Recently, I was bored at work. To solve this problem, I went looking for new names. Since this is so often my solution, however, it’s difficult for me to find said ‘new’ names. Not to brag or anything, but I know a lot of names. Even if I do find a name I haven’t seen before, it’s usually ugly. So, to find cool new names is a little like finding my size in a pair of Joe’s Jeans on sale at T.J. Maxx. Now. That being said, today I sorted through tons of lists from Europe, and found some beauts that are rarely found on our side of the Atlantic, among them:
Girls:
Lærke (Danish)- pronounced LAYR-ka, it’s the Danish word for “lark” and it has a beautiful sound. It’s popular over there right now, unheard of here. (And, I’m guessing, many other places). I also like just plain Lark. It has a down to earth, yet whimsical vibe.
Sunniva (Norwegian)- pronounced Soon-ee-va, it means "gift from the sun," which is just plain awesome. I love the nickname possibilities, like Sunny, Niva, Evie, etc.
Solveig (Norwegian)- before you gag, it’s not pronounced Sawl-veeg, which would not be the greatest sound, but “Sole-vay,” which I think is really unique and sweet.
Nova, Novalie (used in a number of Scandanavian countries)- Both are awesome. They remind me of stars, because that’s what they mean, but believe it or not, Nova was not unheard of here in the U.S., circa 1880-1900.
Madelief (the Netherlands)- pronounced Mad-a-LEEF, what’s not to like about this name? It’s like I get to use Madeleine without all the aggravating popularity, and make it sound even BETTER. Only caveat is that it almost sounds invented, and I hate invented.
Romy (the Netherlands)- This is cute, easy to say and spell, and unusual. Used as a nickname for Rosemary or on its own, I prefer it as a nickname for Rosemary, just because straight up nickname-names aren't my cup of tea. They're not substantial enough.
Esmee (the Netherlands)- I like it spelled with one e at the end, but still, a gorgeous name (EZ-may) that Lemony Snicket as well as J.R. Salinger have used. Literary cred, check.
Meritxell (Catalonia)- This name is so cool, for so many reasons. (Muh-ree-CHEL). First of all, it has an x in it. Second of all, it sounds like Michelle and Rachel, which are well established, traditional names, but it isn’t. And third of all, it’s insanely unique. That checks a lot of boxes for me.
Jana (Belgium)- YAH-na. Short, cool sound, unique. Can’t go wrong.
Luna (Belgium)- I love this name...the “lu” sound, the moon meaning, the easy spelling and pronunciation, the Harry Potter reference, the Luna Park reference...so much going for it that I think it’s only a matter of time before its popularity skyrockets. I've seen it being tossed around on the message boards quite a bit.
Boys:
Theo (Belgium)- Not Theo, like "thee-oh". TAY-o.
Sander (Belgium)- Sander sweeps me away with its swarthy sexy sound.
Finn (Ireland, Netherlands)- one syllable THWACK of coolness. It’s getting popular really fast, though.
Casper (Netherlands)- Forget the Friendly Ghost. Casper comes from the name of one of the Three Kings that delivered presents to baby Jesus, it has a cool modern sound, and it’s got the “er” ending I’m fond of.
Bram (Netherlands)- BRAHM, like Bram Stoker. It’s short and powerful without losing a sense of intelligence.
Sem (Netherlands)- The Dutch are prime at one syllable awesomeness. This is the Dutch form of Shem, a Biblical name. Only thing is it might get mixed up with Sam a lot in America.
August (Denmark and others)- I do enjoy this name. It’s retro, strong, and has the nickname Gus, which I can't help but love.
Axel (Several countries) - That’s right. Like an axel rod. But it’s awesome. I would not want to mess with someone named Axel. There is also a female version, the French Axelle (ax-ELLE), which is equally unusual and neat.
Arthur (Belgium) - It’s about time this caught on again. Arthur sounds like that geeky chic guy who makes it big in computers and is nerdily good-looking. I vote yes.
Pim (Netherlands)- I think this is fun to say. Dutch short form of Willem. Could possibly be a replacement for Tim or Jim, though I would recommend it as a nickname only. Pim as one's full name sounds kind of like a joke.
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| (Image courtesy of zimbio.com) Will Ferrell has sons named Axel, Magnus, and Mattias. |
Those are my male and female candidates for some of Europe's best undiscovered names. Which do you like best? Least? Any you think I should have added?
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