Updated November 2023
Across 5 pages
of 5
Arabic
"to mention, to name"
Soft, sultry resonance.
Japanese
"to shine"
Pronunciation would not be obvious to Americans.
French
"Turkish stone"
Turquoise is similar in hue to Aqua, which is one of the cool new color names on the palette. Other blue-hued options: Cerulean, Cyan, Indigo, or Blue itself.
Italian word name
"lighthouse"
Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately…
French, English
"strong; a protected building, a stronghold"
A saints name and a word name, this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place.
Israeli place name and Hebrew
"fruit or glory"
A Hebrew name also used for girls, with many variations to choose from. Hadara is another version. The name is associated with the holiday of Sukkot.
Armenian hero name; also English surname
"enclosed with hedges"
This very popular Armenian name represents a grandson of Noah, considered the father of the Armenian nation.
Italian artist name, also color
A creative choice, suggesting the Venetian Renaissance painter (born Tiziano), and the brownish orange red hue that was featured on his palette. But try explaining to the boys in seventh grade that…
Indian, Hindi, Sanskrit
"lotus"
Derived from the Sanskrit word nalini meaning "lotus", Nalin holds spiritual significance in Hinduism where it is associated with divine beauty and spiritual awakening, while in Buddhism, it…
Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; Hebrew
"might; song"
Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber…
Spanish
"the fifth girl"
Mexican place-name famously used by Joan Didion for her daughter, Quintana Roo.
Latin
"apple"
This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.
"a spearman, a warrior"
An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.
Native American
"long awaited"
One of the few familiar Native_American choices, but now associated with several trade names.
Hebrew
"gold"
Identified with a region famous for its gold, more commonly spelled Ophira.
English
"clearing on a bank"
Despite its poetic associations, almost as dated as Sheldon, and more feminine.
"saw-toothed"
Sierra is a name borrowed from the western mountain range, with Latin rhythm and cowboy charm. It is now probably past its peak for girls, but remains a striking nature-inspired choice for boys, with…
Native American, Sioux tribe; also western American place-name
Rare and rugged, though one of the baby names with a lot of teasing potential.
Greek
"bountiful gift"
Cinderella stepsister type Victorian-valentine name.
English word name from French and Latin
"deep purple-red; clear"
Rich purplish red color choice that may gain favor along with Claire, though the wine connection can't be ignored.