Aramaic Names for Girls

Maria

Hebrew or Egyptian

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

As a highly popular girls' name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used…

Martha

Aramaic

"lady"

The name of our first First Lady still has something of a prim and proper image, academic and efficient. That quiet, traditional, and tasteful gestalt is exactly what makes Martha appealing to some…

Tabitha

Aramaic

"gazelle"

Though never as popular as the name of her Bewitched mother, Samantha, Tabitha has its own quirky, magical charm. The name of a charitable woman who was restored to life by Saint Peter in the Bible,…

Magdalene

Spelling variation of Magdalen

"woman from Magdala or high tower"

This name made famous in the New Testament has gone from crusty grandma to sleek and chic in recent years, or is it months? The name's image is perhaps helped by the fact that Mary Magdalene was one…

Tommie

Diminutive of Thomasin, Aramaic

"twin"

Sweet and cuddly, but with a hint of edginess, Tommie is a unisex nickname that fits right in with the likes of Scottie, Stevie, and Frankie. Ultimately from the Aramaic Teʾoma , meaning "twin", it…

Nahara

Aramaic and Hebrew

"light"

Beguiling cousin of Sahara.

Talitha

Aramaic

"little girl"

Talitha appears in the Bible as words Jesus says to awaken a young girl whose parents feared she was dead. It has been used in the US since colonial times. Talitha is also the name of two stars in…

Xiamara

Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese

"famous in battle"

The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.

Magdalen

English

"woman from Magdala or high tower"

Biblical name long associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen, now rising improbably into the ranks of the fashionable among parents hungry for classic yet distinctive girls' names. The…

Marit

Aramaic

"pearl"

An unusual and straightforward name with an attractive Scandinavian accent; a royal name in Norway.

Anina

German, Aramaic

"grace; let my prayer be answered"

This pretty palindrome name is rarely heard in the US, but could make an interesting namesake for an aunt or grandma Ann. It's also a German diminutive form of Anna.

Messiah

Aramaic

"expected savior or deliverer"

Highly unusual -- and audacious -- name chosen by basketball star Allen Iverson.

Raziah

Hebrew

"the Lord's secret"

One of a number of Hebrew girls' namestarting with Raz. Others include Razel, Raziela,Razili and Raziya.

Tomlin

Diminutive of Thomas, Aramaic

"twin"

A cosy Medieval diminutive of the classic Thomas, Tomlin might just work for those honoring a Thomas but don't enjoy Tamsin or Thomasina. Typically, albeit rarely, used as a masculine name, it has…

Idra

Aramaic

"fig tree"

Idra is one of the less obvious botanical names. In ancient times, a fig tree was a symbol of learning, peace, and prosperity.

Merona

Aramaic, breed of sheep

The name of a breed of Spanish sheep is hardly worthy of a child.

Raz

Hebrew short form of Raziah

"the Lord's secret"

Raz, like many similar names, is used for both girls and boys in modern Israel. Simple, sleek, memorable.

Raziela

Hebrew

"the Lord's secret"

Most graceful of the Raz names, relates to Graziella.

Razili

Hebrew

"the Lord's secret"

Offbeat, under-the-radar choice to honor a Grandma Rosalie.

Marthena

Variation of Martina, elaboration of Martha, or compound name

"warlike; lady; from Athens"

Cosy but strong, distinctive and regal, Marthena could be a number of things: a spelling variation of Martina (likely based on Afrikaans form, Marthina); an elaboration of the classic and Biblical…