British Literature Names
- Alexandrina
Origin:
Greek, variation of Alexandra,Meaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexandrina is the most elaborate and unusual of the Alex- girls's names.The real first name of Queen Victoria, who was given it in honor of her godfather, Alexander I of Russia (her childhood nickname was Drina), it would make a distinctive pick, even though some might find five syllables a bit much. It was particularly popular in Scotland in the 1930s.
- Hans
Origin:
German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of JohannesDescription:
Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old Country image.
- Smith
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"blacksmith"Description:
Even if it is the Number one surname in the U.S.--with more than 2.5 million bearers--we still think that Smith would make a cool first or middle name, whether or not it has family history.
- Madge
Origin:
Diminutive of Margery or MargaretMeaning:
"pearl"Description:
A super diminutive nickname name, and sometime Madonna nickname – it was how the British tabloids referred to her when she moved to London in the 1990s, which she found annoying until then husband Guy Ritchie said it stood for 'Your Majesty'. Madge Undersee is Katniss's best friend in The Hunger Games books.
- Zillah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"shade"Description:
A light, bohemian-sounding biblical name, mentioned in the bible as a wife of Lamech, one of the first men.
- Carver
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"wood carver"Description:
Carver is an occupational name with an artistic bent, associated with wood carving predominantly, though it could also be linked to those who carve from stone, marble, ice, and pumpkins. More familiar that the equally arty Painter, but fresher than the 90s style Carter, Carver has received more interest in recent years.
- Lucretia
Origin:
Latin, female form of LucretiusMeaning:
"profit, wealth"Description:
A pretty and plausible Latin name that's gotten a bad rap through the years via a link to Lucrezia Borgia, who, though long considered a demon poisoner, was actually a patron of learning and the arts.
- Benny
Origin:
Diminutive of Benjamin, HebrewMeaning:
"son of the right hand"Description:
Benny is a diminutive form of Benjamin, which comes from Hebrew and means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benny can also serve as a nickname for other names like Benedict, Bennett, or Bentley. Throughout the 20th century, Benny gained recognition through notable figures like music producer Benny Blanco and bandleader Benny Goodman and comedian Benny Hill. The name has a friendly, approachable quality that grows up nicely into Ben.
- Griselda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"grey battle"Description:
Griselda is a famous folklore figure, noted for her patience and obedience. Her story has been told by Petrarch, Chaucer, Boccaccio and set to music by Scarlatti, Vivaldi and Massenet.
- Artemisia
Origin:
Greek, variation of ArtemisDescription:
You might think Artemisia is the feminine form of the name, but in fact the original Artemis is feminine too, the name of the Greek mythological goddess of the moon. Artemisia Gentileschi was an esteemed Italian Baroque painter, unusual in an era when not many women were acknowledged. Artemisia is also a genus of plants which include sagebrush and tarragon.
- Léonie
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"lion"Description:
Leona with a French accent that gives it a bit more flair. It's currently very popular there – in the Top 30 for French baby girls.
- Françoise
Origin:
French variation of FrancesMeaning:
"from France; free man"Description:
In France it's sometimes bestowed as a patriotic gesture; in English-speaking places it has an air of genteel sophistication.
- Eustace
Origin:
English from GreekMeaning:
"stable"Description:
Eustace was originally popularized by St. Eustace, who was born a Norman nobleman and is said to have been converted to Christianity by seeing a crucifix between the antlers of the deer he was hunting. It was introduced to England by the Normans, and can be found in medieval legend. In literature the name appears in the person of Eustace Clarence Scrubb in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia.
The image of Eustace today is as sedate and stuffy as the monocled Eustace Tilly character on The New Yorker magazine covers. Its diminutive Stacy became a unisex hit.
- Torquil
Origin:
Scottish from NorseMeaning:
"Thor's cauldron"Description:
Torquil, is a quirky but intriguing option that evolved from an ancient Scandinavian nameand was imported into Scotland by the Vikings. The Gaelic form of the name is Torcaill.
- Magdalen
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"woman from Magdala or high tower"Description:
Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The Magdalene and Magdalena versions are perhaps even more stylish. Can be shortened to Maggie or Magda but the full version is prettiest. One of our new favorites!
- Guido
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"guide, leader"Description:
Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.
- Gwendolen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white ring, circle"Description:
Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.
- Hughie
Description:
Hughie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Hugh, which comes from the Germanic name 'Hugo,' meaning 'mind' or 'intellect.' This affectionate nickname-turned-given-name carries a friendly, approachable quality that has made it endearing across generations. While never reaching the heights of popularity that Hugh achieved, Hughie has maintained a consistent presence, especially in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has since become less common, giving it a vintage charm. In recent years, the character Hughie Campbell from the television series 'The Boys' has brought some renewed attention to this warm, unpretentious name.
- Sibyl
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"seer, oracle"Description:
The original but less common spelling of Sybil, this name comes from Greek and Roman mythology, in which the sibyls were female prophets. A name that has dipped in and out of style since the Middle Ages, the rise of the lovely Lady Sybil Crawley on television's Downton Abbey may shine a light on this mythological name.
- Obadiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"servant of God"Description:
For the seriously audacious biblical baby namer who wants to move beyond Elijah and Josiah, this name has considerable old-fangled charm. Obadiah, who gave his name to one of the shortest books in the Bible, was a rich man who had the gift of prophecy. There are several other men named Obadiah in the Bible, as well as a Saint Obadiah.
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