Someone Knows my Name II

Unusual names from the 'Book of Negroes' Part 1. A list composed to let them know that their names live on and that we respect them as individuals not property. It would be an honour to name a child after one of these strong people.
  1. Abraham
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"
    • Description:

      Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
  2. Ambrose
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "immortal"
    • Description:

      Gentle but grandiose and beloved by British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose was a fast rising name in 2022. Entering the UK Top 1000 for the first time and proving popular among Nameberry users, its elegance, softness, and vintage style means it fits in with popular Theodore, Sebastian, and Jeremiah.
  3. Amos
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "carried by God"
    • Description:

      Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.
  4. Binah
    • Description:

      Binah is a feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'understanding' or 'wisdom.' It comes from Hebrew philosophy and Kabbalah, where Binah represents the third sephirah on the Tree of Life, symbolizing processing, understanding, and intelligence. It is considered a spiritually significant name that embodies deep comprehension and discernment. Though uncommon in mainstream Western culture, Binah has maintained steady usage among Jewish communities and those drawn to names with profound spiritual significance. Its distinctive sound and meaningful connotation make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that conveys intellectual depth and spiritual awareness for their daughter.

  5. Boston
    • Origin:

      Place-name
    • Description:

      Unseen in the USA since 1901, Boston rocketed back into the Top 1000 in 2004 and, like other place-names such as Brooklyn, London and Paris, is now a reliable presence on the list.
  6. Britton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "from Britain"
    • Description:

      One case where a spelling variation improves the name, Britton is used about four times as often as Britain for both genders. Currently, the count of baby Brittons is running at about 4 to 3 in favor of the boys.
  7. Baggerty
    • Bellah
      • Cathern
        • Description:

          Cathern is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Catherine/Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' This phonetic spelling reflects how the traditional name sounds when spoken with certain regional accents. While less common than standard spellings, Cathern maintains the elegant essence of its more traditional counterparts while offering a slightly distinctive presentation. The name carries the rich history associated with Catherine, including connections to numerous saints, royalty, and cultural figures throughout Western history. For parents appreciating the classic nature of Catherine but seeking something slightly less common, Cathern provides a recognizable yet individualized alternative with the same timeless quality and feminine strength.
      • Cato
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "all-knowing"
        • Description:

          Cato conjures up images of ancient Roman statesmen and southern antebellum retainers; it could have revival potential, with its 'O' ending and the current interest in the names of Greek and Roman antiquity.
      • Celia
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "heavenly"
        • Description:

          Celia, splendidly sleek and feminine, is a name that was scattered throughout Shakespeare and other Elizabethan literature, but still manages to feel totally modern.
      • Cyrus
        • Origin:

          Persian
        • Meaning:

          "sun"
        • Description:

          Cyrus is one of those surprising names that have always ranked among the Top 1000 boy names in the US. On an upward trend since the mid-90s, Cyrus now sits in that comfortable place between too popular and too unusual.
      • Carolina
        • Chressy
          • Cornwallis
            • Dominick
              • Origin:

                Variation of Latin Dominic
              • Meaning:

                "belonging to the Lord"
              • Description:

                This is the second-to-the-original spelling of a name that's part Jersey Shore, part upper-crust British. Dominick gets you more directly to nickname Nick.
            • Duskey
              • Edie
                • Origin:

                  English, diminutive of Edith
                • Meaning:

                  "prosperous in war"
                • Description:

                  Edie is part of the Evie-Ellie et al family of cute and friendly short forms that sometimes stand on its own. Briefly popular in the 1960s, it could well be due for rediscovery. It's already a fashionable choice in the UK, where it has ranked just outside the Top 100 for several years.
              • Elsee
                • Description:

                  Elsee is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a variation of Elsie, which itself originated as a diminutive of Elizabeth or Elsa. The name Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew Elisheba, meaning "my God is an oath" or "my God is abundance." This unique spelling with a double 'e' ending gives the traditional name a modern twist while maintaining its vintage charm. Elsee remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, making it an distinctive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. The name carries the warm, friendly associations of Elsie but with a subtle distinctiveness that sets it apart, potentially appealing to those looking for a gentle-sounding name with historical roots and a contemporary edge.

              • Ephraim
                • Origin:

                  Hebrew
                • Meaning:

                  "fruitful, fertile, productive"
                • Description:

                  Ephraim is an Old Testament name we would place high on the list of neglected Biblical possibilities, solid but not solemn.