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Towering

bibliophile
By bibliophile
Updated Fri Feb 11 2022
Names that appear in my current novel, temporarily named "Towering."
  1. Alaina

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alana or Elena

    • Meaning:

      "little rock, child; shining torch"

    • Description:

      Alaina, part Alana and part Elena and maybe also a little bit Elaine, is one of the many feminine forms of Alan (or its French form Alain) that have grown in popularity over recent decades, surpassing the male original. Not quite fashionable but also not quite un, Alaina is a choice that may feel more distinctive than it really is.
  2. Arwen

    • Origin:

      Literature, Sindarin, Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "noble maiden; fair, blessed"

    • Description:

      Best known as the princess of the Elves in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Arwen is a fantasy-inspired choice that feels perfectly down to earth. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 400, making it one of the fastest rising names, more than doubling in use from the previous year.
  3. Cordula

    • Description:

      Cordula is a feminine name with ancient Latin origins, derived from 'cor' or 'cordis,' meaning 'heart.' This elegant name gained prominence through Saint Cordula, a legendary companion of Saint Ursula who was martyred in Cologne, Germany during the early Christian era. While popular in German-speaking countries and parts of Eastern Europe throughout history, Cordula remains quite rare in English-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of courage and devotion, as Saint Cordula was said to have initially hidden from persecution but later voluntarily surrendered to share her companions' fate. Its distinctive sound combines classical depth with an unusual melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical significance.

  4. Ella

    • Origin:

      German; English

    • Meaning:

      "all, completely; fairy maiden"

    • Description:

      Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie.
  5. Isla

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name or Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "island"

    • Description:

      Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
  6. Karlik

    • Description:

      Karlik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, primarily found in Czech, Polish, and Slovak cultures. It functions as a diminutive form of Karel (the Slavic equivalent of Charles), essentially meaning 'little Charles' or 'dear Charles.' The name carries the same noble connotations as Charles, which derives from Germanic roots meaning 'free man' or 'warrior.' Despite its established history in Eastern European countries, Karlik remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. The name has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining its cultural depth. In some Slavic folklore, 'karlík' can also refer to a dwarf or small supernatural being, adding an interesting mythological dimension to the name.
  7. Kip

    • Origin:

      American diminution of Christopher, Greek and Latin

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of Christ"

    • Description:

      Kip Thorne, nobel laureate and long-time colleague of Stephen Hawking, is just one of several Kips who don't have a longer name. But Kip is often short for Christopher.
  8. Leo

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "lion"

    • Description:

      Leo is a strong-yet-friendly name that was common among the Romans, used for thirteen popes, and is now at its highest point ever in the US thanks in part to Leonardo "Leo" DiCaprio.
  9. Mael

    • Origin:

      French or Breton

    • Meaning:

      "chief or prince"

    • Description:

      The name of a fifth century Breton saint, Mael is a popular boys' name in contemporary France, though it is usually spelled with a diaeresis or umlaut - Maël. Mael is the Breton spelling, and the pronunciation is almost like the English word mile, with two distinctive syllables.
  10. Marius

    • Origin:

      Latin, from a Roman family name related to Mars, the god of war

    • Description:

      Marius, frequently heard in Germany and France, is a slightly fusty yet accessible name that has (Les Mis) to Anne Rice. With the rise in interest in such Latin names as Maximus and Atticus, Marius might start attracting more attention. Mario, the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese version of Marius, is much more widely used.
  11. Marla

    • Origin:

      Variation of Marlene

    • Meaning:

      "Mary Magdalene; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea + high tower"

    • Description:

      Marla might have dropped out of style in the US back in the 90s, but it has seen a resurgence in the UK in recent years. With a little dated charm about it, this variation of Marlene, itself a variant of Magdalene and Mary, blends in with the likes of Marley, Marlowe, Mila, Myla, Martha, and Maya. It was a fast rising choice in 2023 in both England and Wales, and Croatia.
  12. Melisandre

    • Origin:

      French variation of Millicent, German

    • Meaning:

      "strong in work"

    • Description:

      The romantic fairy tale-like name has come to modern attention via the beautiful but terrifying sorceress in Game of Thrones. The character may look as lovely as her name sounds, but it's hard to imagine a parent familiar with the book wanting to use the name for their child. Two alternate directions: Millicent or Melisande.
  13. Nyssa

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "goal"

    • Description:

      A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.
  14. Peder

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Peter

    • Description:

      Peder? You mean Peter? You'll have to do a lot of spelling and explaining of this one.
  15. Rapunzel

    • Origin:

      German flower name

    • Meaning:

      "rampion; lamb's lettuce"

    • Description:

      Rapunzel is famous as the long-haired heroine of the fairy tale, locked in a tower only to fall in love with a handsome prince who climbed to her side via her hair. Rapunzel has never been widely used as a first name the way, say, Aurora -- the mortal name of Sleeping Beauty -- has. Like Cinderella, it's too closely identified with the fairy tale to really take off as a girls' name. In German, it's the name of several varieties of wild-growing, edible leaves. Read more about Rapunzel and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
  16. Rhiannon

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "divine queen"

    • Description:

      Most of us had never heard this lovely Welsh name with links to the moon until we heard the 1976 smash hit Fleetwood Mac song of that name, with lyrics by Stevie Nicks. That same year it popped onto the U.S. Top 1000 at Number 593.
  17. Robin

    • Origin:

      Bird name; or English, diminutive of Robert

    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"

    • Description:

      Now that it's no longer fashionable for girls, Robin is rising for boys again. Robin Hood, Robin Williams, Christopher Robin, and Robin the Boy Wonder are all male namesakes, after all. It reentered the US Top 1000 boys names in 2015 for the first time since 1999 and continues to bounce around the lower end of the Top 1000.
  18. Rosse

    • Description:

      Rosse is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variation of Ross, derived from the Scottish and Gaelic word for 'promontory' or 'headland,' or from various place names. Alternatively, it could connect to the Germanic element 'hros' meaning 'horse' or represent a variant of Rose. The additional 'e' gives this version a distinctive, somewhat antiquated spelling that evokes medieval or Old English styling. Rosse appears in historical contexts, including as a character name in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth.' The name remains quite rare as a given name in modern times. Rosse has a gentle yet masculine quality, with its soft consonants balanced by strong historical associations. The name projects dignity and a connection to traditional naming patterns.

  19. Silk

    • Description:

      Silk is an uncommon English word name derived directly from the luxurious fabric. The name evokes qualities of smoothness, elegance, softness, and luxury. As a given name, Silk has been used very rarely, making it a truly distinctive choice. The word itself comes from the Old English 'seoloc,' ultimately derived from the ancient Chinese silk trade routes. While traditionally gender-neutral, it has slightly more usage as a feminine name. Parents choosing Silk for their child likely appreciate its unique sound, memorable single-syllable simplicity, and the positive sensory associations it carries. The name projects an image of refinement and uncommon beauty, standing out in a world of more conventional names.
  20. Triste

    • Description:

      Triste is an unusual feminine name derived from the French, Spanish, and Portuguese word meaning 'sad' or 'melancholy.' Despite its somber literal meaning, the name has a delicate, poetic quality that might appeal to those drawn to names with emotional depth or artistic associations. In music, 'triste' is used to indicate a sad or wistful tempo, giving the name musical connections. While quite rare as a personal name across all countries, it might be chosen by parents with literary or artistic inclinations who appreciate its evocative quality. The name's simplicity and emotional resonance give it a distinctive character that stands apart from more conventional naming choices.