What About?
- Sonali
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"gold, beautiful color"Description:
Especially used in Bengal and Bangladesh, Sonali is nowadays considered to mean "golden". Bengali actress Sonali Chowdhury is a notable bearer of this name.
- Laurenza
Origin:
Italian, feminine variation of Lorenzo, LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"Description:
Unusual and appealing, Laurenza might make a perfect honor name for an ancestral Laura or Lawrence. Count Laurenza among the unknown-yet-usable Italian names for girls.
- Philomene
Description:
Philomene is a feminine name of Greek origin derived from 'philomenes,' meaning 'loved' or 'sweet-singing.' It's connected to Greek mythology through Philomela, who was transformed into a nightingale, giving the name associations with music and beautiful sounds. Philomene is more common in French-speaking regions and parts of Europe, though it remains relatively rare globally. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become less common. It carries an elegant, classical quality that appeals to parents seeking sophisticated traditional names with literary connections. Variations include Philomena, Filomena, and Philomèna.
- Tomaisin
Description:
Tomaisin is a rare masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Thomasin or Tomasin, which themselves derive from Thomas. The original name Thomas comes from Aramaic origins meaning 'twin.' This unusual spelling variation adds distinctiveness to the traditional name. Historically, Thomasin has been used for both males and females, though it's more commonly associated with female usage in modern times. The name has occasional literary connections, appearing in Thomas Hardy's novel 'The Return of the Native' as a female character. As Tomaisin specifically, the name remains extremely uncommon, making it a highly distinctive choice. Its rarity offers uniqueness while still connecting to the familiar and widely-used Thomas family of names.
- Ceil
Origin:
Short form of Cecilia or CeliaMeaning:
"blind or heavenly"Description:
With the growing popularity of Celia and Cecilia, this vintage canasta-playing nickname name could be due for a comeback.
- Isamar
Origin:
Spanish, Conflation of Isabella and MariaDescription:
This is one elaboration of the ubiquitous Isobel that we think should be chosen more often and would work well in many languages.
- Giana
Origin:
Spelling variation of GiannaDescription:
This variant of Gianna has been in the US Top 1000 for most of the 21st century and hit a peak in 2010 at Number 568. The original spelling outranks the trimmed down version by far.
- Julitta
Origin:
Dutch variation of Julia, LatinMeaning:
"youthful or sky father"Description:
This fairly obscure saint's name was chosen by Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden for one of her twins.
- Nadka
Description:
Nadka is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Bulgarian, Russian, and other Eastern European cultures. It likely developed as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'nad' (meaning 'hope') such as Nadezhda, or possibly as a variant of Natalia. The suffix '-ka' typically adds an affectionate or familiar quality in Slavic languages. This compact name carries cultural significance in Eastern Europe while remaining distinctive and uncommon in Western countries. Nadka combines strength and softness in its sound, reflecting Slavic naming traditions that often feature a blend of consonants with feminine endings. The name appeals to parents seeking a connection to Eastern European heritage or those drawn to distinctive international names.
- Mariesa
Origin:
English elaboration of MariaMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
A pretty spin on Maria or Marissa.
- Orleanna
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Orleanna was the young heroine of Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible.
- Dayami
Origin:
Malay, Cuban; "hay; place name"Meaning:
"hay; place name"
- Shosha
Description:
Shosha is a feminine name with Hebrew and Yiddish origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'shoshana' meaning 'lily' or 'rose,' symbolizing beauty and purity. In Yiddish communities, it developed as a nickname for Shoshana. The name carries a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. Uncommon in mainstream Western naming practices, Shosha maintains cultural significance in Jewish communities worldwide. It offers a concise alternative to the longer Shoshana while preserving its floral associations and cultural heritage. The name's simplicity, paired with its melodic sound and meaningful etymology, gives it a quiet elegance that resonates with those seeking names with cultural depth.
