User-created list
By CasualShellfish · Updated May 2023
Across 6 pages
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Greek
"lordly"
A British-accented Greek name with an intellectual image that has been off the U.S. charts since 1966, but was a Top 300 name at the turn of the last century. We have the feeling Cyril's ready for a…
Hebrew
"my sheaf"
Old Testament name of a king of Israel, related to the harvest.
French literary name
One of Dumas' swashbuckling Three Musketeers, now better known as a men's cologne.
Scottish variation of Alexander
"defending men"
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
Scandinavian
"god bear"
Strong and unusual Scandinavian name, but with two possible pitfalls: people might mis-hear it as Aspen, or associate it with sports network ESPN. Variants include Esper and Esben.
Welsh
"ardor"
Less than ten percent of the babies named Rhys are girls, whereas Reese is given five times more often to girls than to boys, thanks to Ms. Witherspoon. It's a sleek and attractive name, but one that…
"lion"
This biblical name, pronounced ahr yeh, is a not uncommon boys' name in Israel. It can also be spelled Aryeh , the most popular form by far, or Arieh. The feminine equivalent is Levi'a. Possible down…
English place-name and surname
A rarely-used place name (probably because of the last three letters), Essex was the ancient kingdom of the East Saxons and is now a county in England. The singer David Essex used it as his stage…
Arabic place-name
"gardens"
The capital of Saudi Arabia makes a difficult first name.
Latin
"famous warrior"
This name is a classic example of an underused golden oldie that ticks so many boxes - unusual yet traditional, heaps of cute nicknames, a statement name that exudes retro cool. Aloysius is the Latin…
Athina is a feminine name representing the Greek spelling of Athena, the powerful goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, mathematics, strength, war strategy, the…
Scottish diminutive of William, German, English
"resolute protection; from Wylye"
The Wylie spelling (with that feminine Y) is much more common among girls than Wiley, but both have been climbing the ranks. Could Wiley be the next Riley?
Arabic
"falcon"
The eleventh brightest star in the sky has a celestial feel, but also could be the name of a commercial airline.
Flower name, from English surname
"Wister's flower"
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…
Welsh river name
This Welsh river name has possibilities as a place name and nature name that is rare and uncommon.
"bright"
This name of a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and wife of Theseus, has a mysterious and intriguing appeal, and would make a dramatic choice. Phaedra…
"golden, yellow"
X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front. This extravagant name, which, like many Greek names beginning with X, is…
Basque
"star"
Used more for girls in Europe, but definitely sounds masculine enough for a boy here.
Variation of Ida or Idalia, Latin Amerian
"work, labor"
An elaboration of Ida or Idalia, inspired by other similar options used in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as Odalis and Ivelis. Also spelled as Idalys, is can mean "work, labor" from the…
Arabic variation of Jesus
"savior"
Eissa, a name found frequently as both a last and a first in Arabic lands, is the Arabic form of Jesus. Also spelled Isa, Issa, and Esa, Eissa came to greater prominence when it was chosen for their…
