Updated November 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Latin, short for Kalonymous
"gracious, good reputation"
This is a rarely heard multi-cultural name, related to a 14th century Jewish scholar named Kalonymous ben Kalonymous, who translated important texts from Arabic to Hebrew. It is also a Hungarian…
Arabic
"the one who brings good news"
Used both as a given name and as a surname, Bashir is a familiar but still unusual choice in the USA and UK, even among Muslim families. In 2014, only 25 boys were named Bashir in the US. One reason…
Swahili, Arabic
"divine grace, blessing"
Ultimately from the Arabic ni'ma , this Swahili name celebrates the blessing of a baby. Also used as a masculine name, Neema is notably borne by film director Neema Barnette and activist Neema…
English word name
"being good or worthy; deserving of recognition"
Merritt is an English surname but spelled Merit it becomes a word name. Both variations are on the rise.
Hebrew
"God is good"
Tobiah is the original Hebrew form of the better-known Greek Tobias, to which it could make a distinctive alternative. With its ah ending, Tobiah fits in with other stylish Biblical names today, from…
"god is good"
Hebrew form of Tobiah
Feminine form of Glenn, English, Scottish
"valley"
Part nature name, part mid-century favorite, Glenda came into use in the 20th century as a feminine form of Scottish Glenn, likely inspired by Linda and Wanda too. While Glenn would give it the…
African, Igbo
"good God"
Beautiful West African name that could appeal across cultures.
"luck, good fortune"
A bright, celestial sounding choice with a lucky meaning. Violinist Maimuna Murashko and actress Maimuna Memon are notable bearers.
Variation of Cartier, French
"transporter of good by cart"
Swapping the C for a K makes Kartier less luxe, yet this variation is quickly catching up to the original.
Tibetan
"good fortune"
Tashi is a Tibetan word meaning "good fortune," and is also used as a given name and surname in Tibet and Bhutan.
Latin
"fortunate, of good fate"
A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.
Tuvia is the Hebrew cognate of Tobias or Tobiah, found in the Bible and used in this form in Israel. The film "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" included a character named Tuvia, who was female,…
"the bearer of good news"
Nashira is one of those obscure space names that might rise along with such heavenly choices as Orion, Luna, and even Nevaeh. A giant star in Capricorn, Nashira is an unusual and attractive name with…
"flourishing wealth and good fortune"
Another idealistic virtue name with big shoes to fill — Prosperity would make a bold first name, or more likely an intriguing middle name.
Persian
"good news"
Attractive Middle Eastern choice.
Igbo, Nigerian
"good thing; beautiful thing"
Derived from the Igbo elements ífé meaning "thing" and ọ́má , "good" or "beautiful."
Thai
"good night"
The Olympic gymnast Sunisa "Suni" Lee was named after her mother's favorite Thai actress.
One for the truly adventurous baby namers, or perhaps an unexpected middle name to liven up a more traditional first. But on trend short form Bo does make it feel a little more accessible.
Hawaiian
"the good"
Kapono is seen as both a given name and a surname in Hawaii. One notable bearer is musician Kapono Beamer, from an influential Hawaiian family.