GP Names

My guilty pleasures - names I love but wouldn't use for a child.
  1. Andromeda
    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name
    • Meaning:

      "advising like a man"
    • Description:

      One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
  2. Deirdre
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "sorrowful"
    • Description:

      Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.
  3. Fitzpatrick
    • Origin:

      Irish / Anglo-Norman surname
    • Meaning:

      "son of Patrick"
    • Description:

      A common surname in Ireland, often use as an anglicization of Mac Giolla Phádraig. This name could honor a Patrick. It's also a way to get to Fitz as a nickname.
  4. Hydrangea
    • Melisande
      • Origin:

        French form of Millicent, German
      • Meaning:

        "strong in work"
      • Description:

        This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.
    • Oslo
      • Origin:

        Norwegian place name, Old Norse
      • Meaning:

        "meadow at the foot of a hill"
      • Description:

        Oslo, the capital city of Norway, makes for an intriguing new place name, especially with its bookended O's, as in Otto. One Berry has already used it and we predict others will follow.
    • Roland
      • Origin:

        German
      • Meaning:

        "famous throughout the land"
      • Description:

        Roland is a chivalrous old name made famous by the supposedly eight-foot-tall romantic hero and nephew of Charlemagne, celebrated in medieval poetry and song. It is more widely heard in the US now in its Spanish form, Rolando. You might want to consider rollicking short form Rollo, either on its own or as an abbreviation of Roland. Orlando is the graceful Italian form.
    • Solomon
      • Origin:

        Hebrew
      • Meaning:

        "peace"
      • Description:

        Solomon, a name that evokes wisdom and peace, is an Old Testament name that, along with other patriarchal classics, is finally beginning to shed its long white beard and step from the pages of the Old Testament into modern nurseries.
    • Xanthe
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "golden, yellow"
      • Description:

        X marks the spot in names these days, usually at the middles or ends of names, but here is one that puts it squarely up front.