Oregon Trail era names - boys

Valerius

Latin

"strength, health"

Valerius is an ancient Roman family name turned first name. While Valerius is more familiar as its derivatives Valerie and Valerian, the rise of Roman names ending in S for boys may inspire a revival…

Volney

German

"spirit of the people"

Has a rather heavy surname feel.

Washington

English

"home of the Wassa people"

Lincoln, Tyler, Taylor, Jackson, Jefferson, Harrison, McKinley, Grant, Kennedy, Carter -- yes. Washington -- probably not.

Wealthy

English word name

"prosperous, rich"

Wealthy was used for girls in the late 19th and early 20th century, with a meaning that implied a wealth of blessings. Today, it's difficult to see Wealthy and not think cash, but luckily names that…

Wilfrid

Spelling variation of Wilfred, English

"desires peace"

Wilfrid is a distinguished masculine name of Anglo-Saxon origin, combining the elements "will" (determination or desire) and "frid" (peace), creating the meaningful combination "desires peace" or…

Willoughby

English

"farm near the willows; willow town"

Energetic Willoughby is a familiar last name, but, as yet, makes for a unique choice in the first spot. An unexpected way to get to popular short forms Will and Billy, Willoughby could make an…

Wilmot

Manx variation of William, German

"resolute protection"

Wilmot has the sort of old-school bookish charm of other surname-sounding names like Beckett, Everett, Griffith and Weston. This could be a good choice for families wanting to honor that special…

Zacheus

Zacheus is a masculine name with ancient biblical roots, being a variant spelling of Zacchaeus, who appears in the New Testament as a tax collector who encountered Jesus. The name derives from…

Zenas

Zenas is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, appearing in the New Testament as a Christian convert mentioned by Paul. The name derives from Zeus, the supreme deity in Greek mythology,…

Zenos

Zenos is a masculine name with Greek origins, derived from the word 'xenos' meaning 'stranger' or 'foreigner.' It shares roots with the more common Zenon or Zeno, names associated with ancient Greek…

Zerah

Hebrew

"to arise; dawn"

The Biblical Zerah is etymologically related to such names as Zora, which also means dawn. While the vowel sound at the end of the name does not sound as feminine to our modern ear as it once did,…