Quirky Cemetery Names

Interesting and unusual names found while wondering around old cemeteries throughout central Maine.
  1. Aurelia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "the golden one"
    • Description:

      Aurelia is an ancient Roman name that's become a surprise hit in the contemporary world. A top favorite on Nameberry, it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 70-year absence and continues to climb.
  2. Emerson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Emery"
    • Description:

      Emerson is a dignified, somewhat serious name associated with transcendental thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson. Much more popular now for girls since Desperate Housewife Teri Hatcher used it for her daughter, it is definitely still a viable boys name.
  3. Lenora
    • Origin:

      English, contracted form of Leonora
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      A lovely (and uncommon) longer form for Nora, one of the most fashionable international nickname names around. Lenora fell off the US charts in the 70s, but just re-entered in 2022 as parents' love for short forms Leni and Nora is growing.
  4. Salome
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      A soft and interesting Hebrew name long popular in France, where it has ranked in the Top 400 since 1986 (as Salomé). Ex-ER star Alex Kingston named her daughter Salome Violetta.
  5. Elden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "Ella's hill; old friend"
    • Description:

      A name with old-fashioned charm, akin to Elton, Elwin, and Elwood, Elden is a variation of two Old English names, Eldon or Alden. Meaning "Ella's hill" or "old friend", it combines strength and cosiness, but the connection to the fantasy roleplay game, Elden Ring adds an element of adventure and mystique.
  6. Connell
    • Description:

      Connell is an Irish masculine name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Conaill, meaning "descendant of Conall." The original name Conall combines the elements "con" (wolf or hound) and "all" (mighty), translating to "strong wolf" or "strong as a wolf." Connell carries a sense of strength and resilience with its powerful animal association. The name gained moderate popularity in Ireland and Scottish Highlands historically but remained relatively uncommon globally. In recent decades, it has seen some increased usage in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with Celtic roots and masculine qualities. Its connection to Irish heritage makes it particularly appealing to those with Irish ancestry.

  7. Caro
    • Origin:

      Diminuitve of Carol or Caroline, English, French ,"free man"
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Upper-crusty nickname occasionally used in Britain, particularly in 1930s novels featuring significant garden party scenes, but eclipsed here by Carrie et al.
  8. Albion
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "white, bright"
    • Description:

      Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
  9. Ripley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "strip of clearing in the woods"
    • Description:

      The "Believe It or Not" jokes will get old fast, but this surname feels fun and on-trend for both girls and boys, reminiscent of Riley, Tripp, Bridger, and Oakley.
  10. Bayard
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "russet-haired"
    • Description:

      An old English redhead name -- one of the few that doesn't begin with the letter r -- with references both to a famous French knight and a magical horse. Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin is a contemporary bearer of this unusual and evocative name.
  11. Wellington
    • Origin:

      English surname from place name
    • Meaning:

      "people living in the hamlet in the cleared area near the temple"
    • Description:

      Wellington is a tony-sounding English surname turned baby name by pregnancy guru Rosie Pope, who calls her son Wells for short. It's also the middle name of one of the Sweet Home sextuplets, Blu Wellington.
  12. Avis
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bird"
    • Description:

      Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
  13. Sophronia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "sensible, prudent"
    • Description:

      Stately and elegant, but with the familiar sounds of Sophia and Sophie, Sophronia was a familiar choice back in the 19th century but has since fallen into obscurity. Derived from the Greek sophron, it means "sensible, self-restrained".
  14. Fidelia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "faithful"
    • Description:

      Fidelia stems from the Latin word Fides, meaning faith. It has the some root as the English word fidelity. Fidelia gained popularity in the mid-19th Century after Beethoven's opera "Fidelio" gave this name cultural and virtuous significance.
  15. Temple
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the temple"
    • Description:

      Rather formal word name that has been used occasionally over the years, most notably for the autism activist and animal expert Temple Grandin.
  16. Letitia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "joy, gladness"
    • Description:

      Letitia is a delicate, once prim and proper sounding name whose staid image has been unbuttoned by numerous phonetic spellings. The original, often used in Spanish-speaking families, would still make an attractive, delicate choice. After a solid century on the Top 1000 list, Letitia fell off in the early 1980s and has not yet returned.
  17. Thirza
    • Origin:

      Hebrew; diminutive of Theresa, English
    • Meaning:

      "delightful; harvest"
    • Description:

      This rarely used Old Testament name will inevitably set off a connection to thirst. Thirza was historically used as both an independent name and as a nickname for Theresa.
  18. Ovila
    • Description:

      Ovila is a rare masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'ovilis' meaning 'relating to sheep.' It could be considered a variation of Avila or related to names like Ovid. The name has historical usage in French-Canadian communities, particularly in Quebec, where it appeared during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ovila carries a gentle, pastoral quality in its meaning and sound. While uncommon in contemporary naming practices, it represents a connection to agricultural heritage and simpler times. The name has a distinctive quality that balances uniqueness with historical grounding, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with both character and subtlety.

  19. Sylvina
    • Description:

      Sylvina is a delicate feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It's an elaboration of the more common Sylvia, with the added suffix creating a more ornate and distinctive quality. This elegant name evokes images of natural beauty and sylvan landscapes. Though relatively uncommon in modern usage, Sylvina carries a timeless, romantic appeal that connects to nature themes. The name reached modest popularity in the late 19th century but has since become quite rare, making it an unusual choice that combines classical roots with an uncommon flair. Sylvina might appeal to parents seeking a feminine name with nature associations and a vintage sensibility.
  20. Melville
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "settlement on infertile land"
    • Description:

      All names ending in ville are in nowheresville.

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