Favorite names

An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

Bartholomeus is the Latin form of Bartholomew, a masculine name with ancient roots. The name derives from the Aramaic 'Bar-Talmay,' meaning 'son of Talmai' or 'son of the furrows.' It appears in the Bible as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Bartholomeus has been used throughout European history, particularly in medieval and Renaissance periods, with various spellings across different languages. While the shortened forms Bart and Bartho are more common in contemporary usage, the full Bartholomeus maintains popularity in parts of continental Europe, particularly in Germanic and Dutch-speaking regions. The name carries an air of classical dignity and scholarly tradition. Parents choosing Bartholomeus often appreciate its historical depth, strong etymology, and the availability of familiar nicknames for everyday use.

Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.

This diminutive of Cornelius (and Cornelis) has plenty of coolness and charm, along with a creative connection to Dutch artist Kees van Dongen. Popular in The Netherlands, it sounds similar to the English Case.

We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.

Intriguing spin on Margaret or Maggie, for admirers of French surrealist Rene Magritte.

We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.

With its ties to tranquil Walden Pond, and harmonious meaning, this could be a modern virtue name. It may also make people think of Concorde, the supersonic airliner plane, retired back in 2003.