Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Pharoh

Pharoh is a masculine name derived from the ancient Egyptian title for rulers, typically spelled 'Pharaoh.' This alternative spelling maintains the powerful associations while offering a simplified…

Peabody

English

"having the body of a gnat"

Peabody is a quintessentially Waspy surname that your child won't thank you for -- either the pea part or the body part, or the meaning part.

Goliath

Hebrew

"exile"

Not a traditional biblical choice, but the Philistine giant isn't a bad character as such, just a champion fighter who lost to the underdog. He has given his name to everything from insect species to…

German

Spanish and Russian variation of Herman, German

"warrior"

German might seem like an unlikely occupant of the Top 1000 list, unless you realize that it's a Spanish name, with the accent on the second syllable. It's been on the U.S. list since 1973.

Mailer

Occupational name, English or French

"enameler"

Mailer is one of the more unusual of the on-trend occupational surnames. Recommended for fans of the macho writer Norman Mailer.

Crow

Bird name

From Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore , the story of a boy named Kafka -- crow in Czech.

Belvidere

Belvidere is an unusual masculine name derived from Italian place names meaning 'beautiful view' (from 'bel' meaning beautiful and 'vedere' meaning to see). Historically, it appears more frequently…

Thorvald

Thorvald is a masculine name of Old Norse origin, combining the elements 'Thor' (the Norse god of thunder) and 'vald' meaning 'ruler' or 'power.' Thus, the name essentially means 'Thor's ruler' or…

Vasile

Romanian form of Basil

"king"

Used in Moldova and Romania.

Rhydderch

Rhydderch is a masculine Welsh name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the elements 'rhudd' meaning 'red' or 'crimson' and 'derch' meaning 'splendid' or 'magnificent.' Historically, it was…

Jerzy

Polish variation of George

"farmer"

Writer Jerzy Kosinski put this foreign variation on the U. S. name map.

Aloin

Aloin is a rare masculine name with potential botanical connections, as aloin is a compound found in aloe plants known for medicinal properties. The name likely shares etymological roots with names…

Dicky

Dicky is traditionally a diminutive form of Richard, derived from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful leader' or 'strong ruler.' While historically used as an affectionate nickname, Dicky…

Taden

Modern invented name

One of the newer and fresher-sounding members of the Braeden, Jaden, Caden clan.

Bravery

Virtue name

This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so…

Hancock

English

"shellfish-gatherer"

Surname of Declaration signer sure to present playground complications.

Venka

Venka is a masculine name with roots in various cultures. In Bulgarian, it's a diminutive form of names containing 'ven' which often relates to 'venets' meaning 'crown' or 'wreath'. In Indian…

Ariyel

Ariyel is a modern masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Ariel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'lion of God.' While Ariel has been used traditionally for both genders, Ariyel with…

Jaguar

Animal name

Grrrr.

Malvin

Malvin is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from the elements 'mal' meaning 'council' or 'meeting' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' It can be considered a variant of the more common name…