Name options for kids

  1. Lillia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lilies"
    • Description:

      More than Lily yet less than Lillian, Lillia is a fresh and undeniably pretty member of the stylish genus of double (or in this case triple) l names. You can also spell it Lilia.
  2. Starling
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.
  3. Fidel
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. 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.
  5. Inanna
    • Origin:

      Mesopotamian
    • Meaning:

      "lady of heaven"
    • Description:

      An ancient Mesopotamian goddess of love, war and justice, with a name that fits modern tastes. In recent years it has become a rare but steady fixture near the bottom of the charts, and feels full of potential for parents looking for an offbeat name from mythology.
  6. Minea
    • Origin:

      Finnish feminization of Minos, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Else
    • Description:

      Else is a feminine name with Germanic origins, functioning as both a standalone name and a short form of names containing the element 'Elis' such as Elisabeth or Elise. In German and Scandinavian cultures, Else has been used independently for centuries. The name carries a simple, clean elegance with its compact four-letter formation. In Danish and Norwegian, it's pronounced 'EL-seh,' while German speakers may say 'EL-zuh.' Despite its European popularity, Else remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but became less common after the 1940s. Today, it may appeal to parents seeking a minimalist yet classic name with European flair.

  8. 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.
  9. Taro
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "great (or eldest) son"
    • Description:

      An energetic Japanese name that would make for an on-trend choice in the English-speaking world. Especially appropriate for a first-born son.
  10. Melena
    • Origin:

      Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or Melina
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Anaise
    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais
    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  12. Lilo
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Liselotte; Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Falcon
    • Origin:

      Bird name
    • Description:

      There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
  14. Lilium
    • Origin:

      Flower name, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      Lilium is the genus of the lily family and may make an interesting spin on Lillian, for those looking for something distinctive but familiar, wearable but with a touch of unexpected flair. Since the 2000s, a small handful of girls have been given this name in the US.
  15. Winika
    • Origin:

      Maori
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Varinia
    • Origin:

      Latin, meaning obscure
    • Description:

      An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.
  17. Melda
    • Description:

      Melda is a feminine name with multicultural origins. In Turkish, Melda means 'young girl' or can refer to a graceful appearance. The name also has potential Italian roots, possibly derived from 'Imelda,' meaning 'universal battle' or 'powerful fighter.' With its simple two-syllable structure and melodic sound, Melda carries an elegant, somewhat vintage quality. Though not commonly used in English-speaking countries, the name enjoys moderate popularity in Turkey and parts of Southern Europe. Melda offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that's recognizable but uncommon, combining strength and femininity in its various cultural meanings.

  18. Keily
    • Origin:

      Variation of Kylie, Australian Aboriginal
    • Meaning:

      "boomerang"
    • Description:

      A spelling variation of Kylie, an Aboriginal name first popularized by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It’s now associated with Kylie Jenner, whom parents might be attempting to distance themselves from with this version of the name.
  19. Chardonnay
    • Origin:

      French, a dry white wine
    • Description:

      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.
  20. Crane
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "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.