Guilty Pleasure Names - Lunes Version
- Rufus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"red-head"Description:
Rufus is a rumpled, redheaded (it was the nickname for red-haired King William) ancient Roman name popular with saints and singers (e.g. Rufus Wainwright); now, Rufus is on the cutting edge of cool.
- Vesper
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"evening star"Description:
This Latin word used for evening spiritual services was introduced to baby namers by the Eva Greene character Vesper Lynd in the modern James Bond film Casino Royale in 2006, based on the Ian Fleming novel, and is just now beginning to provoke interest among namers, with its spiritual reference and soft, whispery sound.
- Phaedra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bright"Description:
This name of a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and wife of Theseus, has a mysterious and intriguing appeal, and would make a dramatic choice.
- Auley
Origin:
Scottish and ManxMeaning:
"ancestor's descendant"Description:
Also spelled Aulay in Scotland, this is an attractive form of the Scandinavian name Olaf that blends several currently fashionable sounds.
- Celadon
Origin:
Color nameMeaning:
"grayish green"Description:
Like Cerulean, one of the new and unusual color names -- it's a soft grayish green -- suitable for a boy.
- Ophira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold"Description:
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
- Esmond
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"graceful protection"Description:
Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.
- Bathsheba
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"daughter of an oath"Description:
Popular with the Puritans, this name of the shrewd and beautiful wife of King David and mother of King Solomon could be a bit of a load for a modern girl to carry.
- Rafaela
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew RaphaelaMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella (Italian), Raffaela (German), or Raphaela (Hebrew), it was given to around 50 girls in the US in 2023.
- Victoire
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Adds French flair to Victoria, though many Americans would find pronunciation a challenge.
- Xaviera
Origin:
Feminine variation of Xavier, BasqueMeaning:
"new house"Description:
Xaviera is one of the most intriguing and rarest female forms of a male name. Only a handful of baby girls are named Xaviera in the US each year, compared with nearly 3500 baby boys named Xavier.
- Sabella
Description:
Sabella is a feminine name with Italian and Latin origins, most commonly considered a shortened form of Isabella or a variant of Sabina. Isabella derives from the Hebrew name Elisheba, meaning 'God is my oath,' while Sabina comes from Latin, referring to the ancient Sabine people of Italy. Sabella combines melodic quality with historical depth, featuring the soft 's' sound and flowing 'bella' ending (meaning 'beautiful' in Italian). Though less common than Isabella, Sabella has experienced modest usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries. The name carries an elegant, romantic quality with its Italian flair while remaining accessible and easily pronounced. Its connection to both beauty and ancient heritage gives it substance beyond its pretty sound.
- Dellen
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"petal"Description:
Intriguing combo of elements.
- Vincence
Description:
Vincence is a masculine name derived from the Latin 'vincens,' meaning 'conquering' or 'prevailing.' It represents a variation of the more common Vincent, with both names sharing the same noble etymology. While Vincent has remained consistently popular across many countries, Vincence offers a slightly softer, more distinctive alternative with its ending. The name carries connotations of strength, victory, and resilience, making it appealing for parents seeking these qualities. Historically used in various European countries, particularly in France and the Czech Republic (as Vincenc), the name has never achieved widespread popularity but maintains a steady, if uncommon, presence. Vincence combines classical origins with a sophisticated sound, appealing to those drawn to names with historical depth and meaningful etymology.
- Emelda
Description:
Emelda is a feminine name with Germanic origins, derived from the elements 'amal' meaning 'work' or 'labor' and possibly influenced by names like Esmeralda or Imelda. The name Imelda, to which Emelda is closely related, comes from Germanic roots meaning 'universal battle' or 'powerful fighter.' Emelda has a vintage, romantic quality with its soft sounds and flowing rhythm. Though never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, the name has maintained a consistent, if rare, presence. It carries an elegant, slightly exotic flair while remaining accessible in pronunciation. Emelda might appeal to parents who appreciate classic-sounding names with historical depth but want to avoid common choices. The name projects strength wrapped in feminine grace.
- Elizabella
Origin:
Compound name, Eliza + BellaMeaning:
"pledged to God + beautiful"Description:
Elizabella is a much more obscure smoosh than sisters Isabella and Annabelle, but the megapopularity of Isabella may give this unusual combo name a boost.
- Elixane
Origin:
Basque, diminutive or local variant of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
A rare name even among Basque speakers (fewer than 20 women in Spain are called Elixane), this beautiful name has drawn some attention via Elixane Lechemia, the French pro-tennis player.
- Typhaine
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"epiphany"Description:
Typhaine (sometimes spelled Tiphaine) is an extremely rare girls name used occasionally in France, Switzerland and Jersey. The name derives from the Greek root words for epiphany. Typhaine might be considered an alternative to the tired Tiffany.
- Sabryn
Description:
Sabryn is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Sabrina. While Sabrina has Celtic origins and was the name of a river goddess in Welsh mythology, Sabryn represents a contemporary adaptation with its 'y' substitution. This spelling variation gives the name a more distinctive, modern feel while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. Sabryn began gaining modest popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought unique spellings of traditional names. The name carries associations with mystery and elegance from its mythological roots, while its uncommon spelling appeals to parents seeking individuality for their daughters. Sabryn remains relatively rare but recognizable.
- Trenner
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
One of the new two-syllable boys' names with more style than substance.