Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Jordi

Catalan variation of George

To the American ear, Jordi seems like a nickname for Jordan, which means this popular name from Catalonia could certainly cross cultures.

Drexel

German

"to turn"

Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating…

Tamerlaine

Turkic, Mongol

"iron"

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.

Havelock

Scandinavian

"sea competition"

A name from medieval romance with an endearingly clunky sound, à la Sherlock. The most famous modern wearer was twentieth-century psychologist/sexologist Havelock (born Henry) Ellis.

Haldor

Norse

"Thor's stone"

This, like many Norse and Scandinavian names , remains icebound, though with the unexpected rise of such ancient Scandinavian mythology names as Odin, Thor, and Freya, we may see Haldor rise again.

Neriah

Hebrew

"light of Jehovah"

Neriah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah as the father of Baruch and Seraiah ben Neriah. According to the Talmud, Neriah and his sons are all prophets. The name is traditionally…

Garland

English word name

A surprisingly wearable floral name for a boy.

Zacky

Zacky is a masculine name that functions primarily as a diminutive or affectionate form of Zachary or Zachariah, which derive from Hebrew origins meaning 'God has remembered.' The playful ending…

Septimus

Latin

"the seventh son"

Septimus is one of the more dashing of the birth-order Latin number names that were revived by the Victorians. So even if you don't anticipate son number 7, you might be bold enough to consider this…

Grove

Nature name

"grove of trees"

If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.

Justus

Latin

"just"

More unusual than Justin, less word-like than Justice, this New Testament name could make an intriguing choice. After being off the popularity lists from 1904 to 1993, it is now being used in steady…

Satchel

American nickname

First Woody Allen, then Spike Lee named their children to honor the great early black pitcher, Leroy "Satchel" Paige. A bit luggage-related for non-celebrity use, however.

Filip

Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, Polish, Croatian, Serbian, Slovene, Macedonian, Romanian, and Finnish variation of Philip, Greek

"lover of horses"

Streamlined spelling found all across Europe. The Spanish Filipo has extra zip.

Banner

English occupational name

"flag bearer"

An undiscovered option among occupational names, as of 2023, Banner has never been used for more than 100 baby boys in a single year. It does have charm however, much due to its associations with…

Chuck

Diminutive of Charles

So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.

Temple

English

"dweller near the temple"

Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin.

Egon

German

"strong with a sword"

Muscular German name that never fully assimilated into American culture.

Truman

English

"loyal one"

Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival. Also associated with…

Fortune

Latin

"luck, fate, wealth"

Fortune is a middle name choice designed to generate good luck and prosperity.

Flash

Word and comic book name

Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…