Ancient (mostly) and/or Internationally-Inspired Names

Osias

Greek

"salvation"

Osias has a Latinate and biblical feel without making an appearance in the Bible. The related Ozias, on the other hand, is a form of Uzziah, found in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, and could make…

Oberon

Variation of Auberon

"elf king; noble bear"

The Shakespearean character Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream is King of the Fairies, but the name, with its bold 'O' beginning has plenty of strength alongside its magical qualities. Oberon was…

Auberon

English, French, German

"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"

Rarely heard in the US, Auberon has a gentle autumnal feel rare in a male name. A Shakespeare-adjacent choice, Auberon started out as as a pet form of Auberi, the French form of German Alberich.…

Piran

Cornish

"little dark one"

It may be a longshot – especially since it was given to less than 5 boys in the US in 2021 – but Piran could conceivably be a future Kieran, which is shaping up to being the next Kevin. Piran is the…

Sören

Swedish, German, variation of Severus

A gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, but with more masculine punch than Loren.

Solon

Greek

"the wise one"

Despite the reputation of the sagacious ancient Greek lawmaker, this name hasn't moved to the modern world.

Salman

Arabic

"safety"

Salman is an Arabic name dating back to Salman the Persian, one of Muhammad's companions. In this country it is strongly associated with Anglo-Indian novelist Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic…

Sulien

Welsh

"sun born"

Said to be the name of the most learned man in ancient Wales, in this country it would be open to mispronunciation, making it rhyme with Julien.

Stellan

Swedish, meaning unknown, possibly "calm"

"calm"

Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and…

Tullius

Roman, meaning unknown

An ancient Roman family name, best known from the orator and author Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Tully

Irish, Scottish

"flood, peaceful; hill"

Tully is a relaxed, rarely used Irish surname possibility which might provide an alternative to Tommy, Eli, or Troy. It has a long history of usage and a number of meanings, depending on which root…

Tarquin

Latin, Roman clan name

One of the few ancient Roman names that doesn't end in us, the rarely heard Tarquin has a decidedly creative, even dramatic flair, which could appeal to the parent looking for a strikingly original…

Taliesin

Welsh

"shining brow"

Poetic and handsome with a hint of mystique and magic around it, this rugged Welsh name may appeal as an alternative to Tristan or Taran. Meaning "shining, radiant brow", the name is associated with…

Tarian

Welsh

"shield"

Country singer Travis Tritt is partial to the letter T for his children's names: he has a Tyler, a Tristan, and a son named Tarian. Tarian is a unisex Welsh name which, though used more for girls in…

Talib

Arabic

"seeker of knowledge"

Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.

Armand

French variation of Herman, German

"soldier"

Since the first production of Camille this has been considered one of the world's most romantic names, though it's one of those French names for boys rarely heard in this country. Actor Armie…

Zohar

Hebrew

"light, brilliance"

Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form. Has a futuristic macho feel.