By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Irish, English, and Scottish
"broad eye or broad island"
The energetic Brody is a name that claims different meanings and origins depending on whether you're looking at its Irish, Scottish, or English history -- and Eastern Europeans claim a version too.…
Greek
"thunder"
This lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name, makes a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights . While the original name took an umlaut over…
Polish
"protection"
Short form of Bronisława, usually spelt Bronia in Poland.
Baie is a rare feminine name with possible origins in Old French, where it could be derived from 'baie' meaning 'bay' or 'berry.' It might also have Celtic roots or be a variant of Bay or Baye. The…
Spanish
"bay"
Cool tropical Latin word name.
Persian, Turkish, Kurdish
"spring"
This popular Muslim name would more easily translate to English-speaking cultures in its Bahar form.
Brownie is an uncommon feminine name derived from the English word for the small chocolate dessert or from the color brown. As a name, it has a sweet, endearing quality with a touch of whimsy and…
French word name
"brown"
French
"woman with brown hair"
Brunette is an unusual feminine name derived from the French word for a woman with brown hair. While more commonly recognized as a descriptive term rather than a given name, it has occasionally been…
Norse
"armed for battle"
Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.
Spanish surname
Plausible music hero choice with undertones of Joan Baez's social activist folkie persona.
Nickname for Barbara or Babette
"foreign woman"
Babs is an old-fashioned nickname for Barbara, itself an old-fashioned name that was hugely popular in the 20th century but that's not (yet) on its way back in. If you really want a vintage-y…
"good, excellent"
Affirmative adjective occasionally used as a name.
English diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Buffy was a one-time sorority girl with a roommate named Muffy, then a fearless vampire slayer, though still basically fluffy. You might think of Buffy as the feminine version of Chip or Bud -- an…
Spelling variation of Bethany, Hebrew
"house of figs"
Bethenny is the spelling introduced to the world by and closely associated with Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel. While the name has a bit of charm, we recommend sticking with the original…
Flower name, from English
"yellow wildflower"
Though Buttercup is most often reserved for cows (and pets of other kinds), this humble flower name was given to the princess in "The Princess Bride" and to one of The Power Puff Girls . Yet to rank…
Betrys is a feminine name with Welsh origins, representing a Celtic variant of Beatrice. The traditional name Beatrice comes from Latin 'Beatrix,' meaning 'she who brings happiness' or 'blessed.'…
Welsh pet form of Elizabeth
Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.
Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan…
English surname and herb name
A jaunty English surname which may derive from "betony", the name of a pretty purple-flowering shrub. A famous bearer is British historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes.
