By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 18 pages
of 18
Arabic
"contented"
One of several similar names with a pleasant, intriguing sound.
"happiness, prosperity"
Sounds a bit like a shortening of Rafael or a condensation of Rafaela, but Rafa is a name in its own right. Whether you use it as a full name or a nickname, Rafa's casual coolness could allow it to…
"leader"
Rhythmic choice sometimes heard in Muslim families.
Matar is a feminine name with Arabic origins, though it's used across several cultures. In Arabic, the name means 'rain' or 'downpour', symbolizing blessing, renewal, and life-giving properties. Rain…
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…
"pretty"
One of many similarly pretty names, this one identifiable as a female form of the familiar Shaquille.
"ready for battle"
The M and the R add welcome strength.
Persian
"noble lineage"
The tale-spinning heroine of The Thousand and One Nights , Sheherazade is an extravagantly elaborate name for a little girl. Too extravagantly elaborate? It's lovely and beguiling, and with the rise…
"tree and spice name"
A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and…
Arabic, Greek
"praise; death"
A multicultural choice with two rather different meanings, Thana is an Arabic name with the spiritual meaning of "praise". It may also appear as Thanaa, Sana, and Sena, the latter spellings…
"astute, wise"
Unusual Arabic name with an inspiring meaning for a baby girl.
Arabic and Swahili variation of Zaynab
"beauty, grace"
Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter. When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.
Arabic, Swahili
"wellborn"
See ZULEIKA.
"peace"
An occasionally heard African name, hobbled by a zoolike sound.
"the shining one"
Star in Orion that might make a fine name, except people will always assume it's Melissa, with a typo.
"first leap"
Alula, the palindromic name of the first double star to be identified as physically related to its twin, would make the perfect name for a first-born twin. Ideas (we're only half joking) for the…
Latin
"little she goat"
Capella, the eleventh brightest star in the sky, carries much mythological and astrological significance. In Roman mythology, Capella represented the goat that suckled Jupiter, whose horn became the…
Spanish
"poppy"
A rarely heard flower name, Amapola comes from the Spanish word for "poppy", in turn associating with name with remembrance and the months of August and November. Pronounced as a-ma-POH-la, with the…
"raised tail"
A star in Scorpio whose name would certainly translate into a soft and unusual option for your November baby.
"square, block"
Tarbula is the historic but now-forgotten name of an early Persian saint and martyr, sister of St. Simeon, who was accused of being a witch and sawed in half. Tarbula is also known by the names Tarba…
