Reject Pile (Or is it?)
- Antonique
Description:
Antonique is a feminine name that represents a creative, modern variation of the classic Antonia or Antoinette. With French-inspired phonetics, this uncommon name blends traditional roots with contemporary style. Derived from the Roman family name Antonius, it ultimately carries the meaning of 'priceless' or 'beyond price.' Antonique emerged primarily in the late 20th century as parents sought unique alternatives to traditional names while maintaining familiar sounds. The distinctive '-ique' ending gives the name a sophisticated, musical quality. Antonique remains quite rare in usage statistics, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking individuality. The name projects confidence and elegance while carrying the weight of its classical origins.
- Anyu
Description:
Anyu is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Hungarian folklore, it means 'mother' and carries warm, nurturing associations. In Chinese, depending on the characters used, it can mean 'peaceful jade' or convey other positive qualities. The name also appears in Inuit culture, where it can refer to a snow angel. Anyu's brevity and melodic quality make it appealing across cultural boundaries. The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal while still being straightforward to pronounce. Its simplicity—just two syllables with a pleasing rhythm—contributes to its gentle charm. For parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and meaningful across different cultural traditions, Anyu offers a thoughtful choice with nurturing undertones.
- Aodh
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"fire"Description:
Aodh, the name of the Celtic sun god meaning "fire", was common in early Scotland. It's also the origin of the wildly popular Irish name Aidan (originally Aodhán). Its pronunciation varies depending on region: AY or EE are Irish pronunciations, and in Scotland it's closer to UH, and has been Anglicized as Hugh.
- Aoi
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"bluish"Description:
A very popular girls' name in Japan with an unfortunate English pronunciation: picture a toddler with a hurt knee saying "owee."
- Aoibheann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"beautiful sheen"Description:
An ancient Aoibheann was the mother of Saint Enda, and Aoibheann remains popular in Ireland today, sometimes with its Anglicized spelling Eavan.
- Aquitaine
Origin:
French place nameDescription:
If you're looking for a really untouristed place name, Aquitaine could be it. Aquitaine is a region of France that includes both Bordeaux and Biarritz and is famous for such food and drink as its pates and cassoulets, Armagnac brandy and Bordeaux wines.
- Arkadina
Origin:
Feminine variation of ArkadyMeaning:
"from Arcadia"Description:
Arkadina was thrust into the limelight as one of the (many) middle names of Uma Thurman and Arpad Busson's little girl. The Slavic or Russian feminine form of Arkady, which is derived from the ancient Greek name Arkadios, is the equivalent of the English Arcadia -- a heavenly place. For most English speakers, the Arcadia form would be more compatible.
- Aroldo
Description:
Aroldo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing the Italian form of Harold, which derives from the elements "heri" (army) and "wald" (rule), meaning "army ruler" or "military leader." Popular primarily in Italian and Spanish-speaking communities, Aroldo carries a distinguished, classical quality. The name evokes strength and authority through both its meaning and its resonant sound. While well-established in Italian naming traditions, Aroldo remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic appeal. Historical associations include Aroldo, Verdi's Italian adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, lending the name artistic and cultural significance. Aroldo typically suggests a man of leadership qualities, resilience, and traditional values, while its melodic qualities give it a certain romantic flair characteristic of Italian masculine names.
- Atlas
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"bearer of the heavens"Description:
Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
- Aura
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"soft breeze"Description:
Aura is a New Age-y word turned name turned contemporary slang for karm. In Greek and Roman mythology, Aura was the Titan of the breeze and the fresh, cool air of early morning. But at odds with her peaceful, well, aura, the mythological Aura is a tragic figure, ultimately transformed into a fountain by Zeus.
- Avis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
- Avivit
Description:
Avivit is a feminine Hebrew name derived from the word 'aviv,' meaning 'spring' or 'renewal.' The suffix '-it' creates a feminine form, so Avivit essentially means 'springlike' or 'fresh.' This beautiful name embodies the concepts of rebirth, growth, and blossoming potential. In Israel, where the name originated, spring (aviv) holds special cultural significance, as Tel Aviv literally means 'Hill of Spring.' Avivit remains relatively uncommon outside of Israeli and Jewish communities, making it a distinctive choice. The name carries bright, optimistic associations with the renewal and hope that springtime brings, suggesting a personality full of vitality and fresh perspectives. Its musical quality with the repeated 'v' sound gives it a gentle, flowing pronunciation.
- Aya
Origin:
Japanese, Hebrew, Danish, ArabicMeaning:
"colorful, design; honey buzzard, bird; rock, lull, happiness; sign, verse"Description:
Aya, barely more than a breath, is an international favorite, with origins in several languages and cultures. Popular throughout Europe, It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2012.
- Azami
Origin:
Japanese; PersianMeaning:
"thistle flower; greatest"Description:
Azami has a prickly image and feel — reinforced by the thistle's image in Eastern mythology as one of defiance. A name that spans two widely divergent cultures, Azami might make the perfect international choice, at once unusual and easy to comprehend.
- Azaria
Origin:
Spelling variation of AzariahMeaning:
"Yahweh has helped"Description:
A Biblical name with a modern feel, Azaria is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name, Azariah. Used as a masculine name in the Bible, this spelling is now more commonly used on girls.
- Barnabas
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"son of consolation"Description:
Barnabas, whose birth name was Joseph, was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle, His name is a bit Old World compared to the update Barnaby, but could gain some attention as boys' names ending in 's' are enjoying a comeback.
- Beauregard
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"beautiful gaze"Description:
In the past this was seen as a jokey Southern colonel name, but we have heard of some parents considering it as a path to the likeable Beau.
- Benjamina
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"daughter of the right hand"Description:
The kind of feminized male name that never caught on.
- Benvolio
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"good wisher; peacemaker, benevolent"Description:
A kindly, virtue-adjacent name, it appears in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, borne by the peacemaker friend who persuades Romeo to go to the party where he meets Juliet. Alas. A bold choice but with familiar nicknames Ben, Lio, and Bo.
- Bhaltair
Description:
Bhaltair is a masculine name representing the Scottish Gaelic form of Walter. With Celtic origins, this uncommon name carries the same Germanic roots as Walter, derived from 'wald' (rule) and 'hari' (army), meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior.' The distinctive spelling with 'Bh' reflects Scottish Gaelic phonology, where this combination creates a 'v' sound. Primarily found in Scottish Highland and Gaelic-speaking communities, Bhaltair connects its bearer to Celtic heritage and Scottish cultural traditions. While rare even within Scotland, the name offers parents seeking authentic Gaelic names a strong option with historical depth. The pronunciation (roughly 'VAHL-ter') might present challenges outside Gaelic-speaking regions, but its uniqueness and cultural significance make it an intriguing choice for those with Scottish ancestry or appreciation for Celtic naming traditions.