Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Sweeney

Irish

"the little hero"

The double ' e ' gives this Celtic surname a genial sound. It derives from an old Irish name — Suibhne (SHEEV-ne) that was borne by several early saints and kings, including, unfortunately, one…

Newlyn

Newlyn is a rare masculine name likely derived from place names in Cornwall, England, particularly the fishing village of Newlyn near Penzance. The name combines elements meaning 'new' and 'pool' or…

Tupelo

Creek

"swamp tree"

Tupelo, one of the common name for trees of the Nyssa genus, stems from the Creek words ito and opilwa , meaning "swamp tree". Also the name of a city in Mississippi, Tupelo trees are associated with…

Stamatios

Greek

"stop"

A saint's name, which comes from a Greek root meaning 'Stop!" because it was originally bestowed on a son whose older siblings had not survived, and was given in the sense of "Stop dying."

Zikomo

Ngono

"thank you"

Gracious African choice.

Tennis

Tennis is a highly unusual masculine name derived from the popular sport. The sport itself got its name from the French word 'tenez' (meaning 'take this' or 'here it comes'), which was called out by…

Saturnin

French from Latin

"relating to the god Saturn"

A rare French name from the Roman cognomen (nickname or family name) Saturninus, derived from the god Saturn. It was born by a 3rd century saint of Toulouse. The English word saturnine means "gloomy,…

Kavanaugh

Irish

"born handsome or son of Caomhan "

If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh,…

Stig

Swedish

"wanderer"

Like Stian, a more manageable short form of the unwieldy Srigandr, but with a less euphonic sound. Stig Larsson is a successful Swedish novelist, not to be confused with the even more successful late…

Jokubas

Jokubas is the Lithuanian form of Jacob, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' referring to the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin brother's heel at…

Brevin

Modern invented name

If you're tired of Kevin and Devin, you might consider the newly coined Brevin.

Indio

Spanish

"Indian"

This name of a California desert town, used by Deborah Falconer and Robert Downey, Jr. for their son, makes a much livelier and more individual – not to mention more masculine – improvisation on the…

Dedrick

German, variation of Derek

"the people's ruler"

This name is related to Derek and Dietrich, either of which would be preferable.

Desiderius

Desiderius is a masculine name with ancient Roman origins, derived from Latin 'desiderium' meaning 'longing' or 'desire.' This classical name was borne by several historical figures, including Saint…

Typhoon

Chinese

"great wind"

Might be asking for trouble, especially when your son reaches the Terrible Twos.

Donatien

Donatien is a masculine name of French origin derived from the Latin name Donatianus, which comes from 'donatus' meaning 'given' or 'gifted.' This sophisticated name carries aristocratic connotations…

Wainwright

English occupational name

"wagon maker"

A surname style name that could make an alternative to Wayne or Wyatt.

Crockett

English

"large curl"

Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something…

Farouk

Arabic

"seer of truth"

Name of the last king of Egypt.

Moor

Moor is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon and geographical origins. Historically, it referred to a person who lived near or came from moorlands – open, uncultivated upland areas. The name also has…