique and pronounceable, with a short, strong sound that works well in modern contexts.
- Eiryne
Description:
Eiryne is a unique feminine name with likely Celtic or Greek origins. As a variation of Eirene or Irene, it carries the beautiful meaning of "peace." The distinctive spelling with the 'y' gives this traditional name a modern, elegant twist. While relatively uncommon, Eiryne offers parents seeking a rare name with historical roots an excellent choice. The name has a melodic quality when pronounced (typically as "eye-REEN" or "eye-RYN"), with its flowing syllables creating a gentle impression that aligns with its peaceful meaning. Though not frequently found in popularity charts, Eiryne appeals to those drawn to names that balance classical heritage with contemporary styling.
- Eithne
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"nut kernel"Description:
Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.
- Elaini
Description:
Elaini is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Elaine or possibly Helene. The name ultimately derives from Greek roots meaning 'bright, shining light' or 'torch.' With its melodic three-syllable pronunciation and distinctive spelling, Elaini offers a fresh twist on more traditional forms. The 'i' ending gives it a softness and modern feel while maintaining connections to classical names. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Elaini might appeal to parents seeking a name with familiar sounds but unique presentation. The name carries associations with brightness, beauty, and clarity across various cultural traditions. Its relative rarity means a child named Elaini would likely have a distinctive name while still being connected to a rich naming tradition.
- Elden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend"Description:
This old-fashioned name looks like it could be on the edge of a revival, following in the footsteps of Alden and Auden.
- Eldon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sacred hill"Description:
Popular in the 1920s, Eldon is a retro name that's waiting to be rediscovered. It has a similar placename/surname appeal to current Top 1000 names Alden and Holden. Several towns in the US and UK bear the name.