By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 119 pages
of 119
Jamaican or Chinese
"lower gate"
Amoy is a perennially popular girl name in Jamaica, where it's purported to mean "beautiful goddess". Despite its ubiquity on the island, Amoy has never been given to more than 11 American baby girls…
Diminutive of Elisabeth, Hebrew
"pledged to God"
Lise is most often found in the U.S. as the second half of the hybrid name Annalise. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet bears a pretty alternative spelling, pronounced LEESE.
Vietnamese
"good-hearted; respectful; blooming"
A name used for both sexes in native Vietnam, meaning "good-hearted" or "respectful of parents".
Anyu is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Hungarian folklore, it means 'mother' and carries warm, nurturing associations. In Chinese, depending on the characters used, it…
Anah is a feminine name with ancient Semitic origins, appearing in the Bible as both male and female characters. In Hebrew, it can mean 'answer' or 'response,' while some interpretations suggest…
Irish Gaelic
"blind"
The Irish Gaelic form of Cecilia, which is the origin of the Anglicized version Sheila, which subsequently became very popular across the English-speaking world.
"god is gracious"
A Gaelic form of Jane which shares its simple, sleek look – but is much rarer. The Anglicized form Sheena peaked at #80 in the US in 1984, inspired by singer Sheena Easton.
Japanese
"pierce; sea"
Typically a male name in Japan, however, Toru was used for the female character Toru Hagakure in the anime series My Hero Academia .
Aska is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'fragrance of the morning' or 'flying bird,' depending on the kanji characters used. In Nordic countries, particularly…
Turkish
"crescent moon"
If Ayla is losing her spark as she shoots up the popularity charts, Ayça might catch your eye.
Sanskrit
"splendor, light"
A soft-spoken Indian girl name with a radiant meaning.
Faroese from Old Norse
"dew"
Not very viable among English speakers, Døgg is a Faroese nature name from the Old Norse dǫgg , "dew"
"rest, pleasure"
A short and sweet Indian girl name with a serene meaning.
Yoruba, meaning unknown
Ayao is a goddess worshipped in Yoruba mythology in Nigeria, known as a deity of the air and wind. She is said to reside both in the forest and in the eye of a tornado.
Neti is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hindi, it relates to leadership and guidance, while it also appears in ancient Egyptian mythology connected to protective deities. The name…
Yoruba, Nigerian
"sweetness"
A charming Yoruba name that could easily cross cultures. In Yoruba, the word adùn also means "flavor" and aadun is a popular street food.
Akan, Ghanaian
"gold, money"
Straightforward Ghanaian name that could travel lite between languages and cultures. Sika is the word for "gold" in the Akan language. Sika is seen as a male name in many Pacific island cultures such…
Twi, Ghanian
"second child after twins"
Abam is a Twi girl name traditionally given to the second born child following twins.
Yoruba
"source"
In Nigeria, Osun or Oshun is the goddess of love, sensuality, and feminity. She is a river goddess, said to bring forth sweet and fertile waters.
"virgin, pure"
In Yoruba mythology from Nigeria, Yewa is a goddess of virginity and death, said to reside in a graveyard.
