By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 326 pages
of 326
Invented name
English word name
"an exciting experience or undertaking that is typically bold or risky"
A truly wild word name, Adventure brings to mind risk taking, exploring, and excitement. Though it hasn't appeared in the US stats, the similar Quest was used for 6 girls (and 70 boys) in a recent…
Irish
In Irish mythology, sidhe refers to the mounds of earth that are home to the aos sí, a race of fairies.
English
Popular dog name in the 17th century. It would still be cute today—on a dog, that is.
For the baby born at daybreak.
Spelling variation of Imani, Swahili
"faith"
Imani has rested comfortably in the middle off the US popularity list for 30 years now. Spelling it Imonie makes it more rare, but potentially more confusing.
Urhobo
"praise God"
Literary and surname name
This rare English surname's most famous bearers are Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie: the four siblings who are the protagonists of C. S. Lewis' Narnia books. It probably derives from Pevensey,…
Frisian
"thought"
A popular Frisian female name which may derive from names containing the element thanc , meaning "thought".
Greek
"preparation; Friday"
A Greek name literally meaning "preparation", but also meaning "Friday" (the day of preparation for Saturday church). It belonged to a 2nd century martyr and is traditionally given to girls born on a…
Amharic
"harvest"
Also spelt Sebele, this soft-sounding name means "harvest" in the Amharic language of Ethiopia.
Variant of Seble
Uncertain
A highly unusual Euro-chic virtue name, borne by Canadian cell biologist Dr Pleasantine Mill and American building design writer Pleasantine Drake. There is also a novel called Aunt Pleasantine by…
African, Oromo
"admirer"
Feminine form of the male name Lelisa.
Danish
"mint"
Minta would be easier to wear as an English-speaker.
Diminutive of Tennessee, Cherokee
"bend in the river; meeting place"
A short form of Tennessee.
French diminutive of Adelaide
"noble, nobility"
The French spelling of Adele, and currently very popular in France.
Feminine form of Maël, French, Breton
"chief, prince, lord"
A warm and stylish name, Maëlle is currently in the Top 150 in both France and Belgium. The feminine form of the even more popular Maël, it traditionally means "prince, lord", though this variant…
French combination of Lou and Anne
"graceful renowned warrior"
In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.
French form of Melina, Greek
"bee, honey"
A light and lovely variation of Melina, in the French Top 500 since the 90s. Most popular between 2004 and 2014, around the same time Melina came into style in the US. Mélinne is an alternative…
