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Ancient (mostly) and/or Internationally-Inspired Names

  1. Xenia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "hospitable, welcoming, guest"
    • Description:

      The name of a Christian saint and a city in Ohio, Xenia is one of the more accessible and intriguing x names. It is the name of one of the Bond Girls--played by Famke Janssen in the film "GoldenEye."
  2. Samira
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "companion in evening conversation"
    • Description:

      Shiny cousin of Samara with an intriguing meaning. Increasingly associated with the charming Samira Wiley, a perennial scene-stealer on "Orange is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale."
  3. Armand
    • Origin:

      French variation of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "soldier"
    • Description:

      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.
  4. Arcadia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "region offering peace and contentment"
    • Description:

      Arcadia, a name for an unspoiled paradise, makes an attractive secular alternative to Nevaeh or Eden. For parents who want an unusual name with a friendlier nickname, Arcadia has the advantage of cute Cady.
  5. Auberon
    • Origin:

      English, French, German
    • Meaning:

      "elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"
    • Description:

      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.
  6. Taliesin
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "shining brow"
    • Description:

      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.
  7. Caio
    • Origin:

      Variation of Latin Caius
    • Meaning:

      "rejoice"
    • Description:

      Joyful-sounding name that makes a really original option.
  8. Adela
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
  9. Callista
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"
    • Description:

      Calista Flockhart spotlighted this lovely Greek name that has a long future in the English-speaking world. Kallista is another spelling; Calixta and Calixto are related.
  10. Cadmus
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "one who excels"
    • Description:

      Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.
  11. Redmond
    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Raymond
    • Meaning:

      "wise protector"
    • Description:

      We love this partly for purely personal reasons, since it is one of our surnames. We used it as the middle name of a son –and it can make a good first choice too. Redmond – also found as Reamann or Raemonn – is the Irish form of the Germanic name that occurs in modern English as Raymond.
  12. Walden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "valley of the Welsh"
    • Description:

      Walden is a recent entrant to the en-ending boys' names trend, a name that summons up placid images of Thoreau's two-year stay contemplating nature near Walden Pond.
  13. Melisande
    • Origin:

      French form of Millicent, German
    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"
    • Description:

      This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.
  14. Tully
    • Origin:

      Irish, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "flood, peaceful; hill"
    • Description:

      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 you follow.
  15. Adalia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, German, "God is my refuge; noble one"
    • Meaning:

      "God is my refuge; noble one"
    • Description:

      Distinctive, elegant, and luxurious, Adalia can be a variation of Adele, or a Hebrew name with a Biblical background. Although it is given exclusively to girls in the US, in the Bible it is masculine. The similar Adlai might be easier to wear for boys in English speaking countries, while Adalia fits in with Adeline, Amelia, and Dahlia.
  16. Truman
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "loyal one"
    • Description:

      Truman is an upstanding presidential name that radiates an aura of integrity and moral truth, values any parent would want for a child. It seems definitely headed for a revival.
  17. Eliot
    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot, English diminutive of Elias
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is God"
    • Description:

      Sleekened spelling.
  18. Sören
    • Origin:

      Swedish, German, variation of Severus
    • Description:

      A gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, but with more masculine punch than Loren.
  19. Cerelia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "relating to springtime"
    • Description:

      Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.
  20. Ramon
    • Origin:

      Catalan variation of Raymond
    • Description:

      The Latin Ramon has been in the U.S. Top 1000 since the beginning of baby-naming time, i.e. the past 130+ years. Ramon is the perfect blend of worldly and familiar, with a rocker edge via The Ramones. A cool name classic, if there ever was one.

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