Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Bronislaw

Polish

"weapon of glory"

Also spelled Bronisław, this Polish name has a strong, rugged meaning. It was briefly popular in France in the first half of the 20th century and has been notably borne by Polish anthropologist,…

Calton

Latin

"calf farm"

The kind of hybrid name -- it sounds like a blend of the popular Caleb and Colton -- that could catch on despite its lack of pedigree.

Donatello

Latin

"to give"

The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.

Peder

Scandinavian variation of Peter

Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.

Rhoads

Rhoads is a masculine name with Germanic and English origins, primarily known as a surname before its occasional use as a first name. Derived from the Old English "rod" or "rode" meaning "clearing in…

Skipper

English

"captain"

Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.

Octave

French form of Octavius, Latin, or English word name

"eighth; musical and poetry term"

Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave .…

Nemo

Greek

"nobody"

One of the best known early Nemos was the captain in Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea , while the more familiar modern one is the animated little orange fish in the Disney movie. Unusual name…

Xenophon

Greek

"foreign voice"

This name of an ancient Greek historian sounds too long-ago and faraway to consider for a modern child.

Hew

Hew is a masculine name of Scottish origin, traditionally considered a variant of Hugh, which derives from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit.' In Scottish usage, Hew has…

Galt

Norse

"high ground"

A literary surname that's short, to the point, and very rare. It combines several origins: Scandinavian meaning "high ground", Scottish meaning "stranger", and English meaning "wild boar" (hello,…

Darl

Literary name

This name of a character in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying is short, sweet and Southern-sounding.

Kennelly

Gaelic

"male descendant of a wolf"

Kennelly could be an upbeat modern namesake for a Grandpa Kenneth; it can also be spelled Kenneally.

Commodore

Commodore is a masculine name derived from the military naval rank, which originated from the French 'commandeur' and Latin 'commendare' meaning 'to entrust' or 'to command.' As a given name, it…

Hall

English occupational name

"worker at the hall"

A simple, self-possessed, somewhat serious surname, which might work better as a middle.

Chess

Chess is an uncommon masculine name derived from the classic strategy board game. As a given name, it evokes qualities of strategic thinking, patience, and intellectual prowess. The game of chess…

Zbigniew

Polish

"to dispel anger"

One of the first authentically Slavic names many Americans heard (but couldn't pronounce), via 1960s to 70s former presidential advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski. Even after all these years, it is still…

Declare

English word name

"to make known as a determination"

A word name in the Puritan vein, à la Remember or Experience, which a few daring namers are beginning to consider.

Carsten

Low German and Nordic variation of Christian

This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.

Yitzhak

Hebrew variation of Isaac

Has taken on a musical tone via the great violinist, Itzhak Perlman.