Names That Mean Meaning

Photographer Richard Avedon's unique surname would make a stylish, one-of-a-kind first name for a baby of either sex.

A potential Avery alternative, with a nod to legendary fashion photographer Richard Avedon.

A name that seems to be a combination of Isabel and Susannah, used in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, most notably for a daughter of Paul Revere. Isannah was also a character in the 1943 Revolutionary War novel Johnny Tremain. An unusual old choice with modern possibilities.

Variation of Dashiell.

Loke is a modern variant of Loki, the name of a Norse mythological figure. Loke is a Top 100 name in Sweden.

An unusual but beautifully simple name, possibly a variation on Aelwen, that belongs to a river in north-east Wales. It may appeal if you like similar names like Arwen, Anwen and Olwen.

The exact meaning of this ancient Judeo-Italian name — and the related surname and place name, Fiesch — has been lost to history. It may be related to the Yiddish name Fishel, meaning "little fish".

Iwabee Yuino is a character in the Naruto series. His name meaning may relate to rocks.

Common Japanese male name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A surname-sounding Armenian name that might not make a very smooth transition into American culture.

Sadio Mané is a Senegalese footballer who plays for the Bayern Munich football club as well as Senegal's national team. He was injured and unable to play in the 2022 World Cup, but increased soccer coverage leading up to the tournament boosted his name on the charts — Sadio made its debut for baby boys that year.

An obscure medieval saint’s name which nevertheless sounds pretty on-trend right now: a softer alternative to Matilda, perhaps. If you're searching for Spanish names for girls, this can make an unusual but usable choice.

A popular name in Belgium, made famous by model Cilou Annys.

Ayao is a goddess worshipped in Yoruba mythology in Nigeria, known as a deity of the air and wind. She is said to reside both in the forest and in the eye of a tornado.

Cowboy swagger via the non-cowboy flick "The Guns of Navarone," chosen by Priscilla Presley.

A sort of Maisie-Hazel hybrid, likely influenced by the hit TV show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Actress Beverley Mitchell chose it for her daughter.

Name kids will relate to the space adventure book and family film of that name.

Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget was one of the most influential names in his field, known for his theories on cognitive development in children. His surname has potential as a given name, perhaps for the child of a child psychologist.

Sulola is a rhythmic Nigerian name chosen as a middle name for Heidi Klum and Seal's daughter Lou, reflecting Seal's Nigerian roots. It's pretty and accessible enough, with its relation to Lola, to cross cultural lines. It's one of several African names introduced to the wider world by celebrities.

Better hold off and hope for a daughter so you can name her Anais.