​
​
Advanced Search

Unusual Names Used by European Aristocrats

  1. Melita

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honey"

    • Description:

      A coffee filter.
  2. Hercules

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"

    • Description:

      Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.
  3. Narelle

    • Origin:

      Australian Aboriginal

    • Meaning:

      "little river"

    • Description:

      The Narellan is the name of a river in New South Wales. From this name comes this quasi-French girls' name, which is quite common in Australia.
  4. Amyas

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "loved; friend"

    • Description:

      Distinctive and contemporary in appearance, Amyas has in fact been used since Renaissance period. More popularly spelled as Amias today, the name likely derives from the Medieval names, Amis and Amice, meaning "friend".
  5. Lawrence

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "from Laurentium or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      We approve of this name for a girl, but prefer the au, Laura-Laurenish, spelling.
  6. Kenya

    • Origin:

      Place name, Kikuyu

    • Meaning:

      "mountain of white"

    • Description:

      Kenya, a name borrowed from the East African nation and theoretically unisex, is now used mostly for girls. While it's had its ups and downs since entering the US Top 1000 in 1968, it currently ranks lower than spelling variant Kenia.
  7. Ngaire

    • Origin:

      Maori

    • Meaning:

      "flax flower"

    • Description:

      This name is common in New Zealand and Australia, with famous bearers including TV producer Ngaire Fuata and academic and author Ngaire Woods. It is pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-ree.
  8. Phyllida

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Phyllis

    • Meaning:

      "green bough"

    • Description:

      Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.
  9. Karissa

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carissa

    • Description:

      Both Karissa and Carissa are trending downward, along with the other issa names that first rose to popularity in the 1970s. Karissa fell out of the Top 1000 in 2014, two years after Carissa.
  10. Aislinn

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dream"

    • Description:

      Old Irish name that's taken off in its Anglicized forms, mainly Ashlyn or Ashlynn. Nonetheless, this more traditional version debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015.
  11. Islay

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.
  12. Candida

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

      Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.
  13. Francina

    • Description:

      Francina is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the masculine name Francis, which means 'Frenchman' or 'free one.' This elegant variation appears in multiple European languages, including Dutch, Catalan, and various Scandinavian languages. The name carries a sophisticated yet approachable quality, with the familiar 'Fran' sound leading to a more distinctive ending. While less common than Frances or Francesca, Francina has maintained a steady presence throughout history. In some countries, it's pronounced with the emphasis on the second syllable (fran-SEE-na), while others stress the first syllable. Potential nicknames include Fran, Franci, or Nina, offering versatility for the bearer as she grows.
  14. Isolda

    • Description:

      Isolda is a feminine name with Celtic and Germanic origins, best known from the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde (also spelled Iseult or Isolde). The name may derive from elements meaning 'ice' and 'ruler' or 'battle,' though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. Isolda carries an air of romance, tragedy, and medieval nobility due to its legendary associations. While never extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout European history, experiencing occasional revivals when medieval themes become popular in culture. The name offers a dramatic, romantic option with rich literary connections. Isolda appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and a touch of mystical, legendary quality.

  15. Gaynor

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "white and smooth, soft"

    • Description:

      Gaynor is an early androgynous name with a positive association, related to the Cornish megahit name Jennifer.
  16. Elmina

    • Description:

      Elmina is a feminine name with roots in several languages. From Germanic origins, it derives from elements meaning 'noble' and 'protector.' It may also be connected to the Spanish word 'el mina' meaning 'the mine.' Elmina has historical significance as the name of a famous castle and port city in Ghana, built by Portuguese traders in the 15th century. The name carries an air of antiquity and distinctiveness, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. In some cultures, it's used as a variant of names like Wilhelmina or Amina. Elmina projects strength and elegance while maintaining its unique historical connections.
  17. Jermyn

    • Description:

      Jermyn is a masculine name with English origins, evolved from the Germanic name Germain, meaning 'brother' or relating to Germania (Germany). It first appeared as a surname, often associated with Jermyn Street in London's fashionable district. As a given name, it carries an aristocratic, sophisticated air with connections to British heritage. Sometimes confused with Jeremy or Jermaine, Jermyn stands apart with its distinctive spelling and pronunciation. Very rare in contemporary use, it appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and refined character. The name maintains connections to both Germanic and Anglo-Saxon linguistic traditions while offering a unique alternative to more common J-names.
  18. Owain

    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Eugene

    • Meaning:

      "born of sheep"

    • Description:

      Owain is much more unusual than its brother name Owen, and feels a little more rugged, a little more adventurous and ancient.
  19. Meribah

    • Origin:

      Biblical place name, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "quarreling"

    • Description:

      Though this Biblical place name is found among early American settlers, usually as a male name, today it sounds completely feminine. As a place name, its gender is mutable in any case. An unusual and intriguing Biblical option, albeit one with an unhappy meaning.
  20. Meshach

    • Origin:

      Akkadian

    • Meaning:

      "who is what Aku is?"

    • Description:

      Derived from Aku, the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament this is the Babylonian name of Mishael, one of the three men cast into a furnace but saved by God. Meshach Taylor is an actor who has been featured on several sitcoms.

Introducing the Nameberry App

Nameberry App
Find your perfect baby name together with our new mobile app.
  • Swipe through thousands of names with your partner
  • Names you match on are saved to your shared list
  • Get personalized recommendations that learn based on your and your partner's preferences
  • Partner with friends and family to find names you all love
  • Backed by Nameberry's 20 years of data around name preferences.
Sign up to be notified when the app launches and to receive a discount on full access.
Nameberry App Logo