Death Names

Celka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive of Celestyna or other names beginning with 'Cel-'. In Polish contexts, it carries connections to the Latin 'caelestis,' meaning 'heavenly' or 'celestial.' This charming, compact name has traditional usage in Eastern European countries but remains rare in English-speaking regions. Celka combines an exotic feel with relatively simple pronunciation, making it accessible despite its uncommon status. The name carries a delicate, feminine quality while still offering substance through its celestial associations. For parents seeking a name with Slavic heritage or simply a distinctive yet melodic choice, Celka provides an option that feels both unique and connected to traditional naming practices.

Now that the Irish Ciaran and Ciara -- aka Kieran and Kiera -- are becoming more popular beyond their native shores, the short and strong Ciar might find some favor. As of now, more than 160 baby girls were named Ciara in the US last year, with half that many boys named Ciaran, but so far no baby boys named Ciar, though 17 were called Keir.

Claudeta is a feminine name that functions as a delicate diminutive form of Claude or Claudia. With Latin origins, it connects to the Roman family name Claudius, meaning 'lame' or 'limping,' though this etymology has little bearing on its modern usage. Predominantly found in Romance language-speaking regions like Portugal, Brazil, and parts of Spain, Claudeta carries a softly elegant quality. The name blends classical heritage with a melodious sound, making it appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. While never achieving mainstream popularity in English-speaking countries, Claudeta maintains a steady presence in Portuguese-speaking communities. The name conveys a sense of refined femininity with its flowing syllables and graceful ending.

Claudia is a classic name with ancient Roman roots. Never truly in or truly out, Claudia feels like a strong, modern choice that hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual..

More unusual than Dakota or Austin, Colorado conjures images of majestic mountains and windswept wilderness. Some will prefer the more preppy Aspen, but Colorado feels like the true explorer.

One of the unisex western names that rode in with Dakota and Montana.

A distinctive alternative to Conan.

Cynthia is an attractive name -- in classical mythology an epithet for Artemis or Diana -- that was so overexposed in the middle of the twentieth century, along with its nickname Cindy, that it fell into a period of benign neglect, but now is ripe for reconsideration in its full form.

Dawn's heyday in the US, Canada and the UK came in the 1960s and 70s. It peaked at #14 in the US in 1971, but has since sunk from sight to be eclipsed by other names with the same meaning, such as Aurora, Roxana or Zariah.

Diana, the tragic British princess, inspired many fashions, but strangely, not one for her name. For us, Diana is a gorgeous and still-underused choice.

Elise is one of those golden names that stylish but not TOO popular. Its appeal is due in large part to its French flair and to the love for El-names in general.

The Greek mythological Elysium, or the Elysian Fields, was the home of blessed mortals after death. It's been coopted as a modern baby name for both sexes, although the Elyseum spelling has never been given to more than five children of a single sex in any one year.

Elysium, or the Elysian Fields, was the Greek mythological utopia where the blessed and righteous resided after death. It's been used as a baby name for girls and boys in small numbers, although the Elyseum variation has yet to break the charts.

Emma has now been among the top girl names in the United States for several years, claiming the Number 1 crown in 2008 and again from 2015 to 2018 before dropping back to second place.

Endimion is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, an alternative spelling of Endymion. In Greek mythology, Endymion was a handsome shepherd loved by Selene, the goddess of the moon, who cast him into an eternal sleep so she could admire his beauty forever. This romantic myth has inspired artists and writers throughout history. The name carries connotations of extraordinary beauty, eternal youth, and divine love. Endimion remains extremely rare as a given name, making it a distinctive choice. Its literary and mythological associations give it an intellectual, cultured quality. With its flowing syllables and poetic background, Endimion appeals to parents drawn to classical names with rich narrative histories and an air of mystique and romance.

Ephai may have a sad meaning but it's an interesting Biblical alternative to such widely-used names as Eli and Elijah.

Eva is a simple, classic Hebrew name for girls that recently slipped out of the US Top 100 for the first time in more than a decade. Pronounced either like her more popular sister Ava or less popular sister Eve, Eva is one of the elite group of girl names that mean life.

Eve, the oldest name in the Book, is now coming back into style, having the virtues of simplicity and purity, yet with more strength and resonance than other single-syllable names like Ann. British actor Clive Owen chose Eve for his daughter, as did Jessica Capshaw.

Name of the last king of Egypt.

Galand is a masculine name with multiple possible origins, including Old French and Germanic roots. It may relate to the French 'galant' meaning 'courteous' or 'chivalrous,' or possibly connect to Germanic elements meaning 'to sing' or 'to enchant.' This uncommon name carries a medieval, knightly quality with its sophisticated sound. While never widely popular, Galand has persisted as a rare choice throughout the centuries, particularly in regions with French influence. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic character that balances strength with refinement. Its spelling variation Galland is occasionally seen as well. Modern parents might be drawn to Galand for its distinctive quality, historical resonance, and the positive attributes of gallantry and courtesy embedded in its possible meanings.