Dusty Ancient Gems

Terpsichore

Greek

"delight in dancing"

The name of the Muse of dancing in Greek mythology. Arguably the least usable of the nine Muses' names, despite serious competition from Melpomene and Polyhymnia. Those two at least have obvious…

Thaddea

Feminine variation of Thaddeus, Aramaic

"gift of God"

Although Thaddeus has long been used in this country, Thaddea is almost unknown and, with its air of mystery, could make a distinctive choice. Thaddea might be a unique substitute for the…

Thalassa

Greek

"the sea"

A pretty, rarely used Greek name, Thalassa is the ancient personification of the sea, particularly the Mediterranean, who is sometimes considered the mother of Aphrodite. In 1991, a newly discovered…

Thaleia

Thaleia is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins. It stems from the Greek word "thallein" meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish." In Greek mythology, Thaleia was one of the nine Muses, specifically…

Thaïs

Greek

"beloved"

A paramour of Alexander the Great and the heroine of a Massenet opera, this name is nothing if not dramatic.

Thelxinoe

Greek

"charming mind"

Thelxinoë is the name of both a siren and a Muse in Greek mythology. Her name is derived from the Greek thelxis , "enchantment."

Themis

Greek

"law of nature, divine law"

Themis was the Titan — one of the Elder Gods (or in this case Goddesses) — of Justice and Order, usually depicted blindfolded and holding the scales of justice. The mother of the Fates and the…

Theodosia

Greek

"gift of God"

This feminine form of Theodosius has long been buried deep in the attic, but might be a good discovery for the parent who wants to move beyond Theodora. Vice President Aaron Burr named a daughter…

Theodota

Feminine variation of Theodotus, Latin from Greek

"given to god"

With Theodora showing signs of revival, this rare saints' name could be an appealing alternative.

Theophania

Greek

This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English…

Theophila

Greek

"friend of god"

Feminine form of Theophilus

Thetis

Greek

"dogmatic"

This name of the mythological mother of Achilles might suffer from English speakers making the rhyming association to the word fetus. The traditional Greek pronunciation might alleviate that problem.

Titania

Greek

"giant, great one"

This name of the queen of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream has a delicate, lacy charm similar to Tatiana's, but that first syllable could cause embarrassing problems.

Tryphena

Greek

"softness, delicacy"

Greek name found in the New Testament makes for one of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Bible.

Tryphosa

Greek

"softness, delicacy"

Greek name mentioned in the New Testament and one of the undiscovered unique baby names from the Bible.