Names That Mean Person

Sebastian is an ancient martyr's name turned literary, and Little Mermaid hero—think Sebastian the Crab—that's more popular than ever, as a classic-yet-unconventional compatriot for fellow British favorites T Theodore and Oliver.

In this form, or as Sebastian or as Bas, Bastien is a fashionable Euro name with a possible future in America.

A popular Japanese name with an uplifting meaning, Kaito is connected to the air and the sea. Said with three syllables and not the two English speakers may expect, it has been borne by a number of Japanese footballers, along with several popular fictional characters, including Kaito Momota of Danganrompa, and the Vocaloid Kaito.

A highly unusual Italian word-name that is nevertheless attractive and easy to pronounce and spell.

A dramatic-sounding demonym for someone from the city of Gaeta, on the Mediterranean coast of Italy, with roots that stretch back to Ancient Rome, Cayetana is among the Top 100 Spanish baby names. It lends itself well to several sweet nicknames, such as Cay and Ana.

Eren ranks among the Top 50 boys' names in Turkey, among the Top 1000 in England and Wales, and is virtually unknown in the US. With a sound that's similar to Aaron or Erin, it may be mistaken for one of those more familiar choices but does make an easily-translated and attractive name. Eren entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, with parents potential inspired by the character Eren Yeager in the popular Japanese manga series Attack on Titan.

Heavily perfumed word name that peaked a few years ago.

Corliss, eccentric yet well-established, has an independent and artistic air.

An earthy rock'n'roll name with multiple origins. The Roc was a giant bird in Middle Eastern legend.

Most commonly associated with artist M.C. Escher, Escher makes a great hero name that would fit in nicely with the surname names of today.

Sebastian has many international nicknames, and Tian is the short form of choice in Slovenia. It is also spelled Tijan.

As a given name, Kemper is a rare gender-neutral choice, given to fewer than 50 American babies at last count. It's much more familiar as a surname, as in that of Ellie Kemper, an actor from The Office and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Attractive, simple Japanese choice that, while not strictly unisex, could work even better for a girl, especially now that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West use it as the nickname for their daughter North. Nori is also the name of an edible seaweed used in wrapping sushi.

Stokes is ultimately an English surname, although it's been used in Ireland and Scotland for generations as well. It's a variation of Stoke, a habitational surname, as there were many towns named Stoke in England. The origin of the word stoke, however, is contested. Some say it simply means "place," while others contest it designated a small hamlet. There's also evidence that connects it to the Old English word stocc, meaning "tree trunk."

A new, hyper-intelligent word name that first appeared on the charts in 2008.

Move over Maia, Mia and Mara - there's a new melodious M name on the block! Maiara has a great meaning and a soft flowing sound which fits in with current trends.

The Spanish travelling or Romani community are called Gitanos, and Gitana is the feminine word. The term evolved from the Old Spanish word egiptano "Egyptian".

Bas is a fashionable name in its own right in the Netherlands, where it's been in the Top 10. Used throughout Europe, it may have a future here as a straightforward-but-charming nickname name. Baz is another, similar and more appealing possibility.

Seppo has two separate Finnish origins. The first is as a nickname for Sebastian, a name used widely across Europe. The second version is derived from the Finnish word seppä, meaning "smith."