Names That Mean Famous

Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.

Straightforward but very unusual choice, deriving from a place name in Italy.

Old and aristocratic European name that would be tough for an American kid to pull off.

It originated as a nickname for Lodewijk, but now Lowie is more popular as-is, even ranking in the Top 100 in Belgium.

Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.

Ro- names are on the rise — think Roman, Rory, and Rowan — but straightforward and streamlined Row (and Rowe, Roe, and Ro) takes this trend to the next level. The pared-down single syllable gives Row an ultra-cool edge.

The American child given this name of four kings of Denmark, not to mention one so similar to that of the Harry Potter archvillain Lord Voldemort, might have to pay a large emotional import tax.

Kilmer is best known as a surname — as in actor Val Kilmer — but actors Bethany C. Meyers and Nico Tortorella recently used it for their daughter Kilmer Dove, making it a viable first name.

Associated with famed percussionist Mongo Santamaria, but it's too close to the word mongrel to ever have widespread success in this country.

Variation of Rowena.

This is a rarely heard feminization of the rarely heard Roland.

English form of the Ancient Germanic name Chlodochar, modernized as Lothar. This was the name of a 9th-century Frankish king, the son of Louis I, who ruled the region called Lorraine. The name and word Lothario derives from the same source.

Most famously borne by Loja Saarinen, a Finnish-American artist and wife of architect Eliel Saarinen. She was born Minna Carolina Mathilde Louise Gesellius and went by Louise or Loja.

Variant of Marisa

This name of a famous Booth Tarkington novel is alien in today's world.

You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.

An elaboration of Marisa, a combination of Maria and Louisa. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Variation of Ludwig.

Adelma is likely a feminization of Adelmar, which means famous nobleman. The name was seen a bit during the nineteenth century, with a famous bearer being Adelma Vay, a medium and spiritualist, which may be enough to put this in the new class of spiritual names. Count Adelma among the unusual but intriguing German names for girls.

Alternate Anglicization of Rurik, a powerful name related to Roderick with a meaning to match. This spelling shortens naturally to cool nickname Rory.