Names I Like

  1. Lianna
    • Origin:

      Variation of Liana, French
    • Meaning:

      "to climb like a vine"
    • Description:

      Subtle botanical choice with cross-cultural appeal. Streamlined Liana is more common.
  2. Kavan
    • Origin:

      Breton
    • Meaning:

      "battle"
    • Description:

      Rarely heard, and all too likely to be confused with Kevin.
  3. Ringo
    • Origin:

      English nickname
    • Description:

      The most outlandish Beatles-inspired name, if Lennon or McCartney are too tame for you. Ringo Starr is the stage name of drummer Richard Starkey, taken from his nickname Ringo (because he wore lots of rings) and the first part of his surname. A bold rock-n-roll inspired choice!
  4. Poetry
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Meaning:

      "literary form with distinctive style, rhythm, and line breaks; as beautiful as a poem"
    • Description:

      A lyrical choice with a similar feel to Story and Posy and a similar sound to Penelope. It might refer to either a work of poetry, a collection of poems, or something that is comparable to the beauty often associated with poetry as a form.
  5. Haruko
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "born in spring"
    • Description:

      A traditional possibility for a Japanese or Japanese-American child born in April or May.
  6. Daenerys
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      Daenerys is yet another girls' name invented by "Game of Thrones" author George R. R. Martin that is beginning to gain some traction in real life. Daenerys was used for 67 baby girls in 2013 while one of the character's titles, Khaleesi, was given to 241 baby girls. And the name Arya, also from the hyper-popular series, is one of the fastest growing girls' names in the country.
  7. Madaline
    • Description:

      Madaline is a variant spelling of Madeline, which derives from Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. This specific spelling offers a subtle twist on the more common versions while maintaining the name's elegant French character. Pronounced similarly to Madeline (mad-uh-line or mad-uh-lin), it provides visual distinction while preserving the name's classic appeal. The name has maintained modest popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, with various spelling iterations rising and falling in usage. Madaline carries the sophisticated, literary associations of Madeline while offering a slightly more unique presentation. The name conveys femininity and grace with its soft sounds and historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a classic name with a personalized touch.
  8. Elisabetta
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      This version softens, feminizes, and glamorizes the long-time favorite. A fresh way to honor Grandma Betty. Elizabetta is a variation.
  9. Lianne
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Julianne or combination of Lee and Anne
    • Description:

      Lianne is occasionally used independently, but fairly flimsy. Our advice: Keep looking for a name that carries more individual authority.
  10. Valora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "courageous"
  11. Adaria
    • Description:

      Adaria is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a derivative of names like Adara (Hebrew for "virgin, maiden") or a feminine form of Adrian (from Latin, meaning "from Hadria"). With its melodic four syllables and flowing sound, Adaria has an ethereal, almost musical quality. The name remains relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible in pronunciation. Adaria carries an elegant, somewhat exotic feel while maintaining familiar elements that connect to more common names. Its uniqueness makes it stand out while its conventional structure and pleasing phonetics ensure it doesn't feel too unusual. For those seeking a name that combines femininity with uniqueness, Adaria provides an option that sounds both graceful and distinctive.

  12. Zenevieva
    • Description:

      Zenevieva is an uncommon feminine name that appears to be a creative variation of Genevieve, which has French origins meaning 'tribe woman' or 'woman of the race.' The replacement of the initial 'G' with 'Z' gives the name a more exotic and distinctive quality while maintaining the melodious sound of the original. This unique spelling creates a fresh identity for a classic name, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet uncommon. Though rare in official name registries and statistics, Zenevieva carries the same elegant, timeless qualities as Genevieve but with an added contemporary twist. The name has four melodic syllables that flow well together, creating a name that is both sophisticated and memorable.
  13. Carleigh
    • Origin:

      Variation of Carly, English
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      Carleigh, a fancier way of spelling Carly, reflects the trend toward trying to make an ordinary name more special by fiddling with the spelling. Yes, Leigh is a feminine way to spell Lee, so Carleigh is theoretically an acceptable way to spell Carly, but it doesn't really work that way. People will wonder: is it Car-lay? Car-lee-uh? And your child will forever have to spell her name. Stick with Carly....or better, Carla or Carlin, or better yet, Charlotte or Caroline.
  14. Ethelle
    • Description:

      Ethelle is a feminine name that functions as an elaboration of Ethel, which comes from the Old English 'æðel' meaning 'noble' or 'of noble birth.' The addition of the '-le' ending creates a softer, more melodic quality. Ethel was quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining, and Ethelle represents a more ornate variation that never achieved the same widespread usage. The name carries a vintage charm with connotations of dignity and refinement. While uncommon today, Ethelle might appeal to parents drawn to the revival of classic names with a twist, offering historical substance with a delicate sound quality that distinguishes it from the simpler Ethel.
  15. Kaidan
    • Description:

      Kaidan is a masculine name with multiple potential origins, most commonly associated with Japanese and Gaelic roots. In Japanese, it can mean "mysterious story" or "ghost story," while as an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caden, it connects to "cath" meaning "battle." The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries in the early 2000s, part of the trend toward names with the appealing "aid" sound. Its rise coincided with similar names like Aidan, Jayden, and Brayden. Kaidan offers versatility with its cross-cultural connections and modern feel. The spelling variant Kayden is also common. Parents are often drawn to its contemporary sound combined with meaningful origins, making it appealing for those seeking a name that feels both current and substantial.
  16. Kiria
    • Description:

      Kiria is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Greek, "kyria" (κυρία) means "lady" or "mistress," denoting respect and authority. It may also derive from the Russian diminutive of names containing "kir" (like Kirill), or have connections to Kiara or Ciara. In some Eastern Christian traditions, "Kyria" appears as a title for female saints or the Virgin Mary. The name has seen limited usage across Greek-speaking regions, parts of Eastern Europe, and occasionally in English-speaking countries. Kiria offers a cross-cultural appeal with its melodic sound and accessible pronunciation. Despite its ancient roots, it maintains a contemporary feel that appeals to parents seeking a name that bridges traditional and modern sensibilities.