Unusual Names Used by European Aristocrats

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.

Edison's middle name is a fabulous option for parents looking for something with history and a soft sound. This could be the name you're looking for if you like Tesla's scientific pedigree but think that it has become too corporate with the advent of Elon Musk's company.

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

Lucina, deriving from Latin lucus "grove" and also associated with lux "light", is an epithet given in Roman mythology to the goddess Juno (and sometimes also Diana) in her role as goddess of childbirth. A stately and unusual route to Lucy, more delicate than Lucinda.

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

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.

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

Ethne is one of the many Irish Gaelic names whose spelling and pronunciation -- it's en-ya -- will prove endlessly confusing to English speakers.

Hilaria, the ancient Roman form of Hilary also given to joyous festivals, is still used in Spain and Poland, while the intriguing Italian version is Ilaria. A notable current bearer is fitness expert and wife of Alec, Hilaria Baldwin, who was born Hillary.

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.

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".

An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Appealing nicknames are Lalla and Lally.

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.

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

Though often heard in the Hispanic and Italian communities, it hasn't made an impact here, perhaps because of the connection to the character of Faust and his pact with the devil. Variations: FAUSTINA, FAUSTIA, FAUSTIANA

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.

Noelene is a feminine name derived from Noel, which comes from the French 'noël' meaning 'Christmas.' The suffix '-ene' adds a gentle, feminine quality to the base name. Popular primarily in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, Noelene peaked in usage during the mid-20th century. The name carries festive associations for girls born during the Christmas season, though it's used year-round. Noelene offers a slightly more elaborate alternative to the simpler Noelle or Noella, while maintaining the same joyful, celebratory essence. Though less common today than in previous generations, it maintains a sweet, vintage charm that occasionally attracts parents seeking names with clear meanings and gentle sounds. Common nicknames include Noe or Lene.

This English surname offers an interesting mix of images: it sounds upper-crusty yet macho, and also conjures up the coziness of a wintery ski lodge. As a surname it is associated with the Massachusetts Republican Senate Minority Leader in the Woodrow Wilson era, Henry Cabot Lodge, who was the father of poet George Cabot Lodge and grandfather of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., who was ambassador to the UN and Richard Nixon's 1960 presidential running mate.

Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.

A coffee filter.