Crazy Crazy Names

Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name, thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys too, inasfar as the name can work for any child. As a name, Hurricane is definitely original and attention-getting, but is it a name you'd want to carry around for life?

In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).

Word name Love was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2022, and was among the fastest rising names of the year. Lovelyn adds a bonus trendy -lyn ending, which may appeal to parents as feeling more name-like.

Actor Mahershala Ali single-handedly put this Biblical name on the map. If you think it's difficult to pronounce and spell, consider that it's short for Maher-shalal-hash-baz, the longest name in the Bible which Ali actually used in its entirety as his stage name until 2010.

Most famously, the name of a 1920s alley cat.

Even in the Hispanic community, very religious and old-fashioned.

Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and Thelonius. 

Mistral is a feminine name derived from the powerful, cold northwesterly wind that blows through southern France and into the Mediterranean. The word comes from the Occitan language and ultimately from the Latin 'magistralis' meaning 'masterful.' This nature-inspired name evokes images of strength, freedom, and natural force. The name gained some recognition through Frédéric Mistral, a Nobel Prize-winning Provençal poet who championed Occitan literature. As a given name, Mistral remains uncommon but appeals to parents seeking a distinctive nature name with European cultural connections. It carries an elegant, ethereal quality while still conveying power and movement—characteristics that make it appealing as a modern feminine choice with genuine historical and geographical roots.

Nefertari Meritmut was the first and favorite wife of pharoah Ramesses II "the Great". She was highly educated and undertook important diplomatic work on behalf of her husband, corresponding with other prominent figures and even making speeches.

Osiris is the name of Egyptian mythology god-king who died and was reborn every year. Emerging from centuries of obscurity, Osiris has several ingredients for success in the modern world: Roots in ancient myth, an uplifting meaning, an s ending and the cute nickname Os or Oz.

Percy Bysshe Shelley got the name for one of his most famous poems -- a sonnet about the insignificance of man's labors in the vastness of time -- from the Greek name for Ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II.

An interesting figure from Greek mythology -- an Amazon queen who fought for Troy in the Trojan War -- but no figure could be interesting enough to make that five-syllable mouthful usable today. Stick with Penelope or, if that's too popular for your taste, try Thessaly.

Peregrine is considered to be an elegantly aristocratic name in England, but has never made it to the U.S., where it has been seen as extravagantly eccentric. In the new naming climate, though, it's not beyond consideration — in fact it's already been chosen by at least one Berry.

A 3rd century saint's name sometimes used in Catholic communities, and in Western European countries like Portugal and Italy.

Petronilla is an ancient saint's name that relates to the Roman family name Petronius, thought to mean yokel or woodpecker, though some connect it with Petra or Peter, meaning stone. With the resurgence of so many ancient Roman names, the elaborate and pretty Petronilla or its French form Petronille seem more usable these days than they have in centuries.

Radmilla is a feminine name with Slavic origins, combining elements that relate to joy and grace. The first part "Rad" derives from Slavic roots meaning "happy," "joyful," or "willing," while "milla" comes from "mila," meaning "dear" or "gracious." This beautiful combination creates a name that essentially means "joyfully gracious" or "dear joy." Most common in Eastern European countries like Russia, Serbia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic, Radmilla has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables. While not widely used in Western countries, it has gained some recognition through notable bearers, including Radmilla Cody, a Native American musician. The name offers a distinctive option that bridges traditional Slavic naming conventions with an appealing international sound.

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, including killing his twin brother and making Rome in his own image, and is later deified as Quinnius. Romy and Quinn might make good twin names.

Soul fans may wish to use this unusual name as a reference to singer Jimmy Ruffin and his younger brother David, one of the lead members of The Temptations.

British-sounding literary surname choice.