User-created list
By elenajeanine · Updated May 2023
Across 22 pages
of 22
Greek mythology name
"cassia juice"
Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related…
Irish place-name from Caledonia
"hard or rocky land"
Caledon, the name of the arrogant Billy Zane character in "Titanic," is an Irish place-name related to Caledonia, the Latin word for Scotland thought to be derived from the ancient Celtic word for…
Janella is a feminine name of American origin, created as an elaboration of Jane or a blend of Jana and the popular -ella suffix. The name Jane derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is…
Irish
"little black-haired one"
Kieran is a boys' name that could cross over, as an update of outmoded Karen or a variation on trendy Kiera (or Keira or Kyra). Keren Ann is an Israeli-born singer. The proportion of babies named…
Latin
"traveler, pilgrim"
Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the US, where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's…
English word name
"the time at which something is most powerful or successful; the point in the celestial sphere directly above an observer"
A tip-top word name—literally, Zenith means the top or apex. Zen makes a cute nickname.
Neven is a masculine name with multicultural origins, particularly prominent in Slavic and Celtic naming traditions. In Slavic contexts, particularly Croatian, it derives from the word for…
"evening star"
While this is usually thought of as a girls' name because of the Bond Girl connection, its sound is masculine and there's no reason it couldn't work for boys.
Welsh
"white, blessed"
A male name in Wales, Gwyn has been mostly feminine in the US thanks to its resemblance to the more familiar Gwen. It derives from the same Celtic root as the popular Finn family of names.
Diminutive of Zedekiah
Newer than Zac, cooler than Ed, Ned, or Ted.
English elaboration of Lora
Lorelei would make a cooler choice.
Literary name
George R.R. Martin probably got the idea for the name of his Song of Ice and Fire character Oberyn Martell, commonly known as the Red Viper, from A Midsummer Night's Dream , in which Oberon is the…
Welsh variation of Eugene or Celtic "well-born; born of sheep"
"well-born; born of sheep"
Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient. Possibly an Old Welsh form of the Latin Eugenius, or, deriving from other…
English variation of Ulrich and Wulfric, German
"rich and noble heritage; wolf power"
Also related to the word for wolf, this name has a first syllable that's not appealing to the American ear. Better ic-ending choices: Dominic, Frederic, Eric.
Variation of Varius, Roman, Latin
"versatile"
Ultimately derived from the Roman family name, Varius, this name is versatile as its meaning suggests. Both ancient and modern in feel, rugged yet regal, it may appeal to those who like Adrian,…
Greek
"from the sea"
An offbeat possible replacement for the overused Melissa and Marisa, Nerissa was used by Shakespeare for Portia's witty confidante in The Merchant of Venice . Queen Elizabeth has a cousin named…
"fruitful"
Drusilla is an ancient Roman name, (probably) borne by descendants of Antony and Cleopatra, and is one of the 'illa' names that are ready for a comeback, especially with its cute short form Dru.…
Bird name
In one recent year there were 60 baby girls in the US named Lark....and only eight baby boys. But there's no reason this bird name can't also be masculine, especially given that Robin is making a…
Hebrew
"prickly pear"
Term for a native-born Israeli, first brought to notice in Edna Ferber's 1929 novel Cimarron. Prickly pear has been interpreted to mean tough on the outside, soft and sweet within.
English, French, Latin
"waxing or waning moon; increasing, growing, springing forth"
Crescent is an intriguing word name with a pretty sound and links to the moon. Used to describe a curved shape more generally, it is heavily associated with the lunar calendar, with the moon forming…