- Nyura
Description:
Nyura is a feminine name of Russian origin, derived from the name 'Anna' and often used as a diminutive form. In Russian culture, it's considered an affectionate nickname for Anna, similar to how 'Annie' functions in English. The name carries a gentle, warm connotation and has historically been popular among Russian-speaking communities. While not commonly found in Western countries, Nyura has a melodic quality that gives it cross-cultural appeal. The name's simplicity and soft sound make it distinctive yet accessible. Nyura remains relatively rare globally, adding to its unique character when encountered outside Eastern European contexts.
- Lorilyn
Description:
Lorilyn is a feminine name that appears to be a modern combination of the names Lori (a diminutive of Laura, meaning 'laurel' in Latin) and the popular suffix 'lyn' or 'lynn' (from the Welsh word for 'lake'). This blend creates a melodic, flowing name with a contemporary feel while maintaining traditional elements. While not historically common, Lorilyn emerged in the mid-20th century in the United States during a period when similar combination names gained popularity. The name carries a gentle, feminine quality with its soft sounds and rhythm. Parents might choose Lorilyn seeking something recognizable yet distinctive, offering familiar nickname options like Lori while having a more elaborate full form.
- Tophor
Description:
Tophor is an uncommon masculine name likely derived as a shortened form of Christopher. While Christopher comes from Greek elements meaning "bearing Christ," Tophor on its own doesn't carry specific etymological meaning beyond being a modern variation. It may have emerged as parents sought more distinctive alternatives to the highly popular Christopher. The name has a contemporary feel despite its classical roots, and its brevity aligns with modern naming trends favoring shorter forms. Tophor remains quite rare in usage statistics, making it an option for parents seeking uniqueness while maintaining a connection to a traditional name. Its distinctive sound sets it apart while remaining relatively straightforward to pronounce.
- Octavianne
Description:
Octavianne is a feminine name derived from the Latin name Octavius, meaning 'eighth' or 'born eighth.' It's an elaborate feminine variation of Octavia, which was traditionally given to the eighth child or a child born in the eighth month in ancient Roman families. Octavianne combines the classic roots with a French-inspired suffix, giving it an elegant and sophisticated quality. While less common than variations like Octavia, Octavianne appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a melodious sound. Its rarity makes it distinctive, yet its connection to more familiar names keeps it accessible. Octavianne carries an air of nobility and refinement, reflecting its aristocratic Roman heritage.
- Padraic
Description:
Padraic is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, serving as a traditional Irish variant of Patrick. Derived from the Latin 'Patricius' meaning 'nobleman,' it honors Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick. The authentic Irish spelling preserves the cultural heritage while creating a distinctive alternative to the more common Patrick. Pronounced roughly as 'PAW-drick' or 'PAW-rik' in traditional Irish, the pronunciation often adapts in English-speaking regions. Padraic remains relatively uncommon outside Ireland, appealing to those with Irish heritage seeking an authentic cultural connection. The name carries the friendly nickname options 'Paddy' or 'Pad.' With its rich historical significance and distinctive spelling, Padraic offers a meaningful choice that honors Irish language and tradition while maintaining connections to the widely recognized Patrick.
- Ezzret
Description:
Ezzret is an extremely rare masculine name with mysterious origins, possibly deriving from Arabic or North African naming traditions. The name gained limited recognition through Canadian Football Hall of Fame player Ezzret Anderson (nicknamed 'Sugarfoot'), who played in the 1940s and 50s. Beyond this connection, Ezzret remains virtually unknown as a first name, making it exceptionally distinctive. The unusual combination of consonants and the strong 'z' sound create a bold, memorable quality. Without widespread usage, the name lacks established meaning associations, allowing it to carry personal significance for those who choose it. Ezzret offers parents seeking true originality an option with athletic connections and an intriguing global feel.
- Jennipher
Description:
Jennipher is a creative spelling variant of Jennifer, which originated as a Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar (the original form of Guinevere). The name means "white fairy," "white wave," or "fair and smooth." This distinctive spelling with 'ph' instead of 'f' gives the classic name a unique twist while maintaining its familiar pronunciation. Jennifer became extraordinarily popular in the English-speaking world during the 1970s and 1980s, while alternative spellings like Jennipher have remained relatively uncommon, offering individuality. Parents who choose this spelling often appreciate the traditional name but desire something slightly unconventional that still honors the original name's heritage and meaning.
