For Gods Sake
- Benedict
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
Parents who like Ben and Benjamin but find those forms too popular sometimes consider Benedict as a more distinctive choice. Unlike the Old Testament Benjamin, Benedict is the name of the saint who formed the Benedictine Order and of fifteen popes,including a recent one.
- Eamon
Origin:
Irish variation of EdmundMeaning:
"wealthy protector"Description:
Eamon is one of the traditional Irish names that has not yet emigrated to the US. This Irish name pronounced ay-mon was popularized by early president of the independent republic Eamon de Valera (birth name George), who was born in the United States to an Irish mother and a Cuban father. Eamon definitely has possibilities as a successor to the epidemically popular Aidan/Aiden.
- Circe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bird"Description:
In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea, who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to Odysseus's crew in Homer's Odyssey, transforming them into swine. All was forgiven, however, as Circe and Odysseus later had a child together—Telegonus.
- Wednesday
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Woden's day"Description:
Made famous by the iconic and macabre character Wednesday Addams, this name has the spooky and Halloween-inspired feel that some parents might be looking for. The character has appeared in various adaptations of The Addams Family over the years, but the 2022 television series starring Jenna Ortega has given the name an unexpected boost in popularity.
- Huckleberry
Origin:
Word name and literary nameDescription:
Everybody knows Huckleberry Finn, the Mark Twain character named, Twain said, for the 19th century slang term for "humble." A few modern parents have put it on a birth certificate, including "Man Vs. Wild" star Bear Grylls, who, like many parents, will call the boy the much more manageable Huck. It was also the name of a child on TV's West Wing,
- Sorrel
Origin:
Botanical name and FrenchMeaning:
"reddish brown"Description:
Sorrel is a gentle, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. Sorrell is a variant spelling. Both make excellent names for autumn babies and can be used for either gender.
- Taliesin
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"shining brow"Description:
Poetic and handsome with a hint of mystique and magic around it, this rugged Welsh name may appeal as an alternative to Tristan or Taran.
- Magdalena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"from Magdala"Description:
Magdalena is a pretty name forever associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen; often heard in the Hispanic community. But forward thinking parents are reviving Magdalena along with Magdalene and the unrelated but similar-sounding Marguerite.
- Eulalie
Origin:
French form of Eulalia, GreekMeaning:
"sweetly speaking"Description:
Eulalie hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1899, but its French roots might make it more appealing to modern ears than its sister Eulalia.
- Cassiopeia
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"cassia juice"Description:
Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related trending, Cassiopeia may be an unusual route to a stylish name.
- Liesl
Origin:
German diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesl is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
- Willoughby
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"farm near the willows"Description:
Willoughby is an energetic last-name-first route to the popular short form Will, livelier than any of the two-syllable options. It could be picked up by parents attracted to the Willow sound for girls.
- Cicely
Origin:
English variation of CeciliaMeaning:
"blind"Description:
This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard.
- Amity
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"friendship"Description:
Amity--what nicer gift to give your little girl than a name that signifies friendship and harmony? This virtue name is also more rhythmic and feminine than the single-syllable Hope, Faith, and Grace.
- Marguerite
Origin:
French variation of Margaret; also a flower nameMeaning:
"pearl; daisy"Description:
Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here.
- Arrietty
Origin:
Literary name, variation of HarrietDescription:
A pretty, dainty name for one of the little characters in the children's book series The Borrowers. It was the basis for a later Studio Ghible animated film, The Secret World of Arrietty. While the connection to Harriet is tenuous, you might want to consider Arrietty as an honorific for an ancestral Harriet, Harry, or even Henry or Henrietta.
- Jubilee
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ram's horn"Description:
Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's Duggars for their miscarried child.
- Sutton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"from the southern homestead"Description:
Swanky sound via New York's ritzy Sutton Place. It fits with current popular boys’ names, due to its two syllables and -on ending. It debuted in the US Top 1000 for boys in 2015, though it is currently more popular for girls.
- Ronja
Origin:
Swedish literary nameDescription:
Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter. She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden.
- Emelie
Description:
Emelie is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a variant spelling of Emilie or Emily. These names ultimately derive from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' This charming variation is particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, especially Sweden, as well as in French-speaking regions. Emelie carries a delicate, vintage quality that balances traditional roots with a fresh feel. While Emily has dominated English-speaking countries, Emelie offers a subtle European flair that distinguishes it from the more common spelling. The name has experienced steady popularity since the late 20th century, appreciated for its classic femininity and international appeal. Its four syllables flow melodiously, contributing to its enduring charm across generations.
