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Obscure Gems

liviparsons
By liviparsons
Updated Thu May 18 2023
  1. Guinevere

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white shadow, white wave"

    • Description:

      Guinevere was the name of the beautiful but ill-fated queen of Camelot, for so many years eclipsed by its modern Cornish form Jennifer. Today, Guinevere could be a cool possibility for adventurous parents intrigued by this richly evocative and romantic choice.
  2. Romilly

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "citizen of Rome"

    • Description:

      Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly John became Admiral of the Fleet in England.
  3. Sidonie

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Sidon "

    • Description:

      Sidonie is an appealing and chic French favorite that is starting to attract some American fans as a fresher alternative to Sydney. Also spelled Sidony, Sidonie was the birth name of the French novelist Colette.
  4. Eben

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, diminutive of Ebenezer

    • Meaning:

      "stone of help"

    • Description:

      Though most parents would shy away from Ebenezer, short form Eben is affable and creative and perfectly able to stand alone; nothing Scroogish about it. This also makes a fresh new spin on the very popular Ethan or Evan.
  5. Maelys

    • Origin:

      French or Breton

    • Meaning:

      "chief or prince"

    • Description:

      Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.
  6. Ciel

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "sky"

    • Description:

      This simple yet evocative French word name was chosen for her daughter by model Niki Taylor. While Ciel may be pronounced in French with two syllables, many will pronounce it as "seal" and there may be confusion with Celia and sister Ceil.
  7. Mazarine

    • Origin:

      French color name

    • Description:

      Mazarine is a deep blue color also used as a first name in honor of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual.
  8. Eilish

    • Origin:

      Anglicized variation of Eilis, Irish form of Hebrew Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Eilish is one of those Irish names that, thanks to a celebrity, has suddenly become much more familiar to English speakers. Irish-American singer Billie Eilish (Eilish is actually one of her middle names) introduced the wider world to this Irish name as actress Saoirse Ronan did with hers.
  9. Shia

    • Description:

      Entered the vernacular with the rising star of Shia LeBeouf. The meaning and origin of the name are disputed, though the actor has been quoted as saying he's embarrassed by its meaning in French: another four-letter word starting with s.
  10. Marietta

    • Origin:

      Italian diminutive of Maria

    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

    • Description:

      Marietta would make for a classy and uncommon long form for cool nickname Etta.
  11. Olwyn

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white footprint"

    • Description:

      Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.
  12. Tilden

    • Origin:

      English place-name

    • Meaning:

      "fertile valley"

    • Description:

      Though it has some distinguished political and tennis world associations, most modern parents would go for the more contemporary sounding Holden. Tilden Park is a beautiful hillside wilderness in the San Francisco Bay Area.
  13. Sumner

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "summoner"

    • Description:

      Billionaire Sumner Redstone, the nonagenarian owner of CBS and Viacom, practically has a monopoly on his first name — for now. But Hunter, Asher, and Ryder have ushered in a major vogue "-er" names, so it may only be a matter of time before parents discover this one.
  14. Adair

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "shallow place in a river near oaks"

    • Description:

      This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.
  15. Talbot

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "command of the valley"

    • Description:

      Upscale and upstanding.
  16. Gaelle

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "from Gaul"
  17. Philemon

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "kiss"

    • Description:

      Rarely heard New Testament name -- he was a friend of Saint Paul -- that might conceivably stand up to modern usage.
  18. Esta

    • Description:

      Esta is a feminine name with diverse origins. It can be seen as a variant of Esther, which has Persian roots meaning 'star' or derives from the goddess Ishtar. In some contexts, Esta functions as a diminutive of Esther or Estelle. The name appears in various cultures, including Jewish, Spanish, and English-speaking communities. Esta enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has become less common in recent decades. The name carries a vintage charm with its short, melodic sound, and remains appreciated for its simplicity and classic feel. Esta blends brevity with elegance, making it distinctive yet accessible.

  19. Mabry

    • Origin:

      Variation of Mayberry, English and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "mud hill"

    • Description:

      Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.
  20. Mabyn

    • Origin:

      Cornish, from English

    • Meaning:

      "youth"

    • Description:

      This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.