Old Prince Edward Island Names
- Marcella
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Marcella is a name of Latin origin, which has been neglected for decades now. Depicted as the world's most beautiful woman in Don Quixote (where it's spelled Marcela), it has plenty of flair and elegance to revive it again.
- Basil
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"royal"Description:
Although Greek in origin--in the fourth century, a bishop by that name established the principles of the Greek Orthodox Church--Basil for years took on the aura of aquiline-nosed upper-class Britishness of Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone, then spiced with the fragrant aroma of the herb that entered with the Pesto generation.
- Eulalie
Origin:
French form of Eulalia, GreekMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.
- Zita
Origin:
Italian or Persian; GreekMeaning:
"little girl; seeker"Description:
A thirteenth-century Tuscan saint, patron of homemakers, Zita is the kind of name that sounded really creative in an earlier era.
- Dillon
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"loyal"Description:
Different origin from the Welsh Dylan, but increasingly used as a variant spelling to honor Bob Dylan or Dylan Thomas. Still, the Dylan spelling is found 20 times as often as Dillon.
- Aeneas
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"the praised one"Description:
In Greek and Roman mythology, Aeneas was the legendary son of Venus (or Aphrodite) who was the hero of Troy and Rome. Appearing in the Aeneid by the poet Virgil, he goes on to found the Roman state and break the heart of Queen Dido of Carthage.
- Herbie
Description:
Herbie is a diminutive form of Herbert, a Germanic name combining 'hari' (army) and 'berht' (bright), meaning 'bright warrior' or 'illustrious soldier.' Popularized in the mid-20th century, Herbie gained notable recognition through jazz musician Herbie Hancock and the fictional Volkswagen Beetle in Disney's 'The Love Bug' films. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with a vintage charm that evokes mid-century Americana. Though its popularity has declined since its peak in the 1950s and 60s, Herbie retains nostalgic appeal as a nickname. It exemplifies the trend of shortened, affectionate forms that became independently used given names in their own right.
- Alcide
Origin:
French version of HeraclesMeaning:
"glory of Hera"Description:
This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
- Maxime
Description:
Maxime is a French feminine name, though it can also be used for males in some cultures. Derived from the Latin name Maximus, meaning "greatest" or "largest," it carries connotations of excellence and achievement. In France, Maxime has maintained steady popularity as a given name for both genders but is more commonly used for boys. The feminine usage tends to emphasize the elegant, sophisticated quality of French naming traditions. Outside of French-speaking regions, Maxime is less common but appreciated for its international flair and subtle strength. The name offers the friendly nickname Max while maintaining a more formal, distinctive full name. Its classic roots and modern appeal have helped Maxime remain relevant across generations without becoming overused.
- Fabiana
Origin:
Italian and Spanish feminine variation of FabianMeaning:
"bean grower"Description:
The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.
- Nelda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"one who lives by the alder tree"Description:
Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
- Aniela
Origin:
PolishMeaning:
"angel"Description:
What a difference one letter makes - the somewhat tired, though still heavenly Angela, gets a makeover as sweet and subtle Aniela. Definitely worth considering.
- Alexina
Origin:
Variation of Alexandra, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
This spin on the "Alex" prefix was the 88th most popular girl name in Scotland in 1900.
- Aubin
Origin:
French form of Albinus, Ancient RomanMeaning:
"white, blond, bright"Description:
Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white, bright" or sometimes "blonde". Pronounced with a strong O sound and with a barely there 'n', the name ranked just outside the Top 200 in its native France in a recent year.
- Greeley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pock-marked face, scarred"Description:
English surname that's very rarely found as a first name. The Colorado city was named after Horace Greeley, the nineteenth-century congressman and founder of the New-York Tribune.
- Bertilla
Description:
Bertilla is a feminine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous' and possibly 'hild' meaning 'battle.' The name has historical significance through Saint Bertilla, an abbess who lived in the 7th century France. This traditional name carries an old-world charm that feels both dignified and gentle. While never widely common in modern times, Bertilla has maintained a consistent if minimal presence in European countries, particularly Italy. The name offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Bertha or Bella, appealing to parents interested in historical names with strong feminine roots and religious connections.
- Dryden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"dry valley"Description:
Underused literary name (as in the poet John) with a -den ending that's very much in style.
- Alphie
Description:
Alphie is a masculine name typically serving as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Alf-' such as Alfred, Alphonse, or Alford. These parent names have Germanic origins, with Alfred meaning 'elf counsel' and Alphonse deriving from the Germanic elements meaning 'noble' and 'ready.' Alphie has a friendly, approachable quality that exemplifies the British and Australian tendency toward affectionate nickname forms. While it occasionally appears as a given name on its own, Alphie is more commonly used as a familiar form within families. The name experienced some usage in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon on birth certificates today. Its vintage charm and relaxed sound give it appeal for parents seeking a name that's both traditional in origin yet casual and warm in everyday use.
- Coletta
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of Colette or short form of NicolettaDescription:
Coletta is a Latin relative of the better-known French Colette, which is derived from Nicole and is ultimately a feminization of Nicholas. Only a handful of baby girls are named Coletta or Nicoletta in the US each year, making this one of the rarest of the many forms of the name.
- Wanita
Description:
Wanita is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Spanish, it's a diminutive form of Juana (the feminine form of Juan/John), meaning 'God is gracious'. However, it's also recognized as an Aboriginal Australian word meaning 'water spirit' in some indigenous languages. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1920s-1940s but has since become less common. Wanita has a melodic quality with its three distinct syllables and soft sounds. The name carries a vintage charm while maintaining cultural connections that may appeal to families with Spanish or Australian indigenous heritage. Despite its relative rarity today, Wanita offers a combination of familiarity and uniqueness that distinguishes it from more common feminine names.