Names I love but won't use

  1. Attalie
    • Description:

      Attalie is a feminine name of French origin, possibly derived as a variant of Natalie or Athalie. If connected to Natalie, it stems from the Latin 'natalis,' meaning 'birthday' or specifically 'birth of the Lord,' with the initial 'N' dropped. Alternatively, it may relate to Athalie, which comes from the Hebrew name Athaliah, meaning 'God is exalted.' Attalie has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowel sounds. The name remains quite rare, giving it an air of distinctiveness and elegance. With its French flair and unusual sound, Attalie appeals to parents seeking a name that combines classical origins with uncommon usage. The name carries a certain poetic quality and vintage charm while still feeling accessible for a modern bearer.

  2. Ceridwen
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "beautiful as a poem"
    • Description:

      Celtic goddess of poetry, though less-than-poetic name.
  3. Elise
    • Origin:

      French variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Elise is one of those golden names that stylish but not TOO popular. Its appeal is due in large part to its French flair and to the love for El-names in general.
  4. Halian
    • Origin:

      Native American
    • Meaning:

      "youthful"
    • Description:

      A Julian derivative, via Spanish conquistadors, that could be a more unusual yet still reasonable substitute for that current favorite.
  5. Ignatius
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "fiery"
    • Description:

      The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical feel, Ignatius might just fit in with Blaze, Griffin, Ember, or Atticus.
  6. Isotta
    • Description:

      Isotta is a feminine Italian name, essentially the Italian form of Isolde or Iseult from Arthurian legend. The name derives from a Celtic origin, though its exact meaning remains disputed, with some suggesting connections to 'ice' or 'fair' in proto-Germanic languages. Isotta features prominently in the medieval romance of Tristan and Isolde, giving it literary and cultural significance. In Italy, the name gained additional recognition through connection with the luxury car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini. While never extremely common, Isotta maintains a timeless elegance with its flowing vowels and distinctive Italian character. The name conveys a sense of classical beauty, romance, and cultural sophistication for those seeking a name with European heritage.
  7. Legend
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hero or fable"
    • Description:

      Legend joins cousins Story, Saga and Fable in the baby name pantheon of narrative words. Unlike Story and Fable, however, Legend comes with additional weight, being used for fame ("living legend") and to denote a person who is fantastic "what a legend"). Who can live up to that?
  8. Leon
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Leo
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      Currently overshadowed by the bright and lively Leo, Leon feels a slightly more serious, more quietly confident than its short and trending counterpart.
  9. Liam
    • Origin:

      Irish short form of William
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number One spot for the past eight years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
  10. Noel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "Christmas"
    • Description:

      Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.
  11. Renatus
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      Significant choice for an Easter-born child.
  12. Thessaly
    • Origin:

      Greek, place name, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.
  13. Viridian
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "blue green color"
    • Description:

      Unusual and beautiful blue green color and name possibility, a la Cerulean.