Rare Names from my Family Tree
- Alanzo
Description:
Alanzo is a variation of Alfonso or Alonzo, names with Germanic and Spanish roots. The original form derives from Germanic elements meaning "noble" and "ready" or "eager." This particular spelling combines the familiarity of Alan with the distinctive Spanish flair of Alonzo. While less common than Alfonso or Alonzo, Alanzo has maintained a steady presence, particularly in Hispanic and Italian communities. The name carries a certain charisma and strength, with the 'z' giving it a dynamic quality. Parents might choose Alanzo for its cross-cultural appeal, distinctive spelling, and the noble qualities it suggests, while still having the friendly nickname options of Al or Lan.
- Almeda
Description:
Almeda is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'almus' meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind.' It may also be connected to the Spanish term 'alameda,' referring to a tree-lined avenue or a poplar grove. The name was moderately popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Almeda carries connotations of nurturing and natural beauty, evoking images of serene pathways bordered by stately trees. While uncommon today, it represents a classic naming style with a melodic quality that could appeal to parents seeking a vintage name with subtle elegance.
- Alpha
Origin:
Greek, first letter of the alphabetDescription:
The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.".
- Alson
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"son of Allen or Alexander"Description:
A rare but perfectly usable surname name.
- Andreas
Origin:
Original New Testament Greek variation of AndrewMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew.
- Apollonia
Origin:
Feminine variation of Apollo, Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"destroyer"Description:
This name of a third-century Christian martyr has an romantic, appealing feel in the modern world. It first came to American attention via Prince's love interest in the film Purple Rain.
- Arley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the rabbit meadow"Description:
Similar in sound to Harley, Marley, Arlo, and Ari, this surname-style name was a fast rising choice in the UK in 2023.
- Alexandrovna
- Archange
- Balthasar
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"God protects the king"Description:
Balthasar was one of the biblical Three Kings who visited the infant Jesus, also used by Shakespeare and in the oil-rich Getty family; offbeat and intriguing. Balthazar is another, equally appropriate spelling.
- 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.
- Beta
Origin:
Greek, second letter of the Greek alphabetDescription:
If you can't have an Alpha male, how about a Beta girl.
- Buta
- Calista
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.
- Cintha
Description:
Cintha is an uncommon feminine name that likely originated as a variation of Cynthia, which derives from Kynthia, an epithet of the Greek goddess Artemis who was said to have been born on Mount Cynthus. The simplified spelling gives this classical name a fresh, streamlined appearance while maintaining its mythological connections. In some cultures, particularly Dutch, Cintha may be used as a distinct name rather than just a variant. The name carries a gentle yet exotic quality with its soft 'th' sound. While rare in most English-speaking countries, it offers parents a way to reference classical mythology while providing their daughter with a name that stands out from more common variants like Cynthia or Cindy.
- Clarinda
Origin:
Literary elaboration of ClaraMeaning:
"bright, clear"Description:
A poetic name first used in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" in 1596, it had a literary vogue in the 18th century, especially favored by Robert Burns. "inda" names--Melinda, Belinda, Linda" are not particularly in right now.
- Cyntha
Description:
Cyntha is a feminine name that appears to be a variant or shortened form of Cynthia, which derives from Greek mythology where it was an epithet of the goddess Artemis, who was born on Mount Cynthus. The name has classical origins and evokes associations with the moon, as Artemis was also a moon goddess. This particular spelling, omitting the 'i' near the end, gives the name a slightly more streamlined appearance while maintaining its melodic pronunciation. Though less common than the traditional Cynthia, Cyntha carries the same elegant, timeless quality. The name peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century but has since become less common, making it a distinctive choice that still feels familiar and accessible to most.
- Clista
- Drucilla
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"strong"Description:
Pleasingly quaint and dainty New Testament possibility; the nickname Dru modernizes it.
- Duvall
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"of the valley"Description:
Old-timey surname that's been very rarely used.