Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed.
We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight!
Lacey writes:
My husband and I are expecting our first “ours” baby later this year.
I say “ours” because when I married my husband, I became the mother of a beautiful little girl named Endry Mae. Every time someone hears her name, they comment on how unique it is, and I have tried to research the name Endry a dozen times, but have come up with basically nothing as to its origin/meaning/statistics.
My husband tells me that her mom found the name in some baby name book and that it’s Gaelic/Irish in origin. That’s all he knows. I have always liked unique names, but seeing as when I search the name “Endry” on Google, and come up with essentially nothing, her name takes the cake.
My problem is, I want to name our baby something just as unique/unusual, but am having a hard time finding anything because obviously, everything I find on the internet is, well, on the internet and therefore more popular than Endry.
My husband likes the name Clarity for a girl and Keaton for a boy. I’m okay with these names but they’re not my favorites.
On my list for girls: Poema, Lorelai, Seelie, and Lumi.
On my list for boys: Thoreau, Caspian, Walden.
But as I said, my biggest thing is that I want a name just as unheard of as Endry for our “ours” baby. I would love to hear any advice/input/suggestions! Also, no names that start with E please!
Please read on for my response, and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Dear Lacey –
Congratulations on your new baby!
No question, Endry is an unusual name. It doesn’t appear in the Social Security Administration data for last year, which means it was given to fewer than five children. And it looks like that’s true going back for decades! I’ve heard the surname Hendry; I wonder if Endry is a variant?
In any case, it definitely feels like a one-of-one name. But do you need to find another one? Or is a name that feels stylistically similar and not very common close enough? I ask because you have Lorelai on your shortlist. This spelling currently ranks #544 in the US; Lorelei comes in at #462. Combined, that’s over 1,200 girls receiving the name last year alone.
Poema, Seelie, Lumi, and Clarity all feel more distinctive and different. Clarity also has another edge: while it’s very unusual as a child’s given name, it’s familiar as a word, which makes it easy to spell and pronounce.
Likewise, Keaton stands at #572 for boys, and Caspian at #868. Thoreau and Walden are far less common.
Since it sounds like you’re both on board with finding a true rarity, let’s look at some fresh options – and I know the community will have some great ideas, too!
A Sister for Endry Mae
Desta – I hear this as a cousin to popular word name Destiny, but it actually has roots in Amharic – a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It means joy. And yet, it’s been used in small numbers for years in the US. There’s a Toronto-based designer on the HGTV series Love It or List It named Desta Ostapyk. So I think it’s an intriguing name, hard to pin down, but with the same appeal as Endry.
Malou – Malou probably started out as a mash-up of Marie and Louise. (Or Mary and Louisa, or … you get the idea.) But I think it sounds modern and unexpected, and definitely rare.
Sibley – I see Seelie on your list. If it’s not quite right, would you consider Sibley? It’s a cousin to the name Sybil, but feels even less expected.
Sonnet – Word names like Clarity appeal because they’re unusual – and yet everyone recognizes them immediately. If Clarity isn’t quite right, might Sonnet appeal? It’s a little like Poema, too, but perhaps slightly more straightforward.
Tulip – Flower names like Rose and Lily are everywhere, but no one is naming their daughters Tulip. It would work beautifully, though.
Valancy – I’ve written about Valancy before. Lucy Maud Montgomery gave the name to a character in one of her less popular novels. It’s never caught on, and only the most diehard of fans would even recognize it, so I think it works wonderfully.
A Brother for Endry Mae
Auden – Austin was big in the 90s; August is white hot now. But how ’bout Auden? It’s literary, like Thoreau, and safely outside of the current Top 1000.
Calder – I feel like I recommend Calder all. the. time. And yet, there’s lots of appeal to this simple, but rare surname-name. A similar name you might also consider: Camber, though since it rhymes with Amber, it might work equally well for a daughter.
Fielding – I had Fielder on the first draft, but then I though about Fielding. The -ing ending makes this name rare, indeed – no one is naming their kid Jennings or Kipling or Harding. (Well, a very few.) Fielding fits in with surname-style names, as well as outdoorsy ones, but remains a style standout.
