By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 142 pages
of 142
Welsh
"bird"
Derived from the Welsh word for bird, this name might just be ready to have her moment: a nature-connected meaning, a fantastical air, a way to nickname Addie, and a similar style to Elowen, Arwen,…
Mailin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Chinese, it can be written with characters representing 'beautiful jade' or 'plum forest,' depending on the specific characters chosen. In…
Josefin is a feminine name of Scandinavian origin, particularly popular in Sweden, serving as a Nordic variation of Josephine. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Joseph, meaning 'God…
Helin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Kurdish culture, it means 'nest' or 'eagle's nest,' symbolizing protection and home. In Scandinavian usage, particularly Finnish, it's a…
Turkish, meaning unknown
One of the most popular baby girl names in Turkey, but almost unknown in the US. Its origins are unclear, but it may come from an Arabic word meaning "reward".
Asmin is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Turkish usage, it's a variation of Yasmin/Jasmine, derived from Persian, referring to the jasmine flower known for its sweet fragrance and…
Celtic mythology
One of the many variations of the name of the Lady of the Lake, best known as Nimue.
Indigenous Australian place name
Similar in sound to Meredith, this could be an interesting choice for parents looking for a unique name. Merri is an obvious and appealing nickname.
Breton
"white flower"
Bleuenn is virtually unknown in the English-speaking world, while in France, it is a rare choice, given to a handful of girls. Bleuenn's origins are in Brittany, in the north of France, and it's…
Irish form of Geraldine
"spear ruler"
Gearóidín is familiar to our Irish members, but is probably unseen outside the Emerald Isle. It would provide some steep challengers to people unfamiliar with Irish names, but since that hasn't…
"white, flaxen"
While it may look like it to those unfamiliar, Gwenllian is not a blend of Gwendolyn and Lillian! It is in fact a Welsh name, borne by a medieval Welsh princess noted for her bravery and beauty.…
American invented name
Kikkan Randall, the American cross-country skier who won a Gold Medal at the 2018 Olympics, made her invented name famous. The name Kikkan was a compromise between Megan and Kikki, the name her…
"blessed love"
This feminine version of the Welsh name Carwyn could be a good choice for parents looking for something fresher than Bronwen.
Literary name
A subtle literary surname choice: Estlin is the second "E" in E.E. Cummings (the first being Edward). Works equally well on both men and women.
Fictional name
With "Eve" and "Ever" names trending in a big way, The Hunger Games heroine Katniss Everdeen’s surname definitely has first-name potential for adventurous parents. It was chosen as a nod to Bathsheba…
"white, fair, blessed"
Yet another member of the Gwyn/Gwen/Finn family of names ultimately deriving from a Celtic element meaning "white", Guin gets rare use in England and Wales; a notable bearer is Olympic-medal winning…
Irish
"grey lady"
An old Irish saint’s name and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Liadain and Líadan are other variations.
A variation of an old Irish saint’s name, Liadin, and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Be prepared for some clumsy pronunciation outside Ireland, however.
German diminutive of Charlotte
This sweet and spunky German nickname for Charlotte has a fun literary connection: Das doppelte Lottchen (English title: Lottie and Lisa ) is a children’s book by German author Erich Kästner, which…
