Updated May 2023
Across 15 pages
of 15
Short form of Sunita or Sunisa
Pronounced like Sunny, Suni is the nickname of astronaut Sunita Williams. Suni is also the nickname of US Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, whose full name is Sunisa.
Sanskrit
"praise, charm"
Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin is a master namer, and this unusual choice from India is beginning to be heard in nurseries as well as on television. Sansa was perhaps slower to catch on…
Shelly is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive of Michelle or as a reference to seashells, giving it both personal and nature-inspired origins. Popular during the 1960s and 1970s in…
Slovak and Croatian variation of Salome, Hebrew
"peace"
Disproportionately common among the American Amish.
Thai, Yiddish, Romanian, Arabic "brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
"brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
This pretty multicultural name makes a pleasant update to Sarah.
Spice name
"orange-yellow color; a type of crocus"
Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel. English…
Swedish word name
"story; seeress"
Apt name for a little drama queen with a long future ahead of her. Saga is a Top 30 girls' name in Sweden. Saga was the Norse goddess of poetry, storytelling, and history. She was a prophetess — able…
Arabic
"safe"
Very popular throughout the Arab world and growing in use in the US as well, where it was given last year to more than 50 baby girls.
Norse
"the strong house; the way of the sun"
Currently popular in Norway where it ranks in the Top 50, Solveig is a sunny but strong choice, also familiar across Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Finland. It notably appears as the name of the…
English from Italian
"little song"
Could there be a more poetic name than Sonnet? Actor Forest Whitaker was inspired to choose it for his daughter. The word sonnet derives from the Italian sonetto , meaning 'little song.' And although…
Word name
Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.
Hindi, or diminutive of Savannah
Cute and short name that sounds right on trend with it's V sound. Alyssa Milano's character on the soap opera Mistresses was Savannah, called Savi.
"confidante, best friend"
The fact that this is pronounced sah-FEE-yah would cause Western ears to hear it as Sophia.
Persian
"charming, sweet"
An attractive unisex choice heard in several countries, including Armenia. Can be pronounced sheer-IN or sheer-EEN.
Hebrew variation of Sarah; also Japanese
"chaste"
The late actress Sada Thompson introduced this obscure but usable form.
Feminine variation of Santo, Italian
"saint"
Santa has an appealing sound, or maybe that's sleigh bells we hear? It's difficult to separate the Italian girls' name Santa from the association to Mr. Claus, king of Christmas. The German…
Variation of Cheryl, English invented name from Cherie, French
"dear"
Somehow, the S versions are even more passe than the C's.
"thankful, woman of grace"
The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.
Hindi, Sanskrit
A gentle Hindi name, ultimately from the Sanskrit śāntī , Shanti may equally refer to a state of mental and physical peace, maintained despite any stresses or difficulties and Hindu prayers for…
Irish form of Janet
"God is gracious"
One of the best known of the Irish girls' names , thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by…