Kodiak – Kodiak is a place in Alaska; the Kodiak bear shares the name. It almost certainly comes from an indigenous language and means island, but it was whispered down the alley to its present form. It’s a strong, distinctive name for a son.
Loxley – Robin Hood was also known as Robin of Loxley. (Or Locksley.) It shortens to edgy nickname Lock.
Quest – How bold can you go? I think Quest makes a great name for a son, similar to the popular Journey, with an undeniably distinctive sound.
My favorite name for a daughter is Sonnet. I think it’s the best of Poema, with a nod to Clarity, too.
For a boy, I’m divided. That’s probably because I really do like Keaton as a brother for Endry, and Caspian, too – but both are more common than Endry. From your list, I’d pick Thoreau. Like the word names, it’s instantly familiar while still being very rare as a given name.
Looking at my suggestions, I think Kodiak appeals most strongly. But I’m not sure I’d use it, unless I had some affinity for the great outdoors/bears/something to do with Alaska. It seems a little specific. And yet, with names like Thoreau and Walden on your list, maybe that’s a fit?
Okay, readers, over to you – what truly distinctive names can you dream up for Endry Mae’s new sibling?
I was researching Hungarian names and found Endre and looked more into it. Apparently Endris, Endre, and Endres are Hungarian variants of Andrew. So, I am guessing Endry is a female variant of Andrew?
And I wish we could know what they picked for Endry’s sibling!
Three suggestions
1. What about Coriander it’s my son’s name and was as rare as Endry when I chose it. Since that time it.has became slightly more known as a name but still quite rare. More girls are given the name than boys but it could be used either way.
2. Caibryen (Cai-bree-in) is a name I made up and thought of as aname if I ever had another son what about making a new name for your baby such as a mesh of your and your husband’s names ? That way it would be unique and meaningful and as special as your baby is
3. Look.at ancient Greek names for some unknown treasures.
I also think Clarity is a nice choice.
I second Adler for a boy. I think it’s German for eagle, but best check.
@Jaime mentioned Trilby, which got me thinking of the -by names. I love this category.
Willoughby
Rigby
Gatsby
Shelby
Colby
Nickelby
Quimby
Busby
Darby
Widby
Of these, I’ve known a Shelby and a middle name Colby. So to me, they are rare.
Finnavere (Anglicized spelling of Findhbair, also Gaelic) for a girl. Pair with a short, common middle like May. Maybe Jane…Finna Jane? For a boy, Rhydian (pronounced rid-ee-un) which is Gaelic too. Both are pretty unheard of
Endry and Alder sounds perfect to me
Perenna
Esmerine
Salona
Ismerie
Avonlea
Joule
Denali
Indio
Devereaux
Revel
Dario
Darrow
I second the suggestion to dig up that nameberry invent a name contest blog post, it might have been written in summer 2016?
Julep
Corentin
Mazarine
What about Dalony for a girl? It’s Welsh
Sidra is a great suggestion. Also- Calyx, Reeva, Finda. Tamsett, Hale, Tosca, Diem,
I thought of my grandmother’s name- Reva (pronounced with a long E) and I then I saw Liz’s Reeva suggestion!
Not sure why I keep thinking up names for Endry’s little brother or sister! You’ve captured my imagination
Valancy just made me think of Valor for a boy – I’m loving this with Endry!
I was also wondering if you’d like Verity or Demelza? They’re great characters from the Poldark series.
Can’t wait to see what you choose 🙂
Tillian – sounds like a sister for Endry.
Tillian June (June middle after sister’s Mae middle would be cute) ;)…
Congrats on your baby and good luck with the name! 🙂
A few others you might consider:
Endry and …
Trilby
Adler
Anouk
Ashby
Bevin
Sidra
Dorian
Hollis
Merritt
Collins
Romilly
Sosie
Thessaly
Zinnia
Bellamy
Sheridan
Zadie
I especially liked the suggestions of Sibley and Clancy for a little girl.
