User-created list
By madwomaninabluebox · Updated May 2023
Across 10 pages
of 10
Norwegian
"war goddess"
This strong Norwegian name war goddess name, commonly heard in both midcentury Norway and Iceland, has never ventured far beyond its native culture.
Greek, diminutive of Athanasios
"immortal"
Thanos originated as a short form of Athanasios, a Greek name meaning "immortal." It is composed of the elements a , a negative Greek prefix, and thanatos , meaning "death." St. Athanasius, who used…
English
"from the country, countryman"
Writer Anne Tyler gave this apt name to the hippie child in her novel Amateur Marriage , but she wasn't the first -- it was also used by the Puritans. Today it would be quite a loaded choice.
"Thor's battle"
Also spelled Torill, Torril and Torrill, this refined variation is derived from the Old Norse name Þórhildr and its more modern Norwegian form, Torhild. Stylish in Norway in the 50s and 60s, this…
"protector"
An unusual yet accessible Scandinavian choice, though it might be confused with Harvard.
Dagny is traditionally a feminine name with Norse origins, though listed here as masculine. The name combines 'dagr' meaning 'day' and 'ny' meaning 'new,' essentially translating to 'new day' or 'new…
Welsh
"much loved"
This name dates back to Arthurian legend, in which Angharad was the lover of Percival, one of the Knights of the Round Table, and was used more recently for the name of the favorite wife of the…
"white footprint"
Olwen is a Welsh favorite, the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to have been the earliest Arthurian romance, and in fact one of the first recorded examples of Welsh prose. In this…
French form of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
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…
"idol, image"
Romantic and mysterious, Eluned's beauty and intelligence were legendary in Welsh legend; she was the handmaiden of the Lady of the Fountain in a Welsh Arthurian romance, who had a magic ring that…
Cornish place and saint's name
"fire soul"
Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient…
Short form of Casper, Persian
"Imperial"
This short-but-strong name is popular for boys in The Netherlands. While Cass is usually a female name in the U.S., it feels just as right for boys.
Variation of Azenor, Breton
"light"
The origins of Senara, the name of a Cornish saint who is patron of the village of Zennor, are not so straightforward. Some say she was the same person as Azenor, a legendary Breton princess whose…
Vanechka is a masculine name of Russian origin, functioning as an affectionate diminutive form of Ivan or Vanya. In Russian naming traditions, diminutives express endearment and closeness in personal…
Gaelic
"stream"
A strong, eminently usable which is currently highly fashionable in its native Scotland, but little known elsewhere. With its cool two-syllable, n-ending shape and attractive nature meaning, Struan…
"fort near a slope"
Noted bearers of this surname include a metaphysical poet, a Nobel Prize winner, and a baseball Hall of Famer, so there's plenty of hero-name inspiration.
Latin, from Greek, variation of Xanthos
"golden-haired"
Spelt Xanthos in Greek, this alternate name for Apollo has a noble sound (pronounced ZHAN-thus) and can always be shortened to Xan.
"son of Ralf"
Could be a possible substitute for the dated Dawson, but the first syllable is a little--well--raw.
Greek mythology name
"the darkness of the night"
Name of the legendary ancient Greek poet and musician — whose music was so beautiful it made trees dance and rivers stop to listen — would provide a child with a challenging but indelible identity.
English, variation of Foster
"scissors maker"
Forster, a variation of Foster or potentially even Forester, is associated with British novelist E.M. Forster, author of A Passage to India , Howard's End , and A Room with a View . But if you choose…
