Faves I guess

  1. Baldemar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bold and renowned"
    • Description:

      The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.
  2. Perceval
    • Description:

      Perceval is a masculine name with ancient Arthurian roots, originating from Welsh mythology and medieval romance literature. It comes from Old French "Perceval" or Welsh "Peredur," though its exact etymology remains debated - possibly meaning "pierce the valley" or "he who searches for the valley." Perceval was one of King Arthur's Knights of the Round Table and a central figure in the quest for the Holy Grail. This rare name carries an air of chivalry, heroism, and mysticism, evoking images of medieval quests and noble pursuits. While uncommon in modern usage, it appeals to parents seeking a name with literary significance and historical depth, particularly those drawn to Arthurian legends or medieval history.
  3. Anemone
    • Origin:

      Flower name; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "daughter of the wind"
    • Description:

      Anemone is a floral name that relates to the ancient Greek myth of the famous love story of Aphrodite and Adonis, in which Aphrodite transforms her wounded lover's blood into a flower, the crimson anemone, whose blossoms are opened by the wind — accounting for its other name, windflower.
  4. Ursuline
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Ursula
    • Meaning:

      "little bear"
    • Description:

      Ursula, while beautiful, still carries a whiff of the Disney sea witch. Perhaps Ursuline smells a bit sweeter?
  5. Silviane
    • Description:

      Silviane is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It is a variant of Silvana or Sylviane, carrying the essence of nature and woodland beauty. While not among the most common names, it has a delicate, melodious quality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet elegant. Silviane is more frequently found in French-speaking regions and parts of Latin America. The name evokes images of silvery woods and natural grace, offering a sophisticated yet earthy quality to those who bear it. Its usage remains relatively rare, giving it a unique and distinguished character.

  6. Reginy
    • Origin:

      Polish, from Regina
    • Description:

      Sounds like a hillbilly take on Regina.
  7. Bonaventura
    • Description:

      Bonaventura is a masculine name with Latin origins, meaning 'good fortune' or 'good luck.' Composed of 'bona' (good) and 'ventura' (fortune), this name carries auspicious connotations of prosperity and positive outcomes. It gained prominence through St. Bonaventure, a 13th-century Franciscan theologian and Cardinal. Popular primarily in Italy and other Catholic countries, the name has historical depth while remaining relatively uncommon today. Bonaventura might be shortened to friendlier nicknames like Bona or Ventura. The name conveys a sense of learned dignity and spiritual heritage, making it appeal to parents seeking a name with historical significance and positive meaning.
  8. Tamarind
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "tree and spice name"
    • Description:

      A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.
  9. Morgaine
    • Description:

      Morgaine is a feminine name with mystical Celtic origins, being a variant of Morgan or Morgana. The name is steeped in Arthurian legend, where Morgaine (also known as Morgan le Fay) appears as a powerful enchantress and half-sister to King Arthur. Derived from Old Welsh elements meaning 'sea-born' or 'sea-circle,' Morgaine carries connotations of mystery, magic, and connection to natural elements. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has maintained a steady presence among those drawn to names with mythological significance and Celtic heritage. The French-influenced spelling with the '-aine' ending gives it a slightly more ethereal quality than the more common Morgan. Morgaine appeals to parents seeking a name with depth, mystical associations, and feminine strength.
  10. Bernardetta
    • Description:

      Bernardetta is the feminine Italian and Polish form of Bernard, a name of Germanic origin combining "bern" (bear) and "hard" (brave, strong), thus meaning "brave as a bear" or "strong, hardy bear." This elaborate feminine version is most famously associated with Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the 19th-century French girl who reported visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes. While the shorter forms Bernadette or Bernarda are more common internationally, Bernardetta maintains popularity particularly in Italy and Poland. The name carries connotations of strength, resilience, and spiritual devotion, reflecting its powerful etymology and religious associations.

  11. Loewe
    • Origin:

      English and German surname name
    • Meaning:

      "low or lion"
    • Description:

      Loewe is one spelling of a surname name rooted in many European cultures and languages, from English to German to French. Variations include Lowe and Loeb, and the meaning might relate to low or short (thought to be used for a tall person!) as well as to lion and even hill.
  12. Varfolomei
    • Description:

      Varfolomei is the Russian form of the Hebrew name Bartholomew, which means 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' This name has deep historical roots in Eastern Orthodox traditions, where Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. In Russian culture, Varfolomei has been used since medieval times, though it's less common in modern usage than its shortened form, Varlam. The name carries significant religious and cultural weight in Slavic countries, particularly Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. While relatively uncommon outside Eastern European communities, Varfolomei appeals to parents seeking a name with Orthodox Christian heritage and distinctive Slavic character.
  13. Bohemia
    • Origin:

      Spanish place name, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "Boii home"
    • Description:

      More a concept than a place — or a name.
  14. Norlene
    • Description:

      Norlene is a feminine name that appears to be a blend of the prefix 'Nor-' (possibly from Norman, Nora, or Nordic influences) and the popular feminine suffix '-lene' or '-lene' seen in names like Marlene and Darlene. It emerged in the United States primarily in the mid-20th century, reaching its modest peak of popularity between the 1930s and 1950s. Norlene has a vintage charm characteristic of names from that era while remaining distinctive due to its relative rarity. The name has a melodic quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, Norlene represents the trend of creative name combinations that characterized American naming practices of the mid-20th century.
  15. Valera
    • Description:

      Valera is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia, it functions as a diminutive of Valery or Valeria, derived from the Latin 'Valerius,' meaning 'to be strong' or 'health.' It also exists as a Spanish surname and place name. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and flowing sound. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, Valera maintains popularity in Eastern European and Russian communities. The name carries connotations of strength and vigor from its Latin roots while maintaining a distinctly feminine sound. Its cross-cultural presence makes it versatile, working well in multiple linguistic contexts, while remaining distinctive enough to stand out.
  16. Falconer
    • Origin:

      Occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "falcon trainer"
    • Description:

      Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?
  17. Payslee
    • Description:

      Payslee is a modern feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Paisley, which originated as a Scottish surname and place name referring to a town known for its distinctive curved decorative pattern. This contemporary spelling with 'ee' instead of 'ey' follows the trend of unique name adaptations. Paisley gained popularity as a first name in the early 2000s, with the Payslee variant emerging more recently as parents sought increasingly distinctive options. The name has a whimsical, cheerful quality that appeals to parents looking for something feminine yet unconventional. While still relatively uncommon, Payslee fits with current naming trends emphasizing creative spellings of established names.
  18. Coriolan
    • Origin:

      French from Latin, place-name
    • Description:

      Coriolan is a name sometimes used in modern France, derived from the ancient Roman Coriolanus, taken from a now-vanished city. Gaius Marcius Coriolanus was a Roman general whose life was the basis for the eponymous Shakespeare play Coriolanus.
  19. Bligh
    • Origin:

      English variation of Blythe
    • Description:

      Too tightly associated with the real-life villainous Captain Bligh of The Mutiny on the Bounty.
  20. Mimosa
    • Origin:

      Latin plant name
    • Description:

      Adventurous parents are venturing deeper into the garden in search of fresh names, but remember that this also makes for an alcoholic brunch.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo