Names That Mean Form

Gearóidín is familiar to our Irish members, but is probably unseen outside the Emerald Isle. It would provide some steep challengers to people unfamiliar with Irish names, but since that hasn't stopped Saoirse, Niamh and Aoife, there's no reason to not pick this if it steals your heart. Some famous bearers of the name include Gearóidín Breathnach (Irish singer).

Shalailah is a soft name made most familiar by journalist Shalailah Medhora. Given the popularity of Layla and all her variants, Shalailah has potential for parents looking for something off the beaten track.

Marvel is rising for both sexes, and this cheerful, melodic variation could appeal too.

A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.

Calls to mind the world Jellicle, as in CATS. But still classier than Angie.

This Latin name, also spelled Alida, has come into focus via the interesting character of Aleida Diaz on Orange is the New Black, the mother of Dayanara. In real life, Che Gueverra named a daughter Aleida.

Ynyr is still quietly used in Wales, though the alternative modern form of ancient Roman Honorius is the simple Honor. The name is used in the 1983 sci-fi movie, Krull, which follows the adventures of a Prince and companions as the attempt to rescue a princess; Ynyr is the film's narrator and a wise man.

Sometimes, a new name is created by lopping off the first letter or letters. Such is the case with Abrielle, which feels like Gabrielle without its shirt.

Like Edmund, but with a double-take. (W is a vowel in Welsh.)

Demetrio is an original way to a mythological name, and is further appealing as a boy's name inspired by a goddess, the earth mother Demeter.

Cay is a rare respelling of the retro nickname Kay, but one that may gain ground as a name that's both simple and unique. Like Kay, it can be a diminutive for any of the hundreds of Catherine variations that start with a C or of more modern names such as Caylee or Cadence. Or it can stand on its own as a sleek contemporary nickname-name.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

Polish form of Andrew

Pronounced klaus, this spelling of the name is associated in this country with the major Pop Art sculptor Swedish-born Claes Oldenburg, known for his colossal public sculptures of everyday objects such as lipsticks and binoculars, and the "Happenings" performance art of the 1960s. Variations include CLAUS, KLAUS, KLAES, and CLAAS.

Evana is an intriguing feminization, but will often be mistaken for the better-known Ivana, thanks to the first Mrs. Trump.

An unusual but attractive version of the Hebrew name Penina, meaning "pearl".

This saintly choice is an example of the Catalan trend for short, streamlined names.

As this name is essentially Arnold, it is out of fashion in Wales currently. The Welsh "LL" sound is likely to prove a challenge elsewhere in the world.

Once you get past thinking of it as a red-painted building where they keep cows and hay, has a nice plainspoken country-like feel and may make a cooler diminutive than the still-purple Barney.