Name options for kids
- Crane
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"crane"Description:
This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.
- Siana
Description:
Siana is a beautiful feminine name with cross-cultural connections. It may be a variation of Siana (pronounced see-AH-na), which has Welsh origins meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Italian name Siena, after the Tuscan city, or could be a form of Shana, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'beautiful.' In some Polynesian languages, particularly Hawaiian, similar names can mean 'light' or 'divine.' The name features a pleasing combination of soft sounds that flow naturally together. While not among the most common names, Siana has maintained a steady presence in various cultures and has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries. Its international appeal, gentle sound, and positive meanings make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Yarrow
Origin:
Botanical name, EnglishMeaning:
"rough stream"Description:
Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.
- Meena
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"blue semiprecious stone, bird"Description:
Interesting multi-cultural option.
- Safiya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"pure"Description:
The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Nanou
Description:
Nanou is a delicate feminine name with French origins, often used as a nickname for names like Anne, Nanette, or Éleanor in French-speaking regions. This charming diminutive has taken on life as a given name in its own right, offering a sweet, modern sound with an international feel. The name has a melodic, sing-song quality that gives it a playful yet sophisticated character. Nanou remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking something short yet complete. The name carries a certain joie de vivre and elegance associated with French culture.
- Enna
Description:
Enna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, including as a variation of Anna (Hebrew for 'grace'), a shortened form of names like Ennaline or Marienna, or derived from the ancient city of Enna in Sicily. In Finnish, 'enna' means 'predict' or 'foresee,' adding another layer of meaning. This short, symmetrical name has a gentle yet distinct sound that travels well across different languages and cultures. While never widely common, Enna has seen occasional usage throughout history and across different regions. Its simplicity, melodic quality, and cross-cultural adaptability make it appealing to modern parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible with a subtle ancient resonance.
- Luciliano
Description:
Luciliano is an elaborate and melodious masculine name with Latin roots, likely derived from the Roman name Lucilius or Lucillus, diminutives of Lucius meaning "light" or "illumination." This ornate name combines the popular elements of Luciano and Emiliano into a distinctive yet recognizable form. Though relatively rare, Luciliano has particular appeal in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking regions where longer, flowing masculine names are traditional. The name carries a certain aristocratic flair while maintaining connections to the increasingly popular "Luc-" family of names. Its meaning associated with light gives it positive connotations of brightness, clarity, and hope.
- Tinka
Description:
Tinka is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Dutch and Nordic countries, it functions as a diminutive of names like Christina or Martina. It also appears in Slavic languages with various meanings—in some contexts related to 'tiny' or as a nickname for Valentina. The name has a bright, sprightly quality with its crisp consonants and clear vowels. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Tinka has a playful, distinctive sound that makes it appealing as a given name. Its international usage gives it cross-cultural versatility despite its relative rarity. The name's short form eliminates the need for nicknames while its unusual nature makes it memorable.
- Kiele
Description:
Kiele is a feminine name with Hawaiian origins, typically pronounced as "kee-EH-leh." In Hawaiian, it means 'fragrant blossom' or can refer specifically to the gardenia flower, which holds cultural significance in Hawaii. The name embodies natural beauty and the tropical essence of the islands. Beyond Hawaii, Kiele has gained modest recognition through occasional use in popular culture. Its exotic sound and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible to non-Hawaiian speakers while maintaining its cultural authenticity. The name provides a subtle connection to Hawaiian heritage without being among the more commonly appropriated Hawaiian names. Kiele appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with genuine cultural roots and a melodic quality that works well in diverse linguistic settings.
- Winika
Origin:
MaoriMeaning:
"Christmas orchid"Description:
With the rise of all those other popular feminine W names, like Winnie, Willa and Winona, why not consider the lovely Winika? Win and Winnie are likely nicknames and it is associated with a dainty Pacific orchid that blossoms at Christmas time. If you're looking for international names for Christmas babies, this is one for the short list.
- Lilo
Origin:
German, diminutive of Liselotte; HawaiianMeaning:
"generous one"Description:
Lilo is the name of the spunky little Hawaiian girl character in the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch-- and is also Lindsay Lohan's nickname. Multi-cultural, it can be found in Hawaiian, German and Hebrew nomenclature.
- Chardonnay
Origin:
French, a dry white wineDescription:
If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.
- Minea
Origin:
Finnish feminization of Minos, GreekMeaning:
"king"Description:
The Finnish writer Mika Waltari invented the name Minea from the Greek Minos for a character in his 1945 novel The Egyptian. It's become a popular Finnish name in the 21st century.
- Melena
Origin:
Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or MelinaMeaning:
"from the high tower; black, dark; honey"Description:
A short form of Magdalena in Dutch and a variation of Melaina, Melina, Melinda, Melanie, Milena and similar, Melena is also used for a character in the novel Wicked and the subsequent Broadway musical.
- Lilit
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"lily"Description:
Lilit in the Top 20 girls names is Armenia. Outside of Armenia, Lilit might be confused with Lilith, but is worth considering as a name in its own right.
- Zo
Description:
Zo is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it relates to "life" (from zoe), while in some African cultures, particularly Madagascar, it can mean "ancestor" or carry spiritual significance. The name has been used in East Asian contexts as well, where short names are often valued. Its brevity gives it contemporary appeal in Western naming trends that favor short, punchy names with impact. Zo functions well internationally due to its easy pronunciation across languages. While uncommon in mainstream Western usage, it has gained some traction among parents seeking minimalist names with cross-cultural resonance and meaningful depth beyond its simple two-letter structure.
- Cree
Origin:
Native AmericanDescription:
This Native American tribe name is an attractive option for a boy or a girl. Tia Mowry used it for her son in 2011.
- Nayana
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"beautiful eyes"Description:
Hip-swayingly evocative.
- Fidel
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"faithful"Description:
The association with the Cuban leader Castro is still strong, but he's by no means the only Fidel. This name was in the Top 1000 for over 80 years, from 1919 to 2005. From the late Latin name Fidelis, meaning "faithful", at its heart it has an uplifting meaning.
