Names That Mean Beloved

This traditional Arabic name, found throughout several other Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures, is one of the 99 names of Allah. Colorful and energetic, it was brought into the realm of crossover possibility via the lively personality of Aziz Ansari, stand-up comic and star of "Master of None" as well as a featured actor on "Parks and Recreation," playing cocky Tom Haverford (born Darwish Sabir Ismael Gani).

An Irish mythology name belonging to a semi-legendary high king of Ireland, often equated with English David though not etymologically related.

Dariela may have a not-quite-authentic provenance, but it's a pretty name and an unusual choice in the girly Isabella-Gabriella group.

A pretty smoosh name predominantly used by Italian Catholics.

A rare Finnish name which is used for both sexes, but more often for girls. It is usually found in the middle spot.

Contracted form of Leofric, which would make an intriguing addition to the modern lexicon of Leo names.

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.

Variant of Maribel or Maribelle

Combination of Mary and Ann which has been more popular than Marianne in recent years, although still below the Top 1000, after a peak in the 1940s.

Taffy, in addition to being a diminutive of Dafydd, is a slang term for Welsh people in general – probably from the River Taff. Too candy-like to be used in the US.

This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

An undiscovered surname option that resembles the trendy choice Everett and boasts the stylish nicknames Levi, Rett, and Lev.

Variant of Marianne

Variant of Marybeth

Variant of Marilyn

Variant of Annemarie

A cute but not cutesy Dutch diminutive of Maria.

Variant of Annemarie

Dave is the ultimate good guy name, but where father name David is still holding onto a spot in the Top 20, Dave -- widely used as an independent name in the middle of the last century -- dropped off the Top 1000 a few decades ago and shows no signs of a comeback. Baby Davids today, often named for dad or grandpa, are more likely to be called David than Dave.

A light and pretty name used in several Eastern European countries, which may be a form of Miriam or Mary.