Power Names/Fantasy

Kaena is a pleasant sounding unisex Hawaiian place name, the westernmost point of the island of Oahu. In the computer-generated fantasy movie Kaena: The Prophecy, the character of Kaena is voiced by Kirsten Dunst.

Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.

Iria is a diminutive version of Eirene / Irene and is therefore associated with the Greek goddess of peace.

Evocative of the great Nobel Prize winning poet Pablo Neruda, real last name Basoalito, who took on the surname Neruda to honor a Czech poet of that name. One of the most poetic and arty boy names starting with N, or with any letter, for that matter.

This name comes from a very rare species of butterfly, making it a nice choice for those seeking a name that suggests nature, rarity and fragility.

The Social Security Lists show this name to have been used throughout the 1920s and 30s especially in Southern states, where it likely appealed alongside Clarabel and Marigold. It feels part double-barrel, part surname, and part nature-inspired, which may encourage more parents to consider it in the future.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

Naoko is a common Japanese name with an admirable meaning, which, depending on how it's written, can translate to obedient, straight, honest, or green child. Naoko can also be spelled Nahoko.

Aisa is a concise feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'loved one' or 'one who is cherished,' while in Swahili traditions, it relates to 'life' or 'living.' The name also appears as a variant of Aisha, an Arabic name meaning 'alive' or 'prosperous.' This multicultural background gives Aisa global appeal and versatility. Though not widely common in Western countries, the name has seen occasional use throughout different periods and regions. Its brevity makes it distinctive yet easy to pronounce across languages. Aisa carries positive connotations in its various cultural contexts, typically relating to concepts of life, love, and vitality. The name's simple elegance and cross-cultural significance make it appealing to parents seeking something meaningful yet uncommon.

The name Persia derives from Avestan Parsa, the name of the Indo-European nomadic people who migrated into southern Iran in about 1000 BCE. Persis or Persea, the feminine form of Perseus, feel more namelike.

This variant of the more-difficult Afua, from the Akan language of what is now Ghana in West Africa, is a traditional "day name" that can make a perfectly pretty modern choice.

Place names can be a nod to your cultural heritage or a commemoration of a favorite destination. Scotia comes from the Latin name for Scotland, which may be a perfect fit for a family of Scottish heritage if Scotland feels too on-the-nose. Caledonia is another possibility, used by the Romans for the land north of Hadrian's Wall in England, which marked the upper boundary of the Roman Empire. And Nova Scotia (meaning "new Scotland") is also the name of a Canadian province.

Airin is a gentle feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Erin (meaning "peace" or "Ireland" in Gaelic), a feminine form of Aaron (meaning "high mountain" or "exalted" in Hebrew), or a variation of Airi (a Japanese name meaning "love jasmine"). With its soft, airy quality, Airin evokes a sense of lightness and grace. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining crosscultural appeal. Though not commonly used in mainstream Western naming, Airin offers a modern alternative to more traditional names while remaining simple to pronounce and spell. The name's delicate sound pattern creates a gentle impression while its multiple cultural connections give it versatility. For parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible, Airin provides a distinctive choice with a feminine, ethereal quality.

Kiska is a Alaskan volcano island that has the sort of brisk sound to it that makes it fit in with both old names like Saskia and modern names like Pax.

An Ancient Greek name with a huge dose of literary credibility. Laertes was the father of Odysseus in Greek mythology, who therefore pops up in Homer's The Odyssey.

Kalindi is a lovely, rhythmic name refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.

Though this Biblical place name is found among early American settlers, usually as a male name, today it sounds completely feminine. As a place name, its gender is mutable in any case. An unusual and intriguing Biblical option, albeit one with an unhappy meaning.

Sleek, woodsy European choice.