By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Malania is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Greek roots meaning 'black' or 'dark,' similar to Melania, or could be a variation of Slavic names like Milana meaning…
Malissa is a variant spelling of the more common Melissa, a name with Greek origins meaning 'honey bee.' The alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a unique twist. In…
American elaboration of Mabel, English
"lovable"
The popular cosmetics brand Maybelline inspires at least a few baby girls' names each year. Company founder Thomas Lyle Williams created the name as a portmanteau of Mabel and Vaseline after watching…
Mayela is a feminine name with roots in Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly popular in Mexico and parts of Latin America. It likely developed as a variant of Mariela or possibly as a combination…
Gaelic
"son of Labhrainn"
A rare Mc surname used for both girls and boys in the US. It ultimately derives from Laurentius, as does Lawrence.
Melana is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Melina, which has Greek roots meaning 'honey' or 'gentle,' or it could relate to Milana, with Slavic origins. Some…
Meleana is a beautiful Hawaiian feminine name with melodic qualities. It means 'continuous paradise' or 'ever-flowing heaven,' combining 'mele' (song or chant) with 'ana' (continuous). The name…
Dutch diminutive of Magdalena, variation of Melaina or Melina
"from the high tower; black, dark; honey"
A short form of Magdalena in Dutch and a variation of Melaina, Melina, Melinda, Melanie, Milena and similar, Melena is also used for a character in the novel Wicked and the subsequent Broadway…
Hebrew word name
"candelabra"
The menorah is a widely recognizable and symbolic piece of Judaica. The word refers to any Judaic candelabra but is commonly associated with the special nine-branch candelabra used during Hanukkah.…
Michela is a feminine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian feminine form of Michael, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'who is like God?' The name has been used consistently in Italy for…
Japanese
"the righteous way"
One of the most familiar Japanese names thanks to the first commoner to become empress of Japan and to New York Times book empress Michiko Kakutani.
Mikaylah is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Michaela, which is the female form of Michael, meaning 'who is like God?' in Hebrew. This contemporary spelling emerged in…
Arabic
"pure"
Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther , in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery…
Invented name
Feminization of Namor, a name created for a Marvel Comics character by spelling Roman in reverse. Namora is also a comic book superhero, and cousins with her namesake Namor.
Nasiya is a feminine name with diverse cultural connections. It may derive from Arabic origins, where similar names relate to 'women' or 'humanity.' In some contexts, it could be considered a…
Natalyn is a contemporary feminine name that represents a creative variation of Natalie, which derives from the Latin phrase "natale domini" meaning "birth of the Lord" with historical connections to…
Nechuma is a feminine name with Yiddish origins. It is derived from the Hebrew word 'nechamah,' meaning 'comfort' or 'consolation.' The name carries connotations of solace and emotional support,…
American, contemporary variation of Michelle
A modern twist on Michelle spotlighted by Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols.
Niyati is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning "destiny," "fate," or "that which is ordained." In Hindu philosophy, Niyati represents the cosmic principle of predestination or the natural order…
Amharic
"shepherdess"
The female form of Nolawi, this Ethiopian name implies "God is my shepherd" as its meaning.
