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Distant Relatives

njm222
By njm222
Updated Tue Apr 25 2023
Interesting, unusual, and just plain weird names from my distant relatives on my family tree, dating back to the 10th century. Genders are below each name in case they aren't on Nameberry.
  1. Abijah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God is my father"

    • Description:

      Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.
  2. Abisha

    • Description:

      Abisha is a masculine name with biblical Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as 'Abishai' (meaning 'father of a gift' or 'my father is a gift'). This shortened form maintains the spiritual significance while offering a more streamlined pronunciation. In some cultures, particularly in parts of India, Abisha can also be used as a feminine name. The name carries connotations of blessing and divine favor across different cultural contexts. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it has seen periodic usage in Christian communities and among those seeking names with biblical significance. Abisha offers the appeal of ancient roots combined with a distinctive sound that works well in contemporary naming landscapes.
  3. Achsah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "adorned"

    • Description:

      Spelled with or without the final "h," Achsah, pronounced AK-suh, was the daughter of Caleb in the Old Testament. We can't imagine anyone finding it greatly appealing.
  4. Adaline

    • Origin:

      Variation of Adeline, English

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Adaline rocketed onto the Top 1000 for the first time since 1924 in 2015 at a whopping Number 364 -- an astonishing debut. Though similar names, such as Adeline, Adelyn and Ada, have been growing steadily for years, the meteoric rise of this once-unusual spelling is no doubt due to Blake Lively-starring movie "The Age of Adaline," about a woman who stops aging at the age of 29.
  5. Adela

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      A vibrant variation of Adele, with a bit of extra flair from that "-a" ending. It could join the army of popular A girls' names, especially with its tie to the success of singer Adele.
  6. Adeliza

    • Origin:

      Medieval English and Old Swedish form of Adelaide

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adeliza is a unique member of the popular Adelaide-Adeline family. Different enough to distinguish it from all the others? Maybe, and it's definitely got an appealing sound that makes it sound a bit like a smoosh of Adele and Eliza.
  7. Albertina

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alberta, feminine form of Albert, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, bright"

    • Description:

      Albertina is a dainty, antiquated -- dare we say demure? -- pet name for Alberta, the feminine spin on the once-popular Albert. With Albert one of the classic boys' names due for a comeback, we can imagine more little girls named Albertina than the zero who get the name today.
  8. Albina

    • Description:

      Albina is a feminine name with Latin roots, derived from 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' The name suggests qualities of purity, clarity, and radiance. Historically popular across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, Poland, Slovenia, and Albania, Albina has been used since ancient Roman times. In Catholic tradition, Saint Albina was a 3rd-century martyr. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century in Slavic countries but became less common in recent decades. Albina offers a classical European sound with a delicate yet distinctive quality. In some cultures, it's associated with the dawn or morning light, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
  9. 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.
  10. Alfreda

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "elf power,"

    • Description:

      With a meaning like "elf power," Alfreda could find some appeal among fantasy enthusiasts. "Freda" makes for a pleasant nickname.
  11. Almeda

    • Description:

      Almeda is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'almus' meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind.' It may also be connected to the Spanish term 'alameda,' referring to a tree-lined avenue or a poplar grove. The name was moderately popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Almeda carries connotations of nurturing and natural beauty, evoking images of serene pathways bordered by stately trees. While uncommon today, it represents a classic naming style with a melodic quality that could appeal to parents seeking a vintage name with subtle elegance.

  12. Almon

    • Description:

      Almon is a masculine name with biblical Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a place and as a personal name. The meaning is often associated with 'hidden' or possibly 'almond tree,' symbolizing watchfulness and promise in biblical contexts. Almon has a dignified, classical quality while remaining relatively uncommon in modern usage. The name shares phonetic similarities with more familiar names like Alton or Alden, making it accessible despite its rarity. Almon offers a traditional biblical option for parents seeking a name with religious significance and historical depth. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it a practical quality despite its uniqueness. The name carries connotations of strength and steadfastness while maintaining a gentle, approachable sound.

  13. Alpheus

    • Origin:

      Hebrew from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "changing"

    • Description:

      There is some disagreement whether there are one or two figures named Alpheus in the Bible. There's an Alpheus who's the father of James and an Alpheus who's the father of Levi, and if James and Levi are brothers, then that's the same Alpheus. Or not.
  14. Alston

    • Description:

      Alston is a distinguished masculine name of Old English origin, derived from a surname meaning "Ælf's settlement" or "Ælf's town," combining ancient elements referring to elves and a place of dwelling. Originally a family name and place name found primarily in England, it transitioned to occasional use as a first name. Alston carries an air of refinement and tradition, evoking images of English countryside estates and heritage. While never reaching mainstream popularity as a given name, it appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet historically grounded. The name has aristocratic associations in British culture and provides the friendly nickname "Al" while maintaining a formal, dignified full version for professional settings.
  15. Alvah

    • Description:

      Alvah is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, meaning 'his highness' or 'sublimity.' Appearing in the Bible as a descendant of Esau, Alvah carries ancient roots and religious significance. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite uncommon, giving it a vintage charm. Alvah has a soft yet strong sound that distinguishes it from more popular biblical names. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it accessible and easy to pronounce, while its rarity offers uniqueness without being difficult or unfamiliar in structure.
  16. Amasa

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "burden"

    • Description:

      Amasa is a rare Biblical name borne by two figures. One is the son of Abigail and nephew of King David, who named him commander of the rebels. This Amasa met a tragic end when he was murdered by Joab. The other Biblical Amasa was one of the Children of Ephraim.
  17. Aoife

    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, radiant"

    • Description:

      Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
  18. Appoline

    • Description:

      Appoline is a feminine name of French origin, derived from the Greek name 'Apollonia,' which itself comes from the Greek god Apollo, associated with light, music, and healing. This elegant name carries a sense of classical beauty and sophistication. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Appoline has maintained a quiet presence in French-speaking regions. The name offers appealing nickname options such as Apple, Polly, or Lina. Appoline conveys a blend of ancient wisdom and refined grace, making it a distinctive choice that combines historical depth with melodic charm.
  19. Azariah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "helped by God"

    • Description:

      Azariah is a rarely used biblical name that moves way beyond Adam and Abraham; its pleasant sound makes it no surprise that parents have discovered it in recent years.
  20. Abba