German Names

More familiar to most English speakers in its Italian form, Tancredo, this Old School name is one to consider if you want something both authentic and highly unusual.

Hipsters might consider reviving this old German name, though we're not so sure their sons wouldn't have preferred the classic Fred name Frederick. Manfred B. Lee (born Manford) was half of the team of detective story writers who used the pseudonym Ellery Queen; Manfred Mann was a British pop group of the 1960's, with Manfred Mann (born Michael Liebowitz) at the keyboard. There's also a wooly mammoth named Manfred, and nicknamed Manny, in the film Ice Age.

Seventies comic-book-heroine-style name.

There are a surprising number of baby boys named Barrett each year in the US -- nearly 1800 -- along with 30 baby girls. Which is more than many people might guess.

A daring middle name possibility for classical concertgoers. Alternatives are Wolfgang and Amadeus.

Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine form of Joseph, though you might consider Josepha if you want to break rank.

Wears long blonde braids, carries a spear, and sings duets with Brunhild. But variations Ottilie, Ottiline, or Ottoline are both unusual and chic.

Baby-naming rule #984: forget any name that contains the syllable wig.

A long-haired classical conductor name, which could appeal to parents looking for a Laszlo-like appellation. A name of Slavic origin, it has a powerful and uplifting meaning.

A German occupational surname deriving from the German word Bad, meaning "bath". Its most famous bearer in recent years has been (the notorious) RBG – former Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, making this a great feminist name or a nod to a lawyer in the family. Its simple, dynamic, er-ending sound fits right in with the likes of Hunter, Carter and Baker.

Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.

The ancient Roman name that gave us Cecilia, Cecily, and related names. This spelling looks authentic, but might raise more pronunciation problems than it solves.

Fading since the 1970s -- but still a lovely name.

Melisende, the mellifluous name of a 12th century queen of Jerusalem, gave rise to the more modern (but less lovely) Millicent. Other old forms include Melisent, Malasintha, and the French Melisande, a fairy tale heroine.

Has a harmonic feel.

Verlin is an obscure name that found some use in the US in the early part of the 20th century, but now it and variation Verlyn are extinct, given to no baby boys in the US last year.

Vill always sound as if you're pronouncing Walter with an affected accent.