witchy and gothic names

The name of the god of death and the underworld in Greek mythology is definitely a dark and daring choice. The Roman version Pluto is more associated with the used-to-be planet or Mickey Mouse's side-kick dog.

Most parents would find this old Roman name pretentious compared to the more accessible Adrian, but some history buffs just might want to commemorate the enlightened emperor.

Hadriana may not have been used for a couple of millennia, but with the new fashion for ancient names, it just might be ready for a comeback.

These days, it's thought of less as the name of the great general and more as the first name of Lecter the fictional cannibal. Either association is too heavy for a child to bear.

Hart could be the hero of a romantic novel, but on the other hand, it's short, straightforward, and strong sounding. The most famous bearer of the name was tragic poet Hart (born Harold) Crane, but it also has musical cred via Lorenz Hart, of the classic Rodgers & Hart songwriting duo and a literary tie to playwright Moss Hart.

Harvest has been occasionally used as a name since the eighteenth century, originally as evenly unisex, but in the US data for last year was starting to lean more female, given to 29 girls and 11 boys. Harvest can be seen as pleasantly archaic, rich and ripe, fitting in with popular baby names like Harper and Harry, and is also a fresh take on names like Autumn and August and one of the best names for autumn babies.

Hathor is an Egyptian goddess name with a mystical and especially intriguing sound for a girl. In Egyptian mythology, she is a sky and mother goddess related to joy, sexuality, love, music, and motherhood. Her name's meaning — "the house of Horus" — refers to Horus, the Egyptian god of the sun, sky, war, and kingship.

The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category: Hawthorn is a type of hedge.

Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.

In Greek mythology, Hecate is associated with witchcraft and magic. The name may mean "willpower" or "far-reaching".

Previously used primarily by Latino families, this name of the great hero of the Trojan War as related in Homer's Iliad is beginning to be considered more seriously by others seeking noble ancient hero names as well--it was also the name of the knight who raised King Arthur as his own son.

Queen Hecuba was the legendary queen of King Priam of Troy, mother of Hector, Paris, Cassandra and others. Euripedes' tragedy Hecuba depicts Hecuba's grief over the death of her daughter Polyxena, and the revenge she takes for the murder of her youngest son Polydorus.

Hel, sometimes called Hela, is the Norse goddess of death and the underworld.

Hela, another name for Hel, is the Norse goddess of death and the underworld. The Hela form has been appropriated by Marvel for its goddess of death.

A beautiful plant and a rare botanical name probably deriving from Greek. Could make a novel honor middle for an ancestral Helen.

The Hellen spelling of this ancient Greek name refers directly to the Hellenes, another name for the Greek people. The mythological Hellen, related to the sun god Helios, was actually male, though there are no baby boys named Hellen in the US today.

Hellena is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Helena, which derives from the Greek 'Helenē,' meaning 'torch' or 'bright one.' The name carries classical associations with Helen of Troy from Greek mythology, considered the most beautiful woman in the world. This double-L spelling variation adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the name's elegant heritage. While less common than Helena or Helen, Hellena has appeared periodically throughout history across various European cultures. The name combines sophisticated classical roots with a slightly unique spelling that distinguishes it from more common variants.

A rare and bewitching nature name, belonging to a poisonous plant also known as devil's bread or poison parsley.

The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an eccentric aristocrat, much more accepted in the U.K. than she has been here.

This cognate of Jerome (of all things), familiar via the Dutch painter of fantastical scenes, H. Bosch, would appeal only to the most audacious, intrepid, attention-seeking baby namer. It is, however, still used in Germany, especially in Catholic Bavaria and in the north German Rhineland.