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Unusual Names Used by European Aristocrats

  1. 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".
  2. Candida

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "white"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honey"

    • Description:

      A coffee filter.
  4. Georgette

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of George

    • Description:

      Has a musty 1940s feel. Try Georgia -- or Georgiana.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Malvina

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "smooth-browed one"

    • Description:

      An invention of the eighteenth-century romantic poet James Macpherson, in his epic cycle about Ossian, a legendary Celtic hero. In Poland, where it was popular at the start of the 20th century, the spelling is Malwina, and it's also had some use in other Eastern European countries.
  8. 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.

  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Fausta

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fortunate"

    • Description:

      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
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Lodge

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "shelter"

    • Description:

      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.
  17. Petronela

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "rock, stone"

    • Description:

      Petronela, along with Petronella and Petronelle, are relatives of Petra, sister of Peter. Old names, they are exceedingly rare. But they could be an original route to the cute nicknames Nell and Nellie.
  18. Charmian

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.
  19. Marinda

    • Description:

      Marinda is a melodious feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Miranda (meaning "worthy of admiration" in Latin), a combination of Maria and Linda, or derived from the Afrikaans name Marinda found particularly in South Africa. The name has a romantic, flowing quality enhanced by its gentle rhythm and soft consonants. While never reaching high popularity rankings in the United States, Marinda has maintained consistent if limited usage, appealing to parents seeking something recognizable yet uncommon. Its international character makes it versatile across cultures, while its similarity to familiar names ensures it won't seem too foreign. The name carries an inherent femininity and grace.
  20. 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.

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