Names That Mean My

This Old Testament name borne by a grandson of Jacob would not rate high in the classroom.

As a masculine name, Gauri is Finnish in origin and derives from Gabriel.

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

Cute nickname but the "gabby" synonym might prove problematic, especially is your daughter is chatty....or not.

This pretty palindrome name is rarely heard in the US, but could make an interesting namesake for an aunt or grandma Ann. It's also a German diminutive form of Anna.

One of the most unusual of the biblical iah-options, this was the name of a long-reigning king of Judea, and just might appeal to the parent looking for a quasi-unique Old Testament choice. And it avoids the negative Dickensian aura of the other New Testament U-name, Uriah.

In the Igbo culture of Nigeria, the name Nnamdi is given to baby boys who are thought to be reincarnations of their grandfathers. The name is familiar via Nnamdi Asomugha, a former NFL player married to Kerry Washington.

A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.

Angad is a name of Sanskrit and Hindi origin, that can be used to refer to an ornament or a bracelet, but when given as a name, is more likely chosen to reflect the idea that a child is part of their parents. The name is significant to both Sikhs and Hindus with Guru Angad Dev Ji being the second of the ten Sikh Gurus responsible for leading Sikh tradition after the death of its founder, and also appearing as a figure in the Hindu Epic Ramayana to fight the Demon King Ravana.

Not to be confused as a variation of Hershel, Heshel is a Yiddish diminutive of Yehoshua, itself a Hebrew form of Joshua.

Too bad everyone in this country will tend to hear Ronnie.

Gender-neutral choice ideal for a child born during Hanukkah.

An extra zesty variation of Uzi, but not one that comes recommended — it’s strongly associated with the submachine gun.

Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 1000 for the first time, and has been climbing ever since. A recent year saw it rank in at #547, when it was given to 70 girls.

The name of one of King David's heroes in the Old Testament. A variant form is Avishai.

Modern Hebrew form of the Old Testament name Abishai.