By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 22 pages
of 22
English
"fame; gossip, story"
Celebs Demi Moore and Bruce Willis made waves in the 80s when they named their now-grown daughter after novelist Rumer Godden. The author was actually born Margaret, with family surname Rumer as her…
Arabic and Sanskrit
"hope; ruler"
Raja is a widely-used Arabic or Sanskrit name that works for girls as well as boys. Five baby girls were named Raja and seven given the Rajah spelling in the US last year, where for boys the…
Cornish
"red"
Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor.
Norwegian and Icelandic
"warrior of lore"
Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.
Sanskrit
"handsome"
Rupin is one of those names that is virtually unknown in the Western world and yet is easily translated because it feels so familiar -- parts Rupert, Robin, and Reuben. A handsome choice.
Japanese
"lapis lazuli"
Naming babies after precious gems as a protection against evil spirits is an ancient Japanese tradition.
