Old Prince Edward Island Names
- Benjamine
Description:
Benjamine is a masculine name that represents a variant spelling of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south.' The additional 'e' at the end gives this version a slight French influence in its appearance, though the pronunciation typically remains the same as the traditional spelling. Benjamin appears in the Bible as the youngest son of Jacob and was the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. While the standard spelling Benjamin has consistently ranked among popular boys' names for generations, Benjamine offers a more uncommon alternative that maintains the same rich historical and biblical connections. The name carries connotations of blessing and favoritism from its biblical context, as Benjamin was particularly beloved by his father.
- Marleen
Description:
Marleen is a feminine name of Dutch and German origin, derived as a variation of Marlene or a diminutive of Maria combined with the suffix '-leen.' It gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in Northern European countries. The name carries a gentle yet strong character, balancing traditional roots with a modern feel. Marleen was notably popularized by the 1912 German song 'Lili Marleen,' which became an international hit during World War II. While never reaching top-ranking status in most countries, it maintains steady usage, particularly in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Many parents choose Marleen for its melodic sound, manageable pronunciation across different languages, and its blend of classic appeal with a touch of uniqueness.
- Nelda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"one who lives by the alder tree"Description:
Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Germaine
Origin:
Feminine variation of Germain, FrenchMeaning:
"from Germany"Description:
Linked to the early days of feminism via Germaine Greer, this saint's name feels neither French nor German enough -- which just might make it the perfect blend of the two cultures. All forms of Germain derive from the Latin Germanus, referring to a person from Germany.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Leamon
Description:
Leamon is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Lehman (meaning "feudal tenant" in German), a form of Lemon (from the fruit), or derived from the Middle English "leofmann" meaning "beloved man." Most common in the southern United States, particularly in rural communities, Leamon has a folksy, distinctive quality that peaked in popularity in the early 20th century. The name carries a sweet yet strong character, with historical connections to agriculture and honest labor. While never widely popular, Leamon has maintained a steady presence among families valuing traditional, uncommon names with American heritage. Its bright sound and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its rarity.
- 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.
- Alfreda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf power,"Description:
With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
- 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.
- 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.
- Aloysia
Description:
Aloysia is a feminine name with Latin roots, serving as the female form of Aloysius, which derived from the Old German name Chlodovech (modern Ludwig or Louis), meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' With a rich European heritage, Aloysia has been used particularly in Catholic communities, owing to the veneration of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing vowels and distinctive sound. While never among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage, especially in families with German, Italian, or Spanish heritage. Aloysia offers the appealing nickname options of Loy, Loysi, or Isa.
- 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.
- 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. Popular in its native Poland where it ranks in the Top 100, it is definitely worth considering.
- 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.
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