Names That Mean Gracious

Finnish form of John

A romantic way to get to covetable nicknames Gia and Nina.

A gorgeous Hebrew name that was originally used for boys, but is now increasingly used for girls as well. As a bonus, you get the sweet built-in nickname Nina.

A Portuguese classic, typically spelled with a tilde over the A. Many members of the Portuguese royal family were named João, and today it’s associated with a number of Portuguese and Brazilian footballers.

DeShawn or Deshawn is the more popular variation, but Dashawn charted from the late 1980s until 2010, which means it's on its way to becoming a Dad Name. Traditionally, the De or Da prefix means "son of", so this name means "son of Shawn", with Shawn a variation of John.

Elaborate, ultra-feminine variation of Gianna.

This diminutive of Ivan is commonly used for girls in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Popular short form Anže has eclipsed Janez in Slovene popularity.

Traditionally a male Hebrew name, but now with increasing use for baby girls as well.

Jaunty Jancey hails from the United Kingdom, where it appeared in England as a surname and in Scotland as a nickname for Janet. It's extremely uncommon in the US, given to fewer than five baby girls in the most recent year on record. You'll be hard-pressed to come across another Jancey in your life, so if unique names are a priority for you, this jolly and accessible choice belongs on your list.

Splits the difference between Joanie and Joni, if you can't decide between the two.

Feminization of Evan

Currently fashionable in Slovenia.

Maori form of Joanna

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.