Names That Mean High

With its musical allusions, a harmonious possibility.

In Greek mythology, Hyperion is one of the twelve Titans: children of Gaia (Earth) and Uranus (Sky). Hyperion presides over heavenly light, and is the father of Helios (Sun), Selene (Moon), and Eos (Dawn).

Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The Magdalene and Magdalena versions are perhaps even more stylish. Can be shortened to Maggie or Magda but the full version is prettiest. One of our new favorites!

Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun. Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of being confused with Bret/Brett—or as a shortening of Brittany.

Russian form of Eli mainly used today by families with Russian Jewish heritage.

An anglicized spelling of Irish Ardghal, this name is most famously borne by Ardal O'Hanlon, an actor, author and stand-up comedian best known for his role as Dougal Maguire in the comedy series Father Ted.

Eli is more often considered a Biblical classic for boys, with the name ranking in the Top 100 alongside Biblical choices for boys, like Elias, Elijah and Levi. Despite this, nearly 50 girls in the US were still called Eli last years. While some parents might have been following in the footsteps of those naming their daughters James, it could also be a spelling twist on familiar Ellie, or a short form of the Scandinavian names, Elisabet and Elin. Either way, with its similarity to Ellis, Ari, Elizabeth, Evie, Ivy, Riley, and Eden, there could be scope for Eli to be seen as a gender neutral option.

Classic Finnish name also found in neighboring Estonia.

Has an evocative feel, unusual to the Western ear without being identified with any particular culture.

Rarely used un-Gaelic-sounding Scottish name with literary associations to Erskine Caldwell, author of Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre.

This spelling gives the name favorite an Elaine spin.

Takai is primarily seen as a surname in Japan but has great potential as a first name abroad. The authentic pronunciation is three syllables, but American parents may be saying it as tah-KYE.

This title name definitely makes a statement. Will Admiral fit in with the Saints, Kings, and Knights joining the playground?

A literary surname that's short, to the point, and very rare. It combines several origins: Scandinavian meaning "high ground", Scottish meaning "stranger", and English meaning "wild boar" (hello, secret animal name!).

A rarely-used spin on a classic.

Modern Greek form of Arion

This common Arabic name is related to Aaron, but feels far more distinctive in the US. Haroun Khalifa is the protagonist of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories.

Matleena is a contraction of Magdaleena, the Finnish variation of the biblical Magdalene.

This Judeo-Italian name combines Alta, meaning "high", with Donna, meaning "woman" — translating to a woman of high status or rank. A grand but beautiful name choice.