By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Japanese
"thousand questions"
A popular Japanese name used for the young heroine of the animated film, "Spirited Away."
Greek
"thorn, prickle"
Acantha is one of the unique baby names in the stylish mythological category that also might count as a flower name. In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph beloved by Apollo. An unusual and…
Day name
Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too? It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a…
English place-name and surname
Obscure surname and Yorkshire and Lincolnshire place-name (where it's spelled Ferriby) makes a jaunty first. Placed in the public eye by Manhattan socialite Ferebee Bishop Taube.
French
"warrior"
Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to…
Short form of Anjelica
Calls to mind the world Jellicle, as in CATS. But still classier than Angie.
Margueritte is a feminine name of French origin, representing a variant spelling of Marguerite, which derives from the Greek word 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This elegant name also connects to the…
She may have been an appealing Chinese heroine in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but her name won't translate for a modern American girl. Better choices: Snow, or Flora.
Feminization of Václav, Czech, Slavic
"more glory"
Commonly seen in the Czech Republic, not so much in the US.
Anusha is a feminine name of Sanskrit origin meaning 'morning star,' 'bright,' or 'radiant dawn.' Common in India, particularly in Hindu families, the name carries associations with light, hope, and…
Mikalah is a feminine name representing a modern variation of Michaela, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Michael meaning 'who is like God?' This contemporary spelling emerged in the late…
Tatyanna is a variation of Tatiana, a feminine name with Russian and Latin roots. The name originally derives from the Roman clan name Tatius, associated with an ancient Sabine king. Tatyanna gained…
Micayla is a feminine name that emerged as a modern variant of Michaela, which itself is the feminine form of Michael, a Hebrew name meaning 'Who is like God?' This contemporary spelling gained…
Latin American, elaboration of Cora
Venezuelan telenovela actress Coraima Torres inspired many parents in the early 1990s to use her name. It is thought to be a blend of Cora + Roraima (a mountain on the border of Venezuela, Brazil,…
Miriah is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Mariah, which itself derives from the Latin name Maria (a form of Mary). This alternate spelling gained some popularity in the late…
Shaquana appears to be a modern American name formation that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. The name likely combines the prefix 'Sha-' (a popular phonetic element in creative…
Shanequa appears to be a modern American name formation that emerged in the latter half of the 20th century. The name likely combines the popular prefix 'Sha-' with elements resembling '-nequa' or…
Kanesha is a modern feminine name that appears to be a variant of Kenesha or possibly a combination name. The '-esha' suffix became popular in the United States during the late 20th century.…
Japanese surname
"mid-field, middle of the wilderness"
Actor Wilmer Valderrama and Amanda Pacheco adapted this Japanese surname for their daughter Nakano Oceana, born in 2021. The couple was inspired by female samurai Nakano Takeko (Nakano being her…
Kanisha is a feminine given name that gained recognition in the United States primarily from the 1970s through the 1990s. The name may be a variant of Keisha or Kaneisha, with the 'Ka-' prefix…
