Names That Mean Renowned

A medieval German saint's name which remained popular in Germany until the middle of the 20th century. It is still in relatively wide use in other European countries, including Poland and Hungary. With other Bert names – like Robert and Albert and even Gilbert – appealing to lovers of strong, traditional boy names with a slightly clunky charm, Norbert could be one of those so-out-it's-in choices that everyone knows, but almost no one is using.

One of the few Lu- names that you've probably never heard of, Lulie could prove a good alternative for Luna, Lucy, and Lula.

Lova, a Louise relative virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top girl names in Sweden.

Lovis is Lovisa's quirkier counterpart — if you're searching for a name that combines Scandinavian style with retro darlings Avis and Mavis, Lovis could be your girl.

The name of a monk who is the patron saint of blacksmiths -- not a twentieth-century occupation or baby name.

Wheezy short form of lovely name, featured in the movie "Steel Magnolias." Go for Lou or Lulu instead.

Vola comes from Volodya, a masculine Russian name that is often used as a nickname for Vladimir.

Lutza is largely unknown in the English-speaking world and might remain that way, due to its resemblance to klutz.

A name with two strong literary associations, one overwhelmingly negative -- Lolita's pedophilic narrator Humbert Humbert -- and one positive, in the preferable European version: Italian author Umberto Eco.

Clytie was a sea nymph who loved the sun god Helios, who spurned her. She turned into the heliotrope flower.

Luiza livens up Louisa. The insertion of the letter "Z" adds a lot more pizzazz. Luiza Perote is a Brazilian model.

In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.

Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.