European History names

Elian

Dutch variation of Elijah or Elisabeth, Hebrew

"Yahweh is God; pledged to God; sun"

This Dutch form of Elijah — or other Eli- names — holds plenty of appeal, combining the gentle El- of Elliot or Elias with the ending of rising choices such as Cassian and Caspian. Popular in Puerto…

Conrad

German

"brave counsel"

Solid and intellectual, with just a touch of ruggedness thanks to that rad ending, Conrad has appeared consistently in on the US popularity charts since the 19th century. Over the years, it has been…

Fabian

Latin clan name

"bean grower"

Fabian is the ancient name of a saint and pope that also has Shakespearean cred as Olivia's servant in Twelfth Night and more recently made an appearance in Harry Potter . In the U.S. Fabian became…

Alaric

German

"all-powerful ruler"

Alaric is an ancient regal name that sounds modern enough to be considered. Alaric was a traditional name for the kings of the Ostrogoths, the most famous of whom was Alaric I, the King of the West…

Albin

Latin

"white"

Albin is a modern form of the ancient Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning white or bright. There was a Saint Albinus who was also known as Aubin. In the contemporary world, Albin is popular in Sweden and…

Alcuin

Germanic

"sanctuary friend"

An Old French and English name thought to derive from the Germanic elements alah "sanctuary" and win "friend". Variant forms include Alcwin and Alawin.

Aldred

Aldred is a masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English elements 'eald' meaning 'old' and 'ræd' meaning 'counsel' or 'wisdom.' Historically significant during the medieval…

Aneirin

Welsh

"very golden or noble"

Aneirin is the original form of the more common Aneurin (which was a mistaken spelling used after the 17th Century). Aneirin was one of the first great Welsh poets who flourished in the 6th Century.…

Anselm

German

"with divine protection"

A somewhat solemn appellation, Anselm is a saint's name, connected to the twelfth century archbishop of Canterbury, and in modern times tied to the German neo-expressionist painter Anselm Kiefer.

Aston

English

"eastern settlement"

Has an upscale aura, perhaps due to the luxury James Bond Aston Martin car.

Aubin

French form of Albinus, Ancient Roman

"white, blond, bright"

Aubin might be seen as a fresher and more decidedly masculine twist on Aubrey, though the two are not related. This stylish French choice derives from the Roman Albinus or Albus, meaning "white,…

Audric

French variation of Aldric, Germanic

"old, wise ruler"

A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.

Aurelian

Romanian and English form of Aurelius, Latin

"golden"

While Aurelio, Aurelia, and Aurelius are all on the rise, this historical and Romanian form of the golden name is yet to share in its relatives' success. Given to just 25 boys in a recent year, it…

Caradoc

Welsh

"amiable, beloved"

Derived from the name Caradog, the handsome ancient Celtic name was worn by one of the Knights of the Round Table, as well as a semi-legendary Welsh King. Possibly a cognate of Cedric and Carys,…

Casimir

English; French, from Polish

"destroyer of peace"

Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering…

Castor

Greek

"shining; wood; beaver"

If you can put aside the oil connection, Castor is a mythological option, borne by one of the (half) twins that make up the constellation Gemini, the other being Pollux. A son of Leda and a king of…

Corentin

French, Breton

"tempest, hurricane"

Corentin is an intriguing saint's name fashionable in France but virtually unknown here-- which you may consider a big plus. St. Corentin possessed a magical fish that regenerated itself each night,…