Unique and Elegant Baby Names

  1. Tamerlaine
    • Origin:

      Turkic, Mongol
    • Meaning:

      "iron"
    • Description:

      Although Tamerlaine, especially with the addition of an i, feels more feminine than masculine these days and is occasionally used for girls, the original Tamerlane was a fierce Mongol warrior.
  2. Tanaquil
    • Origin:

      Etruscan
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.
  3. Tarquin
    • Origin:

      Latin, Roman clan name
    • Description:

      One of the few ancient Roman names that doesn't end in us, the rarely heard Tarquin has a decidedly creative, even dramatic flair, which could appeal to the parent looking for a strikingly original name. Sir Laurence Olivier used it for his oldest child, who was named Simon Tarquin but called by his middle name.
  4. Tatiana
    • Origin:

      Russian from Latin family name
    • Description:

      Tatiana was derived from Tatius, a Sabine-Latin family name of unknown origin. Titus Tatius was the name of an ancient king who ruled over the Sabines, an ancient Italic tribe who lived near Rome. The Romans used the name Tatius even after the Sabines died out and created the derivative forms Tatianus and Tatiana. The names were eventually disseminated throughout the Orthodox Christian world, including Russia.
  5. Tejas
    • Description:

      Tejas is a masculine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'radiance,' 'brilliance,' or 'splendor.' In Hindu culture, it refers to the spiritual essence that represents energy, vigor, and mental power. Tejas is also the Sanskrit word for 'fire' and is associated with light and illumination. The name has gained popularity among Indian families globally who appreciate its cultural significance and positive connotations. In the United States, Tejas has additional significance as the original name for Texas, derived from a Native American Caddo word meaning 'friends' or 'allies.' This dual heritage makes Tejas an appealing cross-cultural choice with meaningful connections to both South Asian traditions and American geography. The name remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it a distinctive quality.

  6. Thelonius
    • Origin:

      Latinized variation of Tillo
    • Meaning:

      "lord"
    • Description:

      One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited it from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960s--just a sprinkling of baby boys receive the name each year. Monk's middle name Sphere is pretty unique too--a cousin of Cosmos and Cosmo. Some other jazz names to consider: Bix, Ellington, Ella, Etta, Mingus, Dexter and Calloway. :
  7. Theodosia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter Theodosia ("Dear Theodosia" is a song in the smash musical Hamilton), and it was the birth name of silent screen vamp Theda Bara. Theodosia actually appeared on the US popularity lists in the 1880s and 90s.
  8. Theophania
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Description:

      This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult to wear. The English variation Tiffany may be more wearable.
  9. Theophilus
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "friend of God"
    • Description:

      This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus.
  10. Titian
    • Origin:

      Italian artist name, also color
    • Description:

      A creative choice, suggesting the Venetian Renaissance painter (born Tiziano), and the brownish orange red hue that was featured on his palette. But try explaining to the boys in seventh grade that it's pronounced tee-shun.
  11. Tristram
    • Origin:

      Medieval English variation of Tristan, “noise or sorrowful"
    • Description:

      This version of Tristan, known to English Lit students from the novel Tristram Shandy, is rarely used in this country, but, though its similarity to the popular Tristan could prove confusing, still makes an interesting literary choice.
  12. Ursa
    • Origin:

      Short form of Ursula, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "little female bear"
    • Description:

      Ursa might be a good choice if you're looking for a bear name for your daughter but want to avoid the She Witch curse placed on Ursula by Disney's The Little Mermaid. Too bad, because Ursula is a classic and lovely name, but Ursa has less baggage.
  13. Venetia
    • Origin:

      Italian place-name
    • Description:

      Venetia, the name of the region encompassing Venice, has a radiant, picturesque authenticity, as do the related Venezia and Venice.
  14. Veridian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "green"
    • Description:

      Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.
  15. Wisteria
    • Origin:

      Flower name, from English surname
    • Meaning:

      "Wister's flower"
    • Description:

      A frilly southern-accented flower name yet to be planted on many birth certificates. In the language of flowers, the wisteria is a symbol of devotion. It is named for American horticulturalist John Caspar Wister.
  16. Xanthippe
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "yellow horse"
    • Description:

      Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.
  17. Xerxes
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "hero among heroes"
    • Description:

      The two X's may be a challenge for even the most intrepid baby namer. Xerxes was the name of two early kings of Persia and the Handel opera Serse or Xerxes is loosely based on Xerxes I.
  18. Yamina
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "right, proper"
    • Description:

      Attractive Middle Eastern choice used in a variety of spellings.
  19. Zephyr
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "west wind"
    • Description:

      If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.
  20. Zephyrine
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Zephyr, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "west wind"
    • Description:

      Zephyr may not be a name often heard in the U.S., but its variations are used throughout Europe. Zephyrine, a cousin in sound and feel if not in fact to such lovely names as Severine and Seraphina, has distinctive possibilities.