By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 15 pages
of 15
Pita is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Greek, it means 'rock' or 'stone,' symbolizing strength and stability. In Spanish-speaking countries, it often serves as a nickname for names…
English modern coinage
"picture cell or element"
Coined in the 1960s to define the smallest photographic element of a televised image. It's a portmanteau of "picture" + "cell" or "element".
Italian and Spanish
"serene"
A name that's more familiar in its male form, Placido, but this can be a similar-feeling alternative to Serena.
Spanish variation of Placida
"quiet, calm"
Derived from an ancient Roman name, this is best known in its male form Placido, thanks to the tenor.
Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.
Greek
"broad-shouldered"
The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered…
French
"flat land"
A surname with a lot of "juice," as they say, in Hollywood. In addition to veteran character actor Oliver Platt, there's La La Land producer Marc Platt and his actor son, Ben Platt, who won a Tony…
Word name
An admirable quality to impart; Pleasant was used by Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend and in modern times is known via American Girl dolls creator Pleasant Rowland.
Latin
"north star"
The astronomical Polaris is better known as the North Star, the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation. It's also the name of a character in the Marvel Universe, the daughter of Magneto.…
"many gifts"
As Polydoros, this rare Greek name belonged to several figures in Greek mythology, including a son of King Priam of Troy. This Anglicized form (also spelled Polidore) has been borne by eminent people…
French diminutive
"apple"
Pom is a shortened word name that's not much used in France, but cute and familiar here as one of Babar (the Elephant's) triplets. Pom, pommy and pommie are (non-derogatory) terms sometimes used by…
French, related to "apple"
A rarely heard--even in France--name, most prominent as the third name of Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and granddaughter of Grace Kelly.
Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.
This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.
Spanish
"fifth"
Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon may be a worthy namesake, but "poncey" is British slang for effeminate. An alternative might be Quintus, this name's Latin equivalent, or one of its variations.
The Shakespearean Portia may be a real name, but Porsche is now and forever a car, not a little girl.
English
"land near the port"
There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.
"practical"
In mythology, another name for Aphrodite -- but the rare feminine name that sounds better for a boy.
"precious, valuable"
See PRECIOUS.
