Updated November 2023
Across 500 pages
of 500
Breton, Welsh
"muse, inspiration"
The Welsh and Breton word for the artistic muse or inspiration, Awen is a subtly magical feeling choice, connected to poetry and creativity. Given to a handful of babies most years in Wales, it is…
Word name
A handful of baby girls are named Awesome each year, and they better be.
Maori
"help, support"
A pretty name with an admirable meaning, but note the "wh" is pronounced like an English "f".
Mayan
"swallow"
The Mayan goddess of the moon and the night, associated with swallows, eagles, and jaguars.
Cherokee
"fawn"
For the doe-eyed daughter.
Scandinavian variation of Absalom
"father of peace"
A Top 100 name among boys, but a rare option for a girl. The French female form is Axelle (emphasis on the "elle").
French feminine form of Axel
Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.
English, invented name
A zingy nickname-style name that was used occasionally in the early twentieth century, and returned to the charts in 2020. There are no obvious names it could be short for, which is all the more…
Latin
"axle, pivot"
Celtic
"water"
A minor goddess in Celtic mythology, associated with the river Aisne.
English
"sword stone"
Axton has been climbing the charts for boys, hot on the heels of Braxton and Maxton. It is very occasionally used for girls too.
Alastrina is a feminine name likely derived as an elaborate feminine form of Alastair or Alastar, which ultimately comes from the Greek name Alexander, meaning 'defender of mankind.' This ornate,…
Arabic
"God's Gift"
This Arabic name, which can be used for either boys or girls, can also mean "wide-eyed" in the sense of someone who is studious and perceptive. Ayaan is most familiar to people in the West from its…
Ayaana is a beautiful feminine name with roots in multiple cultures. In Arabic, it means 'eternal bloom' or 'eternal flower,' symbolizing lasting beauty and grace. In Swahili, the name carries the…
Ayaat is a feminine name of Arabic origin derived from the word 'Ayah' (آية) meaning 'sign,' 'miracle,' or 'evidence.' In Islamic tradition, 'Ayaat' is the plural form, referring to the verses of the…
Spanish and Portuguese combination of Ana and Marie
"grace + drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Variant of Annemarie
Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian combination of Ana and Maria
Hebrew
"doe, gazelle"
This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is…
Japanese
"iris"
Sweet and gentle botanical choice.
Basque
"Miracle"
Alazne is a traditional name in Euskera, the language of the Basque people.