Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Ethelred

Anglo-Saxon

"noble counsel"

Also spelt Aethelred, this was the name of two Saxon kings of England. The most famous is Ethelred II "The Unready", who actually reigned as King twice: from 978-1013 and from 1014-1016. His nickname…

Bat

Short form of Bartholomew

Bartholomew is one vintage name with Biblical antecedents that hasn't risen again in the modern world, perhaps because short form Bart, as in Simpson, would be too difficult for a contemporary boy to…

Innis

Innis is a distinctive masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the word "innis" meaning "island" or "water meadow." With roots deeply embedded in Celtic traditions, this rare…

Weylen

Weylen is a masculine name with likely Germanic and English origins, possibly a variant of Waylon, Whelan, or Weyland. If connected to Waylon, it derives from elements meaning 'land beside the road'…

Nicklebee

Nicklebee is an extremely unusual masculine name that appears to be a modern invented name without historical usage or clear linguistic origins. It may have been created as a whimsical combination of…

Fire

Word name

Even if you're hoping for a fiery child, this seems like playing with fire. One celebrity--Steve Vai--was bold enough to use it for his son.

Kennett

Kennett is a masculine name with English origins, derived from the place name Kennett, which refers to a river in England. The river name is believed to come from the Celtic term meaning 'boundary…

Ferko

Ferko is a masculine name with Slovak and Hungarian origins, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Ferenc, the Hungarian version of Francis. The name ultimately derives from Latin…

Dewitt

Flemish

"blond"

Vintage surname that's fallen out of use, but perhaps deserves a revival.

Yunus

Arabic, Hebrew

"dove"

Yunus is the Arabic form of Jonah, also used in Turkish. In Islam, Yunus is a prophet.

Laurentz

Laurentz is a masculine name that represents an elaborate variant of Lawrence or the German/Dutch Laurenz. The name ultimately derives from Latin 'Laurentius,' meaning 'from Laurentum' (an ancient…

Pacome

French from Greek

"of strong nature, or, pacifier"

Pacome is a French saint's name rarely heard in this country, but currently being revived in its native France. Some variants are Pacomi, Pacomio and Pacomius.

Sealey

English

"blessed"

Has a positive meaning and a nickname feel. Sealey was a feminine name in medieval times but would be equally stylish (and rare) for both sexes now.

Alastar

Alastar is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, a variant of Alistair or Alastair, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of the people.' This…

Roper

English

"rope maker"

Cowboyish occupational name that's one of the hottest choices below the Top 1000, increasing in rank more than 5000 places since the year 2000. Roper may not be a unique choice much longer.

Mandla

African

"strength"

This obscure Zulu name was chosen by Stevie Wonder.

Dugald

Variation of Dougal, Scottish

"dark stranger"

A Scottish variant of Dougal, Dugald is also a Harry Potter name. In fact, there are not one but two characters name Dugald in the Harry Potter books. Dugald McPhail is a former Minister of Magic and…

Triston

Spelling variation of Tristan

While the medieval romantic name Tristan is popular and holding its own, this spelling variation has been sagging in the polls. If you love the name, choose the original spelling.

Ring

Word name

Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.

Codey

Codey is primarily a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of Cody. The traditional name Cody has Irish and Gaelic origins, derived from the surname 'Mac Oda,' meaning 'son of Oda,'…