Names That Mean Beginning

Effortlessly stylish with an international feel, Milan re-entered the US charts back in 2013 after a 55 year hiatus. It has been powering up the charts ever since, following in the footsteps of sweet sound-alike Mila, and spotlighted by singer Shakira, who chose it for her son.

In many Slavic and other European countries, Milan is purely a boys’ name, but in the US, it's also popular for girls – no doubt inspired by the fashionable Italian city. It entered the Top 1000 for boys in 2013, while for girls it has been in the Top 1000 since 2009. Currently, it is given to three boys for everyone one girl.

Fitting in with Scottie, Stevie, Frankie, and Birdie, Ziggy is a nickname-y choice that feels energetic, cutesy, and cool. Borrowing star quality from Ziggy Stardust and Ziggy Marley, Ziggy is predominantly used on boys, however, since the death of David Bowie in 2016, it has been quietly gathering attention as a girls name, with 43 babies given the name in a recent year.

A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.

This Basque name is quite popular in Spain, where it has long been in the Top 100 names. This is likely due to its pleasant meaning; the sound, dignified in Spanish and Basque, may not fare so well in English-speaking countries.

Attractive, approachable, and more striking Nick alternative.

An informal nickname for names such as Julia, Juliette, and June.

Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label. Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.

Jules may be hot in France, but the Jools spelling is almost as familiar in the UK and US, thanks to celebrity bearers Jools Holland and Jools Oliver. Jools is a unisex name.

In Greek mythology, Arche was the muse associated with origins. As a baby name, it may be misunderstood as Archie.

A nickname for names such as Nina, Nicole, and any others containing the "ni" element. Olivia Rodrigo's character Nina "Nini" Salazar-Roberts in the High School Musical series has made it fresh for a new generation.

The names from which Meja derived, including Meinhild and Magnhild, are long gone, but a Swedish singer called Meja (born Anna Pernilla Torndahl) has piqued interest in this modern derivative. Meja is now a Top 100 name in Sweden.

Jules may be hot in France, but the Jools spelling is almost as familiar in the UK and US, thanks to celebrity bearers Jools Holland and Jools Oliver. Jools is a unisex name.

Can't decide between Lucas, Luis or Lucian? This mini-name takes it down to the bare essentials.

Boi, sometimes used as a standalone in Catalonia, comes from names like Baldwin and Baldric. It doesn't sit so well in the English language, where it sounds like — and is an alternative spelling for — "boy".