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Family Names

DaphDiggity
By DaphDiggity
Updated Fri Apr 21 2023
Names of people in my family tree
  1. Anselme

    • Description:

      Anselme is a masculine name of Germanic origin, derived from 'ans' meaning 'god' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection,' thus signifying 'divine helmet' or 'protected by God.' It's the French variation of Anselm, a name carried by several notable historical figures, including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, an important medieval philosopher and theologian. Though never extremely common, Anselme has maintained steady usage in French-speaking regions throughout the centuries. The name carries connotations of wisdom, divine protection, and intellectual strength. Its dignified sound and rich historical associations make it appealing for parents seeking a distinguished yet uncommon name with European flair and spiritual undertones.
  2. Artemise
    • Beloni
      • Cyril

        • Origin:

          Greek

        • Meaning:

          "lordly"

        • Description:

          A British-accented Greek name with an intellectual image that has been off the U.S. charts since 1966, but was a Top 300 name at the turn of the last century. We have the feeling Cyril's ready for a comeback.
      • Celestin
        • Etienne

          • Origin:

            French variation of Stephen

          • Meaning:

            "garland, crown"

          • Description:

            It's the French Steve yet feels oh so much more debonair. Well-used and still a popular classic in French-speaking lands, but one of the many French names for boysunfamiliar to most English speakers, except maybe fashionistas who associate it with designer Etienne Aigner. A new way to honor Grandpa Steve?
        • Evelyne

          • Origin:

            Variation of Evelyn, English from French and German,"desired; or water, island"

          • Meaning:

            "desired; or water, island"

          • Description:

            Evelyn is becoming so popular that many variations are sure to become more widely used too. But in this case, the third E doesn't add anything and only confuses pronunciation: Is it Eveline?
        • Francois
          • Helene

            • Origin:

              French variation of Helen

            • Meaning:

              "bright, shining one"

            • Description:

              Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
          • Herschel

            • Description:

              Herschel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, derived from 'Hirsch' meaning 'deer' or 'stag,' symbolizing gentleness and swiftness. It was traditionally used as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Tzvi, which carries the same meaning. The name gained recognition through notable bearers like astronomer Sir William Herschel, who discovered Uranus, and various Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While popular among Jewish communities in the early 20th century, Herschel has become less common in recent decades. However, it retains a dignified, intellectual quality that appeals to those drawn to traditional or family-honoring names. Its distinctive sound and rich cultural heritage give it a unique character among contemporary name choices.

          • Hilda

            • Origin:

              German

            • Meaning:

              "battle woman"

            • Description:

              Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a comeback.
          • Jean Olivier
            • John Medley
              • Kingston

                • Origin:

                  English

                • Meaning:

                  "king's town"

                • Description:

                  Chosen for their first son by musical couple Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, this Jamaican place and elegant British surname also boasts the more regal yet user-friendly short form, King.
              • Minerva

                • Origin:

                  Latin

                • Meaning:

                  "of the mind, intellect"

                • Description:

                  Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents. With Juno and Jupiter, she made the Capitoline triad, whose worship was at the very center of Roman religion.
              • Murt
                • Nathalie

                  • Description:

                    A French variation of Natalie that's used occasionally in contemporary America. In England and Wales Natalie remains about 10 times as popular as Nathalie.
                • Ozithee
                  • Roland

                    • Origin:

                      German

                    • Meaning:

                      "famous throughout the land"

                    • Description:

                      Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in its Spanish form, Rolando. You might want to consider rollicking short form Rollo, either on its own or as an abbreviation of Roland. Orlando is the graceful Italian form.
                  • Rita Viola