Updated May 2023
Across 4 pages
of 4
African word name from Swahili
"journey"
In the US this is likely to conjure zebras, lions and elephants on the Serengeti, but its original meaning "journey" broadens its wearability. Safari is a name common in Africa for babies born while…
Latin
"stern"
Though it has literary credentials--making an appearance in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park and as the mean-spirited teacher Severus Snape in the Harry Potter books, most modern parents would find it…
English word name
"unaccompanied"
Solo is a singular word name with special meaning for Star Wars fans. Equally appropriate for girls and boys, it works especially well in the middle.
"a day of religious observance and abstinence from work"
Sabbath is a faith-inspired word name, like Sunday or Faith, that is attracting some notice since heavy metal musician Zakk Wylde chose it for his son. But then there's the band Black Sabbath, which…
Sanskrit
"dark, black, blue"
Shyam is one of the alternate names of Hindu God Krishna.
Short form of Sidney, French
"Saint-Denis"
Sid originated as a nickname for Sidney, but we like it on its own, a la Sara Quin's and Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen's sons. Sid Vicious, member of the band the Sex Pistols, gives this name a punk…
English
"animal name"
Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both…
"captain"
Sure, and we hope he has a good time playing with Buster and Buddy.
Slavic
"someone who achieves glory or fame"
A long-haired classical conductor name, which could appeal to parents looking for a Laszlo-like appellation. A name of Slavic origin, it has a powerful and uplifting meaning. Stanislav has a variety…
"sun dance"
Long synonymous with the American outlaw Harry Longabaugh, aka The Sundance Kid, who got his nickname from the town of Sundance, Wyoming, where he was incarcerated as a teenager. The place name…
Hebrew
"storm"
With its appealing double-a configuration, this is the name of an Israeli kibbutz on the Galilee beach. For girls, Saar is a popular modern name in the Netherlands, a shortened form of Sarah.
Egyptian
"God of the earth"
This name, more recognized as a short form of Sebastian, is perfectly usable a cool full name, and, in fact, ranks on the UK popularity list. Seb is getting lot of attention as the nickname name of…
"knight's attendant"
Old-fashioned, conjuring up an ardent suitor in a bow tie and straw boater.
Animal name
"salmon, a fish"
nature names are in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.
"one who strums (a stringed musical instrument)"
Cool word name for boys evocative of rock and roll. Julia Stiles named her son Strummer in 2017.
Norse, Scottish Gaelic, “summer traveler”
A rare and evocative name which calls to mind warm, endless summer days. This is an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name Sumarliði, also found in Scottish Gaelic as Somhairle (pronounced SO-ar-lee).…
Basque
"strong"
Relatively unknown outside of its native region, Sendoa is an intriguing international name with a strong meaning.
French, Saint Léger
Fervent fans of The Catcher in the Rye might want to consider this as a literary tribute. More mainstream alternative: Holden.
"slash"
Slash is here because model Amber Rose and Def Jam Records exec Alexander AE Edwards named their baby boy Slash Electric Alexander. Is it cool? Or is it violent and terrifying? Or is it both? We're…
Word name
It has a variety of associations from Smokey Robinson to Smokey the bear, but Smokey still feels a bit comical for a baby.