By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 607 pages
of 607
Modern Invented
Dove is one of the sweetest animal names out there — a universal symbol of peace. Dovelyn adds the trendy -lyn ending everyone is loving in recent years.
Mehriban is a feminine name with Azerbaijani and Turkish origins, derived from the Persian word 'mehr' meaning 'kindness' or 'love,' combined with 'ban' meaning 'keeper' or 'protector.' The name…
Hindi, Tamil
"sinless"
A pretty and rhythmic name with a spiritual meaning.
Rüqayyə (also spelled Ruqayya or Ruqayyah) is a feminine name of Arabic origin with deep Islamic significance. The name belonged to one of Prophet Muhammad's daughters, giving it religious importance…
Swedish, literary name
Invented by Swedish author August Strindberg for a 1909 poem of the same name, this quirky choice is rare even in its native land but would make for an extremely eye-catching choice outside it. It…
Latin
"foreign woman"
The Czech, Slovak and Lithuanian form of Barbara isn't quite far enough from the English one to make it sound fresh to us. Our favorite international version is Greek Varvara.
Persian
"butterfly"
This ethereal Persian name comes from the word for "butterfly". Parvana is the Azerbaijani form.
Arabic
"blessed by God"
Nitasha sounds exactly like Natasha but has a different origin and meaning. This makes it a good choice for parents looking to bridge Christian and Muslim or European and Arabic or Indian cultures.…
Greek
"little flower"
A lovely Greek floral name which is a diminutive of names containing the element anthos "flower, blossom", such as Anthea or Chrysanthe.
Hawaiian variation of Cecilia
This Hawaiian name breathes new (warm) life into the traditional Cecilia and offers the added attraction of the spunky "Kiki" as an obvious nickname option.
Irish
"descendant of Muiris"
When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice, with the nice three-syllable lilt of…
Azerbaijani
"light, bright"
Rovshana is the Azerbaijani form of Roshanak, the Persian name that spawned Roxanne and Roxana.
Caiquetio
"well-situated island"
This Caribbean island and popular travel destination is known for its stunning white sand beaches and bright blue waters. The name Aruba is thought to stem from the word Oruba, meaning "well-situated…
Albanian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Greek
"laurel"
A pretty variation of Daphne, derived from the same Greek root.
English word name
"higher in rank, status, or quality"
An unashamedly grandiose word name.
Tahitian
"sleep heaven"
This gender-neutral Tahitian name has a peaceful meaning.
Nilufər is a feminine name of Persian origin meaning 'water lily' or 'lotus flower.' This beautiful floral name carries deep symbolic significance in various Eastern cultures, where the lotus…
Basque
"hawthorn"
A botanical name of Basque origin, Elorria derives from elorri meaning "hawthorn". It could also be seen as an elaboration of Elora, or Alora, contemporary names possibly inspired by Eleanora.
"woman of Corinth"
A beautiful Greek name that kicks now-dated Corinne up a notch.
