By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Thai, Sanskrit
"noble"
Araya is one of those names that seems to have a different derivation and meaning on every website. The one we consider most reliable is that it's a variation of the very popular Arya, which means…
Hebrew
"ram's horn"
Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's…
Variation of Melanie, Greek
"black, dark"
Lobbing off the final E makes Melanie more modern.
Zulu, Malay, Arabic
"it is raining; soft, delicate"
A gentle, evocative, and multicultural choice, Liyana is both a Zulu name associated with rainstorms and a Malay and Arabic name, meaning "soft, delicate". In a recent year, it has been a rising star…
Spelling variation of Giovanna
This spelling made its way into the Top 1000 for the first time in 2013, fell off in 2014, then reentered in 2015. This spelling variation is riding the original's popularity, and we anticipate both…
Hawaiian, English, Greek
Kalia is name of Hawaiian origin, light, sparky, and easily accessible in various languages. It could be a variation of Kalei meaning "the flower wreath" or "the child"; a form of Kalea, meaning…
English
"son of Ellis"
Updates Allison—which everyone will misunderstand it as. But it's definitely a fresh spin on the Ellie names, and a rising surname name choice for girls. Ellison made its first appearance on the US…
Malay, Modern invention
"to experience, to live; the heavens; from Gilan"
Traditionally a boys' name in Malaysia, a notable bearer being Olympian Jalani Sidek, Jalani's popularity for girls in the US is likely due to its similarity in sound to the likes of Leilani, Kalani,…
Variation of Leilani
"heavenly flower"
The popularity of Leilani outside of its native Hawaii has led to a range of spelling variations, including Leylani, Laylani, and Leilany. Less popular than its aforementioned counterparts, Lailani…
Arabic, English "helper; grace"
"helper; grace"
Aniya is a a cross-cultural choice with a bright, fresh sound. While alternative spelling Aniyah is in the US and UK Top 1000, Aniya dropped out of the charts in 2021, and is now given to around 250…
Danish variation of Anneliese, German, Dutch
"grace + oath"
A streamlined version of Anneliese, or perhaps a hybrid of Ann and Elise.
Spelling variation of Caitlin
"pure"
One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.
Variation of Malaya, Filipino
"free"
Malayah first appeared on the charts in 1994 and has steadily climbed its way into the Top 1000. It's a spelling variation of Malaya, which derives from the same root as Malaysia — which in addition…
Wyoming place-name, French
"canopy of leafy boughs"
Laramie was derived from the French word la ramée , meaning "leafy canopy." It was historically a French surname, but today it is a viable first name option for girls or boys. The balance is…
Variation of Savannah
Savanna has lost ground in recent years. It remains eclipsed by its more traditionally spelled cousin Savannah.
English color and flower name
"purple flower"
Lavender lags far behind sweet-smelling purple-hued sister names Violet and Lila, but is starting to get some enthusiastic attention from cutting-edge namers along with other adventurous nature names…
Feminine variation of Ivan
A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
Russian, from Latin family name Tatius, meaning unknown
Classic yet spritely, Tatiana has long been familiar and popular in Russia and Eastern Europe, though it wasn't until the 80s that it caught on in the English-speaking world. With short forms Tiana,…
Variation of Kimora or Kamara, Malagasy
"chameleon"
Kamora may be a variation of Kamara, a Malagasy name from Madagascar with an unexpected animal meaning. Alternatively, it might be an invented name, inspired by the similar Kimora or Amora - in which…
English and Scandinavian variation of Erica, Norse feminization of Eric or Italian word name
"eternal ruler; heather"
This is a more spunky and Nordic looking variant of Erica, but the k also makes the connection to the beautiful flower less apparent.
