By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Sanskrit
"tribe"
There are a number of towns and villages named Kula across the world, most of them in Eastern Europe and Pacific Islands. Kula is also a name of tribes in Thailand and Cambodia, Australia, and…
Japanese
"true, reality, hope"
Popular name in Japan in its own right, but also as a nickname for Miyako or Makiko. It appears in the visual novel Danganrompa , borne by the character Maki Harukawa. Succinct and simple, it can…
"beautiful night child"
Most common in Japan in the mid-20th century, but to Western ears it doesn't sound dated.
Invented name
Nilin Cartier-Wells is a character from the video game Remember Me . Nilin rhymes with Dylan.
Variation of Thais, Greek
"beloved, bandage"
Thaisa is a variation of the ancient Greek Thais that was used by Shakespeare for the wife of Pericles. This literary princess name is rare and attractive.
Irish form of Eve
"life"
Irish spelling of Eva or Ava, also spelt Eabha in Ireland.
Irish
"beautiful sheen"
Aoibhín is a feminine Irish name pronounced approximately as "EE-veen" or "AY-veen," derived from the Irish word "aoibh" meaning beauty or radiance, with the diminutive suffix "-ín" adding a sense of…
Greek
"spinner"
Clotho is one of the three Fates of Greek Mythology. She and her sisters determined life from birth to death—Clotho spun the thread of life. Her Roman name is Nona because she was active during the…
Lithuanian variation of Martha
"lady"
The Lithuanian form of Martha. Also associated with Morta, the Roman goddess of death.
"white jasmine or reason, logic"
Riko is a hugely popular name for baby girls in contemporary Japan, and one that easily translates to the West.
Feminization of Ketil, Norwegian
"kettle; cauldron; helmet"
A Top 10 name in Iceland, where it is also the name of an active volcano.
Icelandic
"love, esteem, charity"
A popular name in its native Iceland, deriving from the Latin Carita or Caritas, meaning "love" or "esteem" – the root of the English word charity.
Yifa is a concise feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Hebrew, it may relate to 'yafeh' meaning 'beautiful' or 'pleasant,' though this connection is not firmly established. The name also…
Auöur (also written as Auður without the umlaut) is a traditional feminine Icelandic name with deep Norse roots. Derived from Old Norse 'auðr' meaning 'wealth,' 'prosperity,' or 'rich,' it was borne…
Icelandic form of Elisa
"pledged to God"
Popular in Iceland, this name ultimately derives from Elizabeth.
María is a feminine name with deep Latin and Hebrew roots, representing one of the most enduring and widespread names in Spanish-speaking countries and beyond. Derived from the Hebrew 'Miriam,' its…
Aníta is a feminine name with Spanish and Icelandic usage, featuring a distinctive accent on the 'i' that emphasizes the second syllable (ah-NEE-ta). It's a variant of Anna or Anita, ultimately…
Aría is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It can be viewed as a variant spelling of Aria, which in Italian means 'air' or 'melody' and refers to an expressive solo in opera. It may…
Norwegian, Danish, Frisian
"ebony; supplanter; yew wood"
This unisex name ranks among the most popular girl names in Norway, though it has a number of different roots. On one hand, it can be derived from the Danish ibenholt meaning "ebony", making it a…
French
"famous wealth"
A medieval French name which belonged to the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine (incidentally, Aenor is thought to be an older form of the name Eleanor). Its etymology is uncertain, but it may derive…
