Cornish Names

More unusual than Tessa, this would make an interesting, meaningful and attractive choice for a third child.

Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.

Made familiar by poet William Blake. According to Blake, after her death, Conwenna "shines ... over the north with pearly beams gorgeous and terrible". Make of that what you will.

This name is unusual enough that the spelling variation won't be too much of a further complication. While the Biblical cognate Cain may be more classic, this removes the name from any negative associations.

Intriguing combo of elements.

This rare sixth-century saint's name has a modern, merry feel.

This Cornish variant of Isolde is rare even in the UK - but that's part of its charm. Like Isolde, Eseld is generally thought to mean "ice battle", a meaning sure to be pleasing to a little girl in this age of all things "Frozen".

St. Keverne is a town on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula and also the name of an ancient saint. While the name is virtually unused for children in the modern world, it could be a Kevin update and has contemporary possibilities.

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all.

Silyen is an uncommon masculine name with mysterious origins. This rare name may have roots in various linguistic traditions, possibly derived from Latin, French, or constructed from modern naming preferences. Silyen has a melodic, elegant quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. The name's obscurity gives it a distinctive quality, appealing to parents seeking truly unique options for their sons. Silyen evokes images of contemplation, wisdom, and perhaps even mystical qualities. While not appearing in traditional name rankings, it belongs to a category of modern inventive names that have gained some traction among parents wanting to bestow their children with names that stand out from conventional choices.

Kew is an offbeat name of a saint from Cornwall with boyish appeal.

Prideaux is a Cornish place name and surname that is occasionally attested as a girls' first name. It likely stems from the French phrase "pré de eaux", meaning meadow of waters. For fans of Margaux, Prideaux might be a less-common and very pretty alternative.

Bronnen is an attractive name but is similar to so many others -- Brennan, Brannon, Bronwen -- it's sure to provoke a lot of "What was that again?"

Gweniver is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of Guinevere, the legendary queen consort of King Arthur. The name derives from Welsh elements, combining 'gwen' meaning 'white, fair, blessed' with possibly 'hwyfar' meaning 'smooth, soft.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'white phantom' or 'fair one.'

Updates the old religious day name.