Up my sleeve

Names that I encounter that are striking or fascinating. Who knows, maybe my next child's name is on here, or yours!
  1. Abrial
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "open, secure, protected"
    • Description:

      This unique baby name is stronger, more distinctive than April or Avril.
  2. Aldrich
    • Origin:

      Germanic
    • Meaning:

      "old, wise ruler"
    • Description:

      In an era with so many created, modern names, Aldrich oozes history and substance. But it is also fit for modern times, given its surname-as-name status and the nickname potential (Al, Richie, etc).
  3. Aloisia
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "famous fighter"
    • Description:

      Inventive female form of Aloysius.
  4. Ambrose
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "immortal"
    • Description:

      Gentle but grandiose and beloved by British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose was a fast rising name in 2022. Entering the UK Top 1000 for the first time and proving popular among Nameberry users, its elegance, softness, and vintage style means it fits in with popular Theodore, Sebastian, and Jeremiah.
  5. Anastasia
    • Origin:

      Greek, feminine variation of Anastasios
    • Meaning:

      "resurrection"
    • Description:

      Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.
  6. Anastasie
    • Aristotle
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "superior"
      • Description:

        The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophy inclined American ones.
    • Artemisia
      • Origin:

        Greek, variation of Artemis
      • Description:

        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.
    • Asteria
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "star"
      • Description:

        Asteria is an Anglicized spelling of the Greek Astraea or Astraia, the goddess of justice and innocence. She became the constellation Virgo, so all forms of this name would be especially appropriate for a child born in late August or early September.
    • Atticus
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "from Attica"
      • Description:

        Atticus, with its trendy Roman feel combined with the upstanding, noble image of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, is a real winner among boy names. Atticus entered the US Top 1000 in 2004 and is a firm Nameberry favorite.
    • Aude
      • Audric
        • Origin:

          French variation of Aldric, Germanic
        • Meaning:

          "old, wise ruler"
        • Description:

          A historic name seeing some modern use among French-speaking parents.
      • Aurelien
        • Auric
          • Origin:

            Literary name
          • Description:

            Auric is an Ian Fleming anti-hero, better known as Goldfinger. Better to go with James. Or even Bond.
        • Adrasteia
          • Balthasar
            • Origin:

              Greek
            • Meaning:

              "God protects the king"
            • Description:

              Balthasar was one of the biblical Three Kings who visited the infant Jesus, also used by Shakespeare and in the oil-rich Getty family; offbeat and intriguing. Balthazar is another, equally appropriate spelling.
          • Basille
            • Claudien
              • Clement
                • Origin:

                  Latin
                • Meaning:

                  "mild, merciful"
                • Description:

                  Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather."
              • Clothilde
                • Origin:

                  French from German
                • Meaning:

                  "famous in battle"
                • Description:

                  Pronounced klo-TEELD, this name is well used in France, but rarely heard here; it has a chic and sophisticated air.