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.

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.

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

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

Heavily perfumed word name that peaked a few years ago.

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

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."

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.

Ivey can be considered an alternate spelling of the botanical name Ivy, but it also has separate origins as a surname. For the Anglo-Saxon Ivey line, Ivey means "son of Ive," while for the English-Norman Iveys, it means "person from Ivoy," a commune in the Cher department of France.

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.

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

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.

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.

Nore comes from Nori, the Old Norse mythological name of the founder of Norway. As a feminine name, Nore is a variation of Nora popular in the Netherlands.

Aspirational name that could cause feelings of deficiency in a child later on.

Cute but slight masculine nickname.

Americans are familiar with Seb as a nickname for Sebastian, but Seppe is an international update. This Flemish nickname name has found popularity in its own right in Belgium and the Netherlands.

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

This Swedish form of Sebastian would work nicely as a nickname.

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