By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 119 pages
of 119
French
"understanding"
Unique and unusual as a nickname and a stand-alone name, Loie is a vintage choice worth reviving. It is traditionally used as a short form of Lois and Louise but would work as a nickname for any Lo-…
Chinese
"bright, clear"
A common Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean unisex name, and the name of a culturally rich Chinese dynastic period.
Audy is a feminine name that's relatively uncommon, lending it a distinctive quality. It may have originated as a diminutive of Audrey, which comes from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð, meaning 'noble…
Inès is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing a variation of Agnes. The name ultimately derives from the Greek word 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' This particular spelling with the…
Chinese, Spanish diminutive of Lucia or Lourdes, Aymara, "dewy jasmine; light; hummingbird"
"dewy jasmine; light; hummingbird"
This sweet double-L name is used as a diminutive form of "Lu" names, particularly in Latin American, where actresses Luli Miller (Lucielle), Luli Salazar (Luciana), and Luli Torn (Carla Lucia) have…
Guanche
"height"
According to local legend in the Canary Islands, Gara was a young princess who fell in love with a peasant's son, Jonay. Their relationship was condemned by a local priest and the day of their…
Georgian, Lakota
"earth"
Georgian diminutive for names starting with Ma-, such as Margalita or Mariam. Notable bearers of this name include the former First Lady Maka Chichua and writer Maka Jokhadze. Maka is also a Lakota…
Aude is a feminine French name with ancient Germanic roots, derived from the element 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'experienced,' suggesting wisdom and maturity. In medieval France, Aude gained recognition…
Variation of Irie, Jamaican
"positive and powerful"
Yrie is a spelling alternative to Irie, a Rastafarian word (and now, name) meaning "positive and powerful".
Polish
Ciza is a goddess in Polish mythology whose areas include nourishment and breastfeeding. It is recorded that the German city Ausburg was once known as Cisaris after this goddess.
Latvian
A goddess of childbirth in Latvian mythology. She is known to be the patroness of all feminine duties as well as economic activity, like money and markets.
Finnish diminutive of Elsa, German
"pledged to God"
In Finland, many pet forms of names end in U, such as Elsu, a nickname for Elsa.
Ekam is a feminine name with Punjabi and Sanskrit origins meaning 'one' or 'unity with the divine.' In Sikhism, it holds special significance as it appears in the opening words of the Mool Mantar,…
Sanskrit
"dawn"
The name of the Hindu goddess of the dawn, also spelled Ushas.
Niya is an alternative name for Lilith, a demon or goddess in mythology. Niya is still worshipped today in a cult located in parts of Eastern Europe.
Amharic, Ethiopian
"unique, different"
This pretty Ethiopian name means "unique" or "different", and would live up to its name in English-speaking countries. Pronounced "lee-yoo", this name can also be spelled Liyou.
Atha is a concise feminine name with diverse cultural roots. It may derive from Greek origins meaning 'again' or 'back,' suggesting renewal. In Sanskrit traditions, Atha can mean 'beginning' or…
