​
​
Advanced Search

My Guilty Pleasure Names

NaomiNY
By NaomiNY
Updated Mon May 22 2023
Names I love, but don't see myself using
  1. Albus

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white, bright."

    • Description:

      The ancient name Albus has modern currency as the first name of the headmaster of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, more formally known as Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Can Albus work if you're missing the long white beard and the magic wand? Maybe, though it might be a heavy mantle for a Muggle child to wear.
  2. Alcide

    • Origin:

      French version of Heracles

    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"

    • Description:

      This is the French version of Alcides, birth name of the Greek mythological Heracles (Hercules). You're more likely to recognize it as the name of the hot True Blood werewolf, Alcide Herveaux.
  3. Alois

    • Origin:

      Variation of Aloysius, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      Alois and Aloysius are variation of Louis. Alois ranked in the US Top 1000 until the 1930s, and still ranks in the Top 1000 in Germany. Last year in the US, only seven baby boys were named Alois.
  4. Alysanne

    • Description:

      Alysanne is a feminine name with medieval roots that combines elements of Alice and Anne, both classical names with royal associations. With its ethereal, lyrical quality, Alysanne gained contemporary recognition through George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, where it belonged to a beloved queen. The name carries an elegant, fantasy-inspired feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Alysanne likely derives from Germanic origins, with components meaning "noble" and "grace." Though rare in everyday use, it appeals to parents seeking a name with a romantic, literary quality that stands apart from more common alternatives. Its melodic sound and noble associations give it a timeless appeal despite its relative obscurity in mainstream naming trends.

  5. Anissa

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "friendly"

    • Description:

      A pretty and delicate cousin of Anna is often heard in Scotland and is also currently popular in France. In the US it was brought to public attention by child actress Anissa Jones, who played Buffy on the popular TV show Family Affair, which debuted in 1966, bringing her name onto the charts the following year. Born Mary Anissa, her middle/stage name reflected her Lebanese heritage.
  6. Annaelle

    • Description:

      Annaelle is a feminine name that combines elements of Anna and the French suffix 'elle.' Anna has Hebrew origins meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' while the suffix adds a delicate, feminine quality. Popular in French-speaking regions, particularly in France and Quebec, Annaelle offers parents a melodic alternative to the more common Anna or Annabelle. The name maintains its traditional roots while feeling fresh and contemporary. Annaelle carries an elegant, sophisticated air with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Though not widely used in English-speaking countries, its international appeal and pleasant sound make it an increasingly considered option for parents seeking a name with both substance and style.
  7. Ara

    • Origin:

      Armenian

    • Meaning:

      "king"

    • Description:

      Ara is a unique boys' name that one of the most melodious in the Armenian name pool, familiarized by Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian. In Armenian mythology, Ara was a king so handsome that a rival queen went to war in order to make him her own. The name Ara is also known in the Arabic and Hebrew cultures.
  8. Arabella

    • Origin:

      Latin, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "yielding to prayer; lovable"

    • Description:

      Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.
  9. Ashlynn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream"

    • Description:

      This Anglicized spelling of Irish Aislinn or Aisling has enjoyed some popularity in the US as an updated Ashley.
  10. Aracia
    • Arslan
      • Boston

        • Origin:

          Place-name

        • Description:

          Unseen in the USA since 1901, Boston rocketed back into the Top 1000 in 2004 and, like other place-names such as Brooklyn, London and Paris, is now a reliable presence on the list.
      • Balacenia
        • Bezai
          • Brienne
            • Carlow

              • Origin:

                Irish place-name

              • Meaning:

                "four-part lake"

              • Description:

                Gives Carlo a place-name/surname spin.
            • Cashel

              • Origin:

                Irish

              • Meaning:

                "castle, stone fort"

              • Description:

                Cashel is one of the many appealing Irish names that have not yet emigrated to the US. Cashel was chosen by actor Daniel Day-Lewis and his writer-director wife Rebecca Miller for their son.
            • Castiel

              • Origin:

                Hebrew

              • Meaning:

                "my cover is God"

              • Description:

                Castiel, which vaulted into the Top 1000 on the wings of the angel hero of the television show Supernatural, is the name of the Angel of the day Thursday. It may also derive some appeal from the newly-fashionable "Cas" syllable, as in Cassian and Cassius.
            • Cato

              • Origin:

                Latin

              • Meaning:

                "all-knowing"

              • Description:

                Cato conjures up images of ancient Roman statesmen and southern antebellum retainers; it could have revival potential, with its 'O' ending and the current interest in the names of Greek and Roman antiquity.
            • Cerelia

              • Origin:

                Latin

              • Meaning:

                "relating to springtime"

              • Description:

                Cerelia is a melodic and unusual choice, perfect for a child born in April or May. Another version is Cerella.