Down the Rabbit Hole Names

La'el

La'el is a distinctive modern name with possible Hebrew origins, where 'El' refers to God in Hebrew tradition. The apostrophe creates a unique pronunciation and contemporary feel. While not…

Gavriil

Russian variation of Gabriel

See GABRIEL.

Palace

English

"royal residence"

Royal names are on the rise. Along with names such as King, Prince, and Royal, why not Palace? Why not indeed.

Rock

Word name or diminutive of Rocco

"rock or rest"

Rock definitely has a macho image, if a somewhat caricatured one, ala The Rock. But with the rise of word names and also of tough guy names, Rock feels more plausible than it did a generation ago.

Fortitude

Word name

"courage during adversity"

Fortitude is the kind of virtue name the Puritans favored that could feel rather heavy for a modern boy. Nevertheless, with options such as Sincere, Chosen, Messiah, and Valor on the rise, perhaps in…

Vandyke

Dutch

"of the dyke"

Though it has worthy associations with the Old Master painter and singer-songwriter Van Dyke Parks, this would be tough on a child because of the slang meaning of the second syllable.

Sacheverell

English

"roebuck leap"

Over the top for even the most ardent Anglophile. Sacheverell Sitwell was a member of the prominentliterary Sitwell family.

Jaydin

Jaydin is a modern masculine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Jaden, itself a contemporary name that gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. The name may be related to the biblical name…

Spenser

Spenser is a masculine name that originated as an English occupational surname meaning 'dispenser' or 'steward.' It gained recognition through the celebrated 16th-century English poet Edmund Spenser,…

Karcsi

Karcsi is a masculine Hungarian name that functions as a diminutive form of Károly (the Hungarian equivalent of Charles). This affectionate nickname carries the warm, familiar quality typical of…

Flavian

Latin

"yellow hair"

A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.

Oasis

Egyptian

"fertile spot in a desert"

Oasis is an ultra-rare word name that has only ever been used for a handful of babies born in the US. Its appeal is undeniable, though. An oasis can be a place of refuge, or a place of beauty, in an…

Bige

Short form of Abijah, Hebrew

"God is my father"

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Paavali

Paavali is a Finnish masculine name that serves as the Finnish equivalent of Paul. Derived from the Latin name Paulus, meaning 'small' or 'humble,' it carries the same apostolic connections as its…

Nikodema

Nikodema is a masculine name of Greek origin, representing the male form of Nicodemus, which combines the elements 'nike' meaning 'victory' and 'demos' meaning 'people' – thus translating to 'victory…

Artigan

Artigan is a masculine name with an unusual, distinctive quality that suggests strength and individuality. While its specific etymology is unclear, it may be a modern invented name combining elements…

Naphtali

Hebrew

"wrestling, struggling"

Rarely used biblical choice -- he's a son of Jacob -- with a bit of a white-bearded image.

Fénix

Fénix is a masculine name derived directly from the Spanish spelling of 'phoenix,' the mythological bird that regenerates from its own ashes. This powerful symbol of rebirth, renewal, and immortality…

Jacopo

Italian variation of Jacob, Hebrew

"supplanter"

One of Jacob’s perkier variations.

Willaim

Willaim appears to be a variant spelling of William, a classic Germanic name combining the elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), meaning 'resolute protector' or 'determined…