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For the Psuedonym

Onomast
By Onomast
Updated Tue Apr 11 2023
I'm attempting to rename myself, as my first name is too oft mispronounced and my surname is too common in the publishing world. The names below have either a meaning or family tie of importance to me.
  1. Genevieve

    • Origin:

      English from French

    • Meaning:

      "tribe woman"

    • Description:

      Genevieve is derived from the Germanic medieval name Genovefa, or Kenowefa, which consists of the elements kuni, meaning "kin", and wefa, meaning "woman." The medieval saint Genevieve, patroness of Paris, defended the city against Attila the Hun through her rational thinking, courage and prayer.
  2. Ira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "watchful one; wind"

    • Description:

      Succinct and sharp, Ira is one of the shortest Old Testament names, belonging to one of King David's thirty 'mighty warriors.' It was widely used in the US from the 1880s to the early 1930s (it was Number 57 on the Social Security list in 1881), but fell off completely in 1993, only to return in 2016. Currently, it is in the latter half of the US Top 1000, given to around 260 boys each year.
  3. Gideon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "hewer; or, having a stump for a hand"

    • Description:

      Gideon is a no-longer neglected Old Testament name, but still makes an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond such overused biblicals as Benjamin and Jacob. In the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge called on by God to rescue the Jews from the Midianites, and the name was popular among the Puritans.
  4. Greer

    • Origin:

      Scottish, contraction of surname Gregor; Latin

    • Meaning:

      "alert, watchful"

    • Description:

      This attractive Scottish surname choice, has a certain amount of glamour thanks to feisty British-born red-haired forties Academy Award winner Greer Garson, who was born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson--Greer was her Irish mother's maiden name). Greer was chosen much more recently by Kelsey Grammer for his daughter and by Brooke Shields in the Grier form. As a surname, it's associated with feminist writer/activist Germaine Greer.
  5. Faust

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate one"

    • Description:

      Because the legendary Faust sold his soul to the devil, few parents would choose this for a child, although Fausto is commonly heard in Italy and Spain.
  6. Hezekiah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God gives strength"

    • Description:

      This name of an influential Old Testament king of Judah is one that would challenge even the most adventurous biblical name-seeker, but it does have the modernizing short forms Zeke or Kiah.
  7. Berenice

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings victory"

    • Description:

      A name with a surprising amount of history--it was the name of the wife of Ptolemy I of Egypt, occurs in the New Testament, and belonged to a fourth century saint. In the US, it has long been spelled and pronounced Bernice. Nicknames include Bernie, Berry, Binnie and Bunny.
  8. Jedediah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Jedidiah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved of the Lord"

    • Description:

      Blink and you’ll miss that the first I in Jedidiah was swapped for an E.
  9. Otho

    • Description:

      Otho is a masculine name of Germanic origin that carries ancient historical significance. The name traces back to Old Germanic roots meaning 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' Notably, it was borne by several important historical figures, including a Roman Emperor and German kings. While never extensively popular in modern times, Otho maintains an aristocratic and distinguished air. The name has various forms across European languages, including Otto in German and Othon in French. Today, Otho remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive classical name with historical depth and a strong masculine character.
  10. Livy

    • Description:

      Livy is a feminine name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name 'Livius,' which is associated with the ancient Roman historian Titus Livius. The name carries a sense of scholarly prestige and classical heritage. As a given name, Livy works beautifully as a modern, concise alternative to more traditional names like Olivia or Lavinia. It has gained modest popularity in recent years as parents seek short, distinctive names with historical roots. Livy combines intellectual associations with a light, appealing sound. The name's brevity gives it a contemporary feel while maintaining its connection to classical antiquity, making it appealing to parents who appreciate names with substance and style.
  11. Eber

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eberhard, German

    • Meaning:

      "brave boar"

    • Description:

      Eber is far more approachable than its full forbidding form.
  12. Berenike

    • Description:

      Berenike is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins, representing the original Greek form of Berenice or Bernice. The name derives from 'pherenike,' combining 'pherein' (to bring) and 'nike' (victory), thus meaning 'bearer of victory' or 'she who brings victory.' Historically significant, it was borne by several queens and princesses in ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty. The name carries connotations of triumph, strength, and classical elegance. While uncommon in contemporary usage, Berenike appeals to parents drawn to names with historical depth and meaningful etymology. Its distinctive sound sets it apart from more familiar classical names while maintaining authentic historical roots. The name offers rich nickname possibilities including Beri, Niki, or Nika. For those seeking a name with ancient pedigree and victorious associations, Berenike provides a rare and dignified option.

  13. Koppel

    • Description:

      Koppel is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used in Jewish communities of Eastern European descent. It likely developed as a diminutive of Jacob (Yaakov in Hebrew), though some sources connect it to the German 'Kopf' meaning 'head,' possibly indicating a respected or influential person. Historically, Koppel often served as both a given name and surname within Ashkenazi Jewish culture. While never widely used outside Jewish communities, it represents a connection to cultural heritage and family traditions. The name carries an old-world character and distinctiveness rarely found in contemporary naming trends. Koppel appeals primarily to those honoring ancestral naming traditions or seeking a name with strong cultural roots and historical significance within Jewish heritage.

  14. Zevulun

    • Description:

      Zevulun is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical Zebulun, who was the sixth son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name means 'dwelling' or 'honor' in Hebrew. Zevulun represents the more traditional Hebrew pronunciation compared to the Anglicized Zebulun. In Jewish tradition, Zebulun's tribe was associated with prosperity through maritime trade. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Zevulun has maintained popularity in Jewish communities, particularly among those observing traditional naming practices. The name carries spiritual significance while offering the distinctive initial 'Z,' giving it both religious depth and contemporary appeal.
  15. Ezry
    • Gershom
      • Gnae
        • Gnaeus
          • Gnaea
            • Imri