Quite Unusual 'E' Names.
- Ebenezar
Description:
Ebenezar is a variant spelling of the biblical name Ebenezer, which comes from Hebrew elements meaning "stone of help." This masculine name appears in the Old Testament when Samuel raised a stone as a monument to God's assistance. The name gained literary recognition through Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol." This alternate spelling with an 'a' instead of 'e' in the final syllable gives it a slightly different phonetic quality. Despite its rich biblical heritage, Ebenezar remains uncommon as a given name in most Western countries, partly due to the Scrooge association, though this has diminished over time. The name carries connotations of faith, gratitude, and commemoration, making it meaningful for families with strong religious traditions.
- Eero
Origin:
Finnish variation of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
- Eilidh
Origin:
Gaelic form of EleanorDescription:
Long popular in Scotland, this attractive name is strictly-speaking the Gaelic version of Eleanor, but is also often considered part of the Helen family of names. After the Normans introduced it into the British Isles, it was transformed into Aileen or Evelyn. It has rarely been heard in the US, but it is slowly starting to be used here too.
- Eleazar
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God helps"Description:
Eleazar is a distinguished Biblical name--in which it appears several times-- ripe for the picking following the stardom of Eli, Elijah, and other similar names.
- Elodie
Origin:
French, variation of Alodia, GermanMeaning:
"foreign riches"Description:
The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. It's a uncommon member of the trending El- family of names, which includes Ella, Eloise, and Eleanor.
- Elvira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"white, fair"Description:
Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.
- Ember
Origin:
French variation of AmberDescription:
Unlike Amber, which is in decline, this name still has a bit of a glow left -- though confusions between the two will inevitably arise.
- Emmeline
Origin:
Old French form of archaic German AmalMeaning:
"work"Description:
Emmeline is an Emma relative and Emily cousin that is destined for greater use in the wake of the megapopularity of those two names. A recommended Nameberry fave, Emmeline hopped onto the US Top 1000 in 2014 for the first time ever. While it is genuinely an old name, it was rarely used a century ago; only 17 baby girls were named Emmeline in 1915, the same number as were named Ernie!
- Emory
Origin:
Spelling variation of Emery, English from GermanMeaning:
"industrious"Description:
Less popular than Emery, this name also attributes to Emory University. Both spellings of the name lean more heavily to the girls' side, but this one is not quite as unbalanced.
- Enna
Description:
Enna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Anna (Hebrew for 'grace'), a shortened form of names like Ennaline or Marienna, or derived from the ancient city of Enna in Sicily. In Finnish, 'enna' means 'predict' or 'foresee,' adding another layer of meaning. This short, symmetrical name has a gentle yet distinct sound that travels well across different languages and cultures. While never widely common, Enna has seen occasional usage throughout history and across different regions. Its simplicity, melodic quality, and cross-cultural adaptability make it appealing to modern parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with a subtle ancient resonance.
- Enola
Origin:
English literary name and place name, CherokeeMeaning:
"alone; black fox"Description:
Enola has a lot of potential as a name: it includes the stylish 'nola' sound; it follows a similar letter pattern to the likes of Elora, Elara, and Elodie; it has a hint of Nevaeh about it, given that it is "alone" spelled backwards; it's familiar but not popular. For many decades, however, it was known only in relation to the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, the Enola Gay, and has been understandably avoided.
- Eponine
Origin:
French literary nameDescription:
Eponine is attracting new notice via the movie of Les Miserables, based on the book by Victor Hugo. Eponine is the spoiled daughter of Cosette's foster parents whose name, according to the story, was lifted by her mother from a romance novel. As in a romance, Eponine redeems herself by becoming a martyr to love.
- Eryk
Description:
Eryk is a masculine name representing the Polish, Lithuanian, and generally Eastern European variant of Erik or Eric. Derived from the Old Norse name 'Eiríkr,' combining the elements 'ei' (ever, eternal) and 'ríkr' (ruler, king), it carries the powerful meaning of 'eternal ruler' or 'ever powerful.' The distinctive spelling with a 'y' instead of an 'i' reflects the Slavic orthographic tradition. While maintaining moderate popularity in Poland and Baltic countries, Eryk remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations, offering a unique cultural connection for families with Eastern European heritage. The name balances strength and approachability, with its crisp consonant sounds and straightforward pronunciation. Historical bearers include numerous nobles and kings from Northern European regions.
- Eugene
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugene is a classic that has rather lost its way. On the one hand, it's a grandpa, even great-grandpa name that hasn't been one of the cool kids recently—or to quote Jim Carrey, who bears this name in the middle spot, "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene." The hero of Disney's Tangled felt the same way, when he changed his birth name of Eugene to the more romantic Flynn.
- Evangeline
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bearer of good news"Description:
Evangeline is a romantic old name enjoying a major comeback, thanks to its religious overtones, Eva's popularity, and the star of the TV megahit Lost, Evangeline Lilly. Evangelia and Evangelina — two variants of Evangeline — are sure to tag along for the ride.
- Everley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"boar in a woodland clearing"Description:
Variant of Everly
- Evony
Description:
Evony is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variant of Ebony, referring to the dark, valuable wood and symbolizing strength and rarity. Alternatively, it could be inspired by Ivory with a creative spelling, or even a variation of names like Evonne or Yvonne. The name has gained modest attention in recent decades as parents seek unique names with appealing sounds. Evony has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing rhythm. The name conveys elegance and distinctiveness without being difficult to pronounce or spell. While not among the most popular names, Evony appeals to parents looking for something uncommon yet accessible, with a modern feel and subtle connection to natural elements. Its similarity to the word 'ebony' gives it associations with beauty and resilience.
- Etta
- Ezekeil
- Ezequias