Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Racer

Word name

New, fast, cool, and chosen by director Robert Rodriguez, whose other sons are Rebel, Rocket, and Rogue, all somewhat risky options. Lara Bingle and Sam Worthington are also parents to sons named…

Leofric

Germanic

"beloved kingdom"

Derived from Old English leof "dear, beloved" + ric "power; reign; kingdom". A notable historical bearer is Leofric, Earl of Mercia: he was the husband of Lady Godiva, who (legend has it) promised…

Farquahar

Anglicized form of Irish and Scottish Fearchar

"dear man"

Definitely a far stretch for any child.

Eugeniusz

Eugeniusz is the Polish variant of the Greek name Eugene, meaning "well-born" or "noble". This distinguished masculine name carries a sense of dignity and classical heritage. While popular in Poland…

Arpad

Hungarian

"seed"

Arpad is a hero name in Hungary, belonging to the Second Grand Prince of the Maygars, who established a dynasty that ruled for four centuries. Not heard often here, but is associated with the…

Izayah

Spelling variation of Isaiah

Attempts to modernize traditional Isaiah has led to this overly creative spelling.

Hurley

Irish

"sea tide"

Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur"…

Tishka

Tishka is a masculine name with Russian or Slavic origins, typically functioning as a diminutive form of Tikhon or similar names. In Russian naming traditions, diminutives express familiarity and…

Breaker

English word name

One of the aggressive new boys' names, ala Tracker and Heller, that have become fashionable among parents who are courting trouble.

Bil

Bil is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a short form of names like William, Wilbur, or Bilal, or it could derive from Norse mythology, where Bil was a divine figure…

Wardell

Wardell originated as an English surname derived from the Old English place name 'weard-hyll,' meaning 'watch hill' or 'guard hill.' It references a hill where guards or watchmen were stationed. The…

Pascoe

Cornish variation of Pascal

"Easter"

Pascoe was popular in medieval times and is definitely deserving of revival, especially for a child born in the Easter season. Other spellings are Pasco and Pascow.

Lige

Diminutive of Elijah, Hebrew

"Yahweh is God"

If default nickname Eli is too common for your tastes, you may consider resuscitating the antique nickname Lige for your little Elijah. Lige Conley, born Elijah Crommie, was an American silent film…

Dionysus

Greek

"godlike one of Nysa"

Also written as Dionysos, Dionysus was a son of Zeus and the god of wine, revelry, fertility, and dance. Likely meaning "godlike one of Nysa" — Nysa being a region in Greece where Dionysus was raised…

Sextus

Latin

"sixth born"

Just think about those inescapable "sexy" nicknames. The related Sixtus is not a huge improvement. Sextus was one of a handful of first names used by the ancient Romans, and was often given to a…

Sax

Diminutive of Saxon

Rhythmic and sensual -- maybe too sensual, in terms of playground teasing. Sax Rohmer was the nom de plume of the prolific English novelist who created Dr.Fu Manchu.

Luster

Luster is an uncommon masculine name derived from an English word meaning 'shine,' 'gleam,' or 'radiance.' Originally more common as a surname, it emerged as a given name through the practice of…

Kiril

Kiril is a masculine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Russia, and Macedonia. It is derived from the Greek name Kyrillos, which comes from 'kyrios'…

Vasily

Russian form of Basil, Greek

"royal"

Vasily is one of many forms of the Greek Basil, all rare in the US.

Rupin

Sanskrit

"handsome"

Rupin is one of those names that is virtually unknown in the Western world and yet is easily translated because it feels so familiar -- parts Rupert, Robin, and Reuben. A handsome choice.