Updated October 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Hebrew
"peace"
Shulamit--which has a variety of different spellings--is a serious-sounding Old Testament name that appears in the Song of Songs. Its common nickname is Shula, which is sometimes used on its own.…
Indian mythological name; Hebrew, Swahili
"scarlet, marvelous"
It would be easy to dismiss this girlish name as invented fluff, but it has roots in several cultures with evocative meanings and references. Shani refers to the "scarlet thread" or theme of a story.…
"tranquil"
Selima might be confused with Selina, but it's an appealing spin on that classic with a lovely meaning.
"happiness; joy"
An upbeat, unisex Hebrew name with a meaning to match. As a word, it is associated with Jewish celebrations, such as an engagement or a Bar Mitzvah.
Variation of Samiya or Samuel, Arabic, Hebrew
"high; name of God; happy"
A rare choice that sounds perfectly familiar, Samea could get you to nicknames Sammy, Sam, Mimi, and Mea. Possibly a feminine form of Samuel ("name of God"), a variation of the Arabic Samiya…
"requested of God"
Though pleasant enough, Samala is sure to require lots of explanation.
"forgiving"
Unusual Samantha alternative with little aural appeal.
"princess"
See SARAI.
"placed, appointed"
Although very rarely used for girls, its soft, gentle sound makes it a perfect candidate for crossing over to the female camp.
"lily"
Shoushan is a romantic member of the Susan/Susannah/Shoshana family — rhythmic and melodic.
Arabic or diminutive of Shulamit, Hebrew
"flame; peace"
Shula is a short form often used on its own in Israel. Sula is another, related, option. As an Arabic name, it has a bright, fiery meaning.
"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.
"spark, ray of light"
The viv syllable adds vitality.
"songfest"
Associated with music; don't be surprised to see it on collections of Hebrew songs.
Egyptian mythological name or variation of Seth, Hebrew
"appointed, placed"
Author Toni Morrison is an acknowledged master of naming, and Sethe, the name of one of the main characters of Beloved , which can be pronounced as Seth or Seth-eh, relates to the male biblical name…
Short form of Simon or Simeon, Hebrew
"the listener"
You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.
Dutch form of Shem, Russian short form of Semyon, Hebrew
"name; he has heard"
A popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original, Sem is a Dutch variant of the Biblical Shem who was one of the sons of Noah. Only ever given to a handful of boys…
Siomon appears to be a rare variant spelling of Simon, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'he has heard' or 'listener.' This uncommon spelling variation maintains the pronunciation of the…
Composite of Sara and Lee
"princess; meadow"
The cake company pretty much knocked this otherwise-pretty compilation name out of consideration for most parents.
Possible feminine form of Shelal
"petition"
Shalailah is a soft name made most familiar by journalist Shalailah Medhora. Given the popularity of Layla and all her variants, Shalailah has potential for parents looking for something off the…