Boden
Bodhi
Kyler
Tarquin
Penn
Thayer
West
Tobin
Sayer
Burke
Clive
Cormac
Callum
Fritz
Callahan
Sullivan
A few more suggestions:
Adler
Aalto
Armo
Alcott
Anslo
Lockwood
Kyffin (this was discussed over at British Baby Names this week)
Tarian
Ferran (quite popular in Catalonia, but rare elsewhere)
Selkie
Ysella
Tesni
Ysoria
Suvi
Carmody
Stelara
Zola
All are listed on https://www.behindthename.com or https://surnames.behindthename.com (except Selkie, which is a mythological creature), if you’re interested in learning more about them.
Good luck!
I really like the suggestions. You might also find something on the British Baby Names site, because it has a lot of historical and Gaelic etc obscure names
Valency!! Oh, YES.
Otherwise, Isley might be right with Endry.
Kerenza is an *almost* unheard of name here in the states, but it’s Cornish (or maybe Welsh?) for ‘love’.
Endry and Kerenza
Best wishes!
Here at this link you’ll see “Endry” as a surname! It makes for a beautiful first name as well, I agree!
https://www.ancientfaces.com/surname/endry-family-history/816472#surname-history
Oh, I also love Clancy.
I have cousins named Tyrin and Keston and I’ve never heard them anywhere else, so that might work for you. I think Walden or Thoreau fits better with Endry, though. That gives you a literary, slightly preppy vibe, whereas some of the other names move it into more of a western vibe. Fielder or Fielding keeps the literary, slightly preppy vibe (which I quite like, though I like the other names too, especially Calder).
Just thought of something else you might like: Sorcha is Gaelic for Light (pronounced Soar-sha) Might me too exotic with Endry though?
I’m still loving Lumen Claire
There was a post on Nameberry awhile back (like years ago) where people had to submit made up/invented names. There are literally hundreds of comments. You should google it and read some!
I too love Sonnet. Auden and Calder from Abby’s suggestions would be stellar for a boy! From other commenter’s suggestions, I second “Vesper” and agree that “Lumen Claire” (Lumi) sounds lovely.
I also knew a Caprielle
You might get some inspiration from street or place names as they could make unusual names.
Here are a few ideas from either people I’ve met who are the only ones I’ve met with the name or place inspired names.
Girls:
Callyn (pronounced Cal-lynn)
Chelan (pronounced Shuh-lan. I knew a woman named this. It is also the name of a lake in WA State. The word means “deep water” in a local tribal language.
Ravenna
Selah (pronounced with a long e)
Boys:
Mercer
Girls:
Truely
Cleodie
Vesper
Boys:
Journey
Buzz
Rocket (nn Rocky)
I have a niece named Journey and a cousin who named his daughter Jurnee, so I don’t know if it is super rare and it feels very “girl” to me.
I see Lumi on your list and wonder how you’d feel about Lumen- seems like a good match for Endry and you could use Lumi as a nickname?
Lumen Claire and Endry Mae would be a sweet sibset ❤️
For a boy, Caspian would be cool- it makes me think of valiant adventures! I like the spirit in Thoreau, too- nothing wrong with encouraging a son to be self reliant!
Keaton is a nice name if you’re good with the subtle Batman/Family Ties connection- both positive connections, but might hey old as people comment on the name, unless you love the association?
Best of luck!
Love Unique names too, although my kids names aren’t as unique (very trendy now, in fact) as I originally wanted.
Endry is so cute.
My son’s name is Keaton so I think your husband has great taste. And although not as uncommon as Endry I think they sound great together.
I’m big on surnames as first names ( Keaton is after my favorite Batman, Michael Keaton). When I introduce my son to people they say they’ve never heard he name although I’ve met two others who live in town right next to us.
Since Endry could be from Hendry or I’ve seen Kendry, I think looking at uncommon surnames could get you something.
You might browse the “submitted names” section of Behind The Name. Those are on the Internet, yes, but have extremely spare usage and not on any mainstream baby name sites.