Updated November 2023
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Slavic or German
"shepherdess; wanderer"
Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's…
Tibetan
"brave wanderer"
If Portia can become Porsche, then Apollo can morph into Polo -- the imprint of designer Ralph Lauren.
English
"wanderer"
Gypsy, long associated with the intellectual stripper Gypsy Rose Lee and the musical that was made about her life, was used by Drea de Matteo and Shooter Jennings as the middle name of their daughter…
Swedish
Like Stian, a more manageable short form of the unwieldy Srigandr, but with a less euphonic sound. Stig Larsson is a successful Swedish novelist, not to be confused with the even more successful late…
Spanish
"traveller, Romani person"
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".
Old Norse
"Sámi, Finn, wanderer"
A simple and attractive feminization of the Nordic name Finn.
Hindi
The name of the visionary second-century BC Indian physician, a definer of diseases and believer in a sound mind and body: a worthy inspiration.
Norse
Once popular (and still familiar) in Norway, Stian could make an interesting choice for anyone with northern European roots. It is a modern form of the Norse Stígandr, with its appealing, wanderer…