By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Japanese
"wish, hope"
Bright and energetic, Nozomi has the lovely meanings of "wish" or "hope" in Japanese. Easy to pronounce but a stand-out option, Nozomi is notably borne by actress and model Nozomi Sasaki and by the…
Hebrew
"gold"
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
Italian
"flowering ash tree"
Like many a popular name, Ornella is a theatrical creation. Italian playwright Gabriele d'Annunzio created this name for his dramatic heroine in the 1904 play La Figlia di Iorio. Ornella is a…
Italian, variation of Latin Octavia
"eight"
Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.
Sanskrit
"amiable"
Rhymes with Bianca, but so much more refreshing! This strong and beautiful Indian name has come into the spotlight in recent years thanks to two famous bearers of the name: Miss Japan 2016 Priyanka…
English word name
"a prediction"
A grand and mystical word name that feels in line with trending Legend or Legacy.
Arabic
"righteous"
Rashida is an evocative and alluring name, currently represented by Rashida Jones, daughter of Peggy Lipton and Quincy Jones, who has been featured in The Office, Parks & Recreation, and The Social…
Swahili
"agreeable, pleasant"
An appealing East African possibility.
Raziyah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "satisfied," "content," or "agreeable." It derives from the Arabic root word "rida" meaning "satisfaction" or "approval," particularly in a…
Rebecka is a Scandinavian and Eastern European variant spelling of Rebecca, a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Poland, and…
"friend of God"
Spelling a bit elaborate and confusing.
"sandalwood"
A multicultural choice with a variety of meanings, Rohana could make an interesting alternative to Johanna, Rosanna, Rowan, Rowena, or Roshan. It may be considered a variation of the Hindi Rohan,…
Latin
"a Roman"
Romantic name, feminine form of the ancient name Romanus or the modern Roman, that may rise again with the league of Rom-beginning names that also include Romy and Romilly. Romana's downside: Easy to…
"God's joyful song"
Hebrew name related to Ronit and Roni, also used in different cultures as Ronya, Ronja, and Roniya. Virtually unknown in the English-speaking world though certainly an easily-translatable choice.
"Rose" names are big right now, as are spiritual names , so this rare option could fit the bill for Catholic parents looking for an overtly religious choice. The Rosary is a form of prayer in the…
Spanish
"golden rose"
A combination of Spanish rosa "rose" and aurea "gold". This name was used by Pedro Calderón de la Barca for a character in his play Life Is a Dream (1635), and more recently by Mexican author Laura…
Roselyne is a feminine name of French origin, representing an elegant variation of Roseline. It combines the romantic appeal of the rose flower with the softening suffix "-lyne." The name traces back…
Rubina is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It derives from the Latin word 'rubinus,' meaning 'ruby,' referring to the precious red gemstone. The name has particular popularity in…
"red-haired"
A feminine form of Rufus, which has potential in the current trend for ancient Roman names.
