Arcane Scholar

Solomon

Hebrew

"peace"

Solomon, a name that evokes wisdom and peace, is an Old Testament name that, along with other patriarchal classics, is finally beginning to shed its long white beard and step from the pages of the…

Kane

Celtic

"warrior"

A name of multiple identities: a somewhat soap-operatic single-syllable surname, a homonym for the biblical bad boy Cain, and, when found in Japan and Hawaii, it transforms into the two syllable…

Salem

Biblical place-name or Arabic

"safe"

Salem is a Biblical place name in Canaan, believed to be the same as Jerusalem, as well as the Massachusetts town famous for its late 17th century witch trials. Salem is also a popular first name in…

Evander

Scottish; Greek

"bow warrior; strong man"

Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander. Evander was prominent in Greek and Roman mythology: in…

Magnus

Scandinavian from Latin

"greatest"

Magnus is a Latin name, literally meaning "greatest," that has a Scandinavian feel. It dates back to Charlemagne being called Carolus Magnus, or Charles the Great. Norwegian king Magnus I, named…

Darius

Latin from Greek and Persian

"possessing goodness"

Darius is a historic name via Emperor Darius the Great, a key figure in ancient Persian history, and several other Persian kings. His name today has an appealingly artistic image, which might well be…

Evren

Turkish

"universe"

A modern-sounding unisex name which belongs to a dragon in Turkish mythology, Evren has huge potential to rise more globally, thanks to its accessible sound and its wide-reaching meaning "universe".…

Alistair

English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of Alexander

"defending men"

With many British names invading the Yankee name pool, the sophisticated Alistair could and should be part of the next wave. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. You have a triple choice with this…

Lucien

French form of Lucian

"light"

Sophisticated Gallic version of Lucian, Lucien may appeal to parents attracted to this meaning over that of Lucas and Luke, which have a different root, and also looking for a more unusual choice.…

Alasdair

Scottish variation of Alexander

"defending men"

In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.

Aleister

Aleister is a masculine name of Scottish origin, representing a variant spelling of Alistair or Alastair, which themselves derive from Alexander. The name ultimately comes from Greek elements meaning…

Anastasio

Greek, Italian and Spanish

"resurrection"

This dramatic Italian and Spanish variant of the Greek name Anastasius (masculine form of Anastasia) feels lighter and livelier than its five syllables would suggest.

Archimedes

Greek

"master planner"

Archimedes of Syracuse was a famous Ancient Greek thinker, especially in the fields of mathematics and sciences. He made important contributions to geometry and calculus. His name was a perfect…

Audrick

Audrick is a masculine name that combines elements of traditional Germanic naming patterns. It likely blends the prefix "Aud-" (meaning "wealth" or "fortune" in Old Germanic languages) with the…

Basilio

Italian and Spanish variation of Basil, Greek

"regal"

A rare and romantic take on Basil.

Bayard

French

"russet-haired"

An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a…

Caspar

Dutch and German variation of Casper and Jasper, Persian

"keeper of the treasure"

After half a century, this otherwise feasible name has at last started to lose its link to the friendly ghost; it certainly didn't scare model Claudia Schiffer, who chose it for her son, as did…

Corentin

French, Breton

"tempest, hurricane"

Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night,…