Otherworldly Names

Patroclus

Greek

In Greek legend Patroclus was one of the heroes who fought against the Trojans. His death at the hands of Hector drew his friend Achilles back into the war.

Pavo

Croatian or Latin

"small, humble or peacock"

Short form of Croatian Pavao, related to Paul. In Latin, it means "peacock" and is the name of a constellation in the southern sky, which resembles a peacock's tail.

Perseus

Greek

"to destroy"

Perseus is an up-and-coming name with a plenty going for it, so it's no wonder it's almost tripled in usage since the 2010s. Given to nearly 170 boys in the US in a recent year, Perseus ticks the…

Pluto

Greek

"rich"

The Roman god of the underworld, the former ninth planet, a cartoon dog...but not a baby.

Prometheus

Greek

"foresight"

Prometheus of Greek Mythology was a Titan known for creating humankind out of clay. He stole fire from the gods and gifted it to humanity, which triggered the rise of civilizations. Prometheus might…

Prospero

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Prosper

"succeed, prosper"

Shakespeare's Tempest has kept the name Prospero alive.

Proteus

Greek

"first"

The name of an early Greek god of the sea, after whom a moon of Neptune is named.

Puck

Literary name

Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell. We love Puck for its…

Remus

Latin, meaning unknown

Remus is one of the legendary twins who, with brother Romulus, founded Rome. An unusual yet classic name for the extremely adventurous who can put aside the stereotyped image of Uncle Remus. Though…

Romulus

Latin

"citizen of Rome"

He was the original Roman, Remus's twin and a founder of Rome. But parents attracted to this name are advised to read the legend first. Romulus does have some less than savory characteristics,…

Sao

Greek

"the rescuer"

In Greek mythology, Sao was one of the 50 Nereids, daughters of the sea god Nereus. A moon of Neptune is named in her honor. In modern times, it works equally well for a son.

Saturn

Roman mythology name

If you've rejected all the names on earth, you might move on to the sixth planet from the sun, also the Roman god of agriculture and plenty, and the origin of Saturday.

Scorpius

Astrological name; Latin

"scorpion"

Scorpius is the constellation that the Scorpio zodiac sign originates from. It was given its venomous name due to the constellation's resemblance to a scorpion's tail.

Stephano

Literature, Greek, Italian

"crown"

While the spelling Stefano is more common, Stephano makes a great choice for parents looking to give Stephen/Steven a more romantic feel. Although only given to 8 boys in the US in 2014, Stephano…