Names That Mean Soul

Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.

A rising vintage sweetheart for girls and a fresh new possibility for boys, following the likes of Nova. The name first became fashionable in England following the Battle of Alma – named for the Russian river – during the Crimean War. It derives from anima, the Latin for "soul", and has the same meaning in modern Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.

This name has two origins: the English word Dusk, meaning evening twilight and the Czech name for girls Duška meaning "soul or spirit". Either way, this is an interesting name with some potential.

One of the most intriguing Punjabi girl names, bringing with it an easy path to the stylish nickname Ruby, as well as the very on-trend rhythmic "-ani" ending.

A name rarely heard outside Russia; the first syllable could cause problems.

Pretty Slavic name, with some obvious pronunciation challenges.

A lovely Arabic name for girls mostly used for Muslim girls of South Asian descent.

An Arabic name that can easily cross cultures. Janan might make a distinctive honor name for an ancestral Jan, Jane, or John.

Notably used for characters in Spirited Away and Naruto.

Gorgeous Kazakh name with a poetic meaning. Aruzkhan ranked as high as Number 3 in Kazakhstan in 2011.