Buried in Berries
- Delias
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from Delos"Description:
A rarely used name meaning from Delos, a sacred island to the ancient Greeks. A more interesting and musical choice might be Delius, after the British-born composer of lush rhapsodies.
- Lynch
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"mariner"Description:
One Irish surname that will never make it as a first.
- Bertrand
Origin:
French from GermanMeaning:
"magnificent crow"Description:
This name of famed philosopher, mathematician and Nobel laureate Bertrand Russell becomes slightly more plausible with the French pronunciation, bare-TRAHN. Another noted bearer is French director and screenwriter Bertrand Tavernier.
- Ayelet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"deer, gazelle"Description:
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
- Nuri
Origin:
Arabic or HebrewMeaning:
"light or my fire"Description:
A name used in the Middle East but that could easily work in the US. As a girls' name, Nuri can also be a short form of Nuria. It was chosen by Christy Lefteri for the protagonist of her novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo which may have familiarized people with the name.
- 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.
- Rand
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"living on riverbank"Description:
The new Randy -- though a bit commercial, as in Rand Corporation, Rand McNally, et al.
- Nuri
Origin:
Short form of Nuria or HebrewMeaning:
"my fire"Description:
Nuri might be a nickname for the place name Nuria, popular in Spain and Portugal as a honorific for the Virgin Mary. Nuri is also a usually-masculine name heard in the Middle East, but to the Western ear it might work for girls or boys.
- Maynard
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"hardy, brave, strong"Description:
Sometimes pronounced MAY-nerd, which is death to a name. However, the name Maynard was given to 25 boys in 2022.
- Wilkie
Origin:
Scottish surname from a diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days, it's the middle name of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James and the first name of writer Collins. While Wilkie could make an adorable short form for a little boy, we'd recommend a more substantial full name such as, well, William.
- Nixi
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"goddess of childbirth"Description:
The Nixi were a tribe of childbirth goddesses in ancient Rome. The similar Nixie is a girls' name associated with German water nymphs. Whichever variation you choose, this is a unique name with a modern feel and evocative ancient roots.
- Manny
Origin:
English, diminutive of EmmanuelDescription:
He can get it for you wholesale.
- Ayala
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"doe, gazelle"Description:
This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.
- Alban
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, or, man from Alba"Description:
An ancient and highly unusual name; St. Alban -- sometimes also called Albinus or Aubin -- was an early martyr in Roman Britain. Using an alternate spelling, Alben Barkley was the 35th U.S. Vice-President, serving under Harry Truman. And Albin is popular in modern Sweden. But only the form Alban has the alternate meaning "from Alba".
- Brighid
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"strength or exalted one"Description:
Brighid is the original Gaelic form of the name of the mythological goddess of fire, poetry, and wisdom. More commonly found these days in any number of different guises: Bridget, Brigid, Brigitte et al. Whatever form it takes, Brighid is one of the most classic and enduring Irish names for girls.
- Velia
Description:
Velia is a feminine name with ancient Roman roots, derived from the Velian Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome. It may also relate to the Latin 'velare' meaning 'to veil' or 'to cover.' In some cultures, Velia serves as a variant of Ofelia or Ophelia. With its classical origins and melodic sound, Velia carries an elegant, somewhat mysterious quality. The name has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, though it has some usage in Italy and Spanish-speaking regions. Velia combines brevity with a flowing, feminine sound, making it appealing for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible with historical depth.
- Morton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"town near the moor"Description:
An English family name used a few generations ago as an Anglicization of Moses, but hardly heard since th 1950s.
- Lally
Origin:
Diminutive of any La- nameDescription:
A likable nickname-name in the Callie, Hallie mode.
- Rousseau
Origin:
French surnameMeaning:
"little redhead"Description:
Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri Rousseau.
- Bingham
Origin:
British surnameMeaning:
"homestead at a hollow"Description:
Bingham is the unusual surname name chosen by Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy for their son. It was Bellamy's mother's maiden name, and the nickname Bing, coincidentally, belongs to almost-stepfather Kurt Russell's dad. We haven't heard Bing since crooner Crosby, but it does have a lot of zing.