By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 18 pages
of 18
Japanese
"tide; saltwater"
Finnish
"twinflower"
A quirky Finnish nature name – sister to the Swedish Linnea – which could make for a cute and creative choice to honor family heritage or for a twin baby girl.
"mother of waters"
A Finnish water goddess, often depicted as a mermaid with the body of a fish and the torso and head of a woman.
"movement of water and waves"
Vellamo is the goddess of water, lakes, and seas in Finnish mythology, said to control the wind for sailors and bring fish for fishermen. Vellamo is also the wife of Ahti, the sea god.
French, Spanish
"bringing victory, true icon"
A striking French and Spanish short form of Veronica or Véronique.
Swedish, literary name
Invented by Swedish author August Strindberg for a 1909 poem of the same name, this quirky choice is rare even in its native land but would make for an extremely eye-catching choice outside it. It…
Somali
"sweet; halva"
Xalwo is the name of a Somali dessert made out of sugar, ghee, cornstarch, and spices. It is cognates with "halva," which is derived from an Arabic root meaning "sweet." Unlike halva, Xalwo is…
Unknown origin
High-Scrabble-scoring name used by rap couple Lil Scrappy and Adi "Bambi" Benson in 2020. If it has anything to do with xylophones, it comes from a Greek root meaning "wood".
"increase + generation; increase + gift"
Masuyo has always been a rarity in Japan, but it was more common in the 19th century than at any other time.
Italian
"brisk, sprightly"
ALLEGRA is a delicate ballet-dancer name; ALLEGRO, which means a fast-paced movement in music, is stronger and more vibrant.
Musical choice best left to the boys, or variation of Alta.
Amargo is an uncommon feminine name with Latin roots, derived from the Spanish word meaning 'bitter' or 'sour.' Despite this literal meaning, the name has a melodic, intriguing quality with its…
Amio is a rare feminine name with multicultural resonances. It may derive from Italian, where it could be related to 'amico' meaning 'friend,' or it might have Japanese origins where it could mean…
Andreo is a feminine variation of the traditionally masculine name Andrew, which comes from the Greek 'Andreas,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' This feminized version maintains connections to the…
"older sister"
If you're planning to have a younger one.
Chinese
"treasure, jewel"
Name introduced here via Chinese cinema, has middle-place potential.
Scandinavian variation of Barbara
A more upbeat, modern-sounding version of a granny name.
African, Nigerian, Yoruba
"the crown meets joy"
Short form of Adebayo
Diminutive of Piritta, Finnish
"strength; exalted one"
Cutesy short form of Piritta, the Finnish variation of Birgitta.
Cute and quirky nickname that stands on its own in Finland.
