In the realm of naming trends, a shift towards maximalism has emerged, influenced by the likes of Wednesday, Bridgerton, and The Witcher. Breaking free from the confines of simplicity, these names draw inspiration from history, fantasy, myth, and legends, embodying an extravagant, opulent, and grandiose essence. Here are some prime examples of the maximalist naming phenomenon taking the stage in 2023.
Boys Maximalist Names
Casimir – “Proclaimer of peace”
Draco – “Dragon” or “Serpent”
Jiraiya – This name has Japanese origins and does not have a specific meaning in English. In Japanese folklore, Jiraiya is a ninja and a toad sage.
Lazarus – “God is my help”
Lysander – “Liberator” or “Free man”
Morpheus – In Greek mythology, Morpheus is the god of dreams.
Oberon – This name is associated with Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where Oberon is the king of the fairies.
Octavius – “Eighth” or “Born in the eighth month”
Perseus – In Greek mythology, Perseus is a hero who slays the Gorgon Medusa and rescues Andromeda.
Valerian – “Strong” or “Healthy”
Wolfgang – “Wolf path” or “Traveling wolf”
Zebedee – “Gift of God”
Girls Maximalist Names
Ambrosia – In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the food or drink of the gods, often associated with immortality.
Andromeda – In Greek mythology, Andromeda is a princess who is saved from a sea monster by the hero Perseus.
Cassiopeia – In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia is a queen and the mother of Andromeda.
Cleopatra – This name is associated with Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
Esmeray – This name has Turkish origins and does not have a specific meaning in English.
Euphemia – “Well-spoken” or “Good reputation”
Evadne – “Pleasing” or “Well-pleased”
Iolanthe – “Violet flower” or “Purple flower”
Mazikeen – This name is associated with the character Mazikeen from the comic book series “Lucifer” and does not have a specific meaning in English.
Myfanwy – This name has Welsh origins and means “beloved” or “my fine one.”
Ottoline – This name has German origins and does not have a specific meaning in English.
Persephone – In Greek mythology, Persephone is the queen of the underworld and the daughter of Demeter.
Venus – In Roman mythology, Venus is the goddess of love and beauty.
Wednesday – This name is associated with the character Wednesday Addams from “The Addams Family” and does not have a specific meaning in English.
Zephyrine – “Of the west wind” or “Breezy”
Gender Neutral Maximalist Names
Phoenix – A mythical bird associated with rebirth and immortality.
Everest – Named after Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
Indigo – A deep blue-purple color.
Sterling – A term used to describe something of exceptional quality or value.
Harmony – Refers to a pleasing combination of elements or a state of agreement and balance.
Azariah – Means “God has helped” or “God has assisted” in Hebrew.
Valiant – Demonstrating courage, bravery, and determination.
Solstice – Refers to the astronomical event when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point, marking the beginning of summer or winter.
Marlowe – A name of Old English origin, meaning “driftwood” or “remnants of a lake”.
Zephyr – A gentle breeze or the personification of the west wind in Greek mythology.
Serenity – A state of calmness, tranquility, and peace.
Aveline – Derived from the Germanic name “Avelina,” meaning “desired” or “longed for.”
Rhapsody – Refers to an intense and enthusiastic expression of feeling or experience.
Orion – Named after the prominent constellation in the night sky, representing a hunter in Greek mythology.
Aurelian – Derived from the Latin word “aureus,” meaning “golden” or “gilded.”