User-created list
By susannahj · Updated May 2023
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Danish and German
"thunder bear"
A familiar name in the Nordic countries that hasn't yet gained popularity in the English speaking world. But it could, now that Old Norse names like Thor and Odin are on the rise. It derives from…
German
"bright, shining intellect"
A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer. Along with other…
Hindi
"compassionate"
There is some controversy over the origin and meaning of this name, though most reputable sources define it as a Hindi name meaning kindness or compassion. Also spelled, Daia, other sources say it…
English, Literary, meaning unknown
Though modern parents seeking to honor an ancestor named Thelma might opt for the airier Thea instead, Thelma is starting to make its way back onto adventurous vintage name lovers' radars. It is…
"spear of strength"
Innocent, sincere, and bright-eyed, and as outdated as its mother name, Gertrude.
Norse
"thunder goddess"
Thora, related to Thor, is the ancient Norse thunder goddess name that's much softer and gentler than its meaning suggests. A noted bearer is actress Thora Birch.
Neeva is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'foundation' or 'base,' while in Hebrew, it relates to expressions of beauty and pleasantness. Some sources also connect…
Estonian and Spanish diminutive of Matilda, German
"battle mighty"
Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
Jorel is a masculine name that gained recognition primarily through its fictional association as the birth name of Superman's father in DC Comics. With Kryptonian origins in that context, the…
English
"one who lives by the alder tree"
Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
Irish
"hound (or wolf) of the plain"
Conroy is one Con name that feels a bit dated, though perhaps it's so far out it's coming in? Worth consideration if you like Connor but feel it's too widely used.
"small brook"
Rilla dropped out of the US Top 1000 in 1915, but it's starting to feel like an intriguing possibility again in this age of short, sweet, a-ending names for girls. It is traditionally a short form…
Durrell is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It likely developed as a surname before transitioning to first-name usage, a common naming pattern. The name may derive from Old French…
Ronli is an uncommon masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of the Hebrew name Ron, meaning 'song' or 'joy,' combined with the popular 'li' suffix that appears in many…
Variation of Laura, English from Latin
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
As Doris is to Dora, Loris is to Laura. It's virtually never used for babies of either sex. That said, it's not a bad name and might make a good honor name for an ancestral Laura or Lawrence.
Dutch variation of Myrtle
This botanical name is one of the few Dutch names that could work outside the Netherlands, especially in Germany or Scandinavia.
Slavic
"born on Sunday"
Midcentury macramé-maker.
Mende
"sweet"
Friendly and energetic name from the Mende language of West Africa.
African
"glorious"
Something slightly negative about that Nil beginning; more positive similar names would be Lilla or Willa, Lucilla or Priscilla. Nilla may also be a short form of the Scandinavian Gunilla.
Variation of Verde, Spanish
"green"
Verda was a fairly popular girls' name in the US from the 1880s through the 1920s, when it started to slip, finally dropping from sight after World War II. Today, Verde and Verda are both extinct.
