Unusual Names from My Family Tree
- Erastus
Origin:
Latinized form of Greek ErastosMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
The Biblical Erastus was an assistant of Paul's in the New Testament. A name used in the 19th century that has fall off the scope, but may be revived as parents dig deeper for undiscovered Biblical choices.
- Elnathan
- Elphias
- Elveritte
- Elwell
- Epaphrus
- Ermil
- Gowan
- Greenberry
- Gret
- Grid
- Hepzibah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my delight is in her"Description:
This is a streamlined spelling of the biblical Hephzibah. Hephzibah is an Old Testament name that came into use in the 17th century, but is not often used today. It does have less formal nicknames Eppie and Hepsie, which seem revivable. Hephzibah "Eppie" Cass/Marner is the heroine of George Eliot's novel Silas Marner and Hepzibah Smith is a witch in the Harry Potter series.
- Hammiel
- Henslee
- Issachar
- Jerusha
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"inheritance"Description:
This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.
- Jerijah
- Keziah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"cassia tree"Description:
This lively Old Testament nature name (belonging to one of the three beautiful daughters of Job) may be missing from the current US Top 1000 list, but it ranks highly here on Nameberry — making it one to watch!
- Larkin
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"rough, fierce"Description:
The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.
- Lilburn
Description:
Lilburn is a masculine name with Old English origins, combining elements that likely meant 'small stream' or possibly relating to 'lily flower' and 'burn' (stream). It originated primarily as a surname and place name before occasionally being adopted as a given name. Lilburn saw modest popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. The name carries a gentle yet masculine quality, with nature-inspired undertones that connect to the English countryside tradition. Despite its softness, Lilburn maintains a distinctly masculine character and historical gravitas. It might appeal to parents interested in reviving vintage names or those with family connections to this surname. Lilburn also shares sounds with more common names like Wilburn, giving it a familiar quality despite its rarity.