By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Latin
"famous warrior"
This name is a classic example of an underused golden oldie that ticks so many boxes - unusual yet traditional, heaps of cute nicknames, a statement name that exudes retro cool. Aloysius is the Latin…
Feminine variation of Guiomar, Spanish, Portuguese
"famous in battle"
The longer form of Xia is more rhythmic but also more problematic.
Spanish and Italian form of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + famous battle"
An elaboration of Marisa, a combination of Maria and Louisa. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from…
Italian and Spanish combination of Maria and Louisa
A name made famous by Marisas Berenson and Tomei, never became as saturated as its cousin Melissa, so still a feasible choice. Marisa is one of those Spanish and Italian names for girls that sounds…
Spelling variation of Roland, German
"famous throughout the land"
Rowland is more usually the surname spelling of Roland, as in Kelly Rowland.
Diminutive of Roland, German
As its parent name Roland comes back into style (yep, it’s happening), could there be an uptick in baby Rollies? Certainly as a pet form.
French and German
Rollin is a masculine name with related to the more familiar Roland. It might also be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' Used in English-speaking countries…
Finnish and Old Swedish form of Maria, Portuguese, Japanese, Georgian, Arabic
"beloved; drop of the sea, bitter; beloved and famous in battle; dance + sand; born in May; walking with a proud gait"
A truly international name with a multitude of origins. From Finnish and Old Swedish, it is one of many international variations of Mary and Maria, and can also be spelled Majsa (pronounced MIE-suh).…
German
As heavy as a marble bust of Beethoven.
English, diminutive of Roger, German
This old short form might be seen as a little dubious by some, though it could make for a fun pet name, honor name, on update on the still-stodgy Roger. In a recent film, Seeking a Friend for the End…
Variation of Rudy, German
"famous wolf"
Rudy has been heard as a feminine name before — most notably on Rudy Huxtable, the young girl on The Cosby Show . This spelling makes it a bit girlier, although it's occasionally used for boys as…
Italian variation of Ludwig, German
Ludwig may be out, but Ludovico is very very in, at least in Italy. Undiscovered in the US and other English-speaking countries, Ludovico comes with the short form Ludo. The female form Ludovica is…
Diminutive of Orlando, Italian form of Roland, German
Orlando is such a romantically attractive name, why stunt it with this relatively flat-footed short form?
Russian variation of Roderick, German
"famous ruler"
Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.
Variation of Luella, English
"battle famous fairy maiden; she who is famous in war"
Sweet and lively Luella has been rising up the charts in recent years, and now this sleek form in the style of Noelle, Lucille, and Estelle is catching parents' attention. Considered a compound name,…
Portuguese, German
"famous wealth"
A handsome Portuguese name derived from the old Germanic saint's name Audamar or Otmar. Especially common in Brazil.
Catalan form of Roderick, German
Saint Roderic was a priest in Spain who was persecuted by the Moors. Another form of this name is Ruderic.
Elaboration of Lou and Louisa, American, Germanic
Antique girl names like Louise, Louisa, Loretta, and Etta are all on the rise, and Louetta is a hidden gem among them. Rumer Willis revived this vintage compound name for her daughter, Louetta Isley…
Abbreviated form of Rudolf, German
Like Papa name Rudolf, Rolf never quite emigrated from the Bavarian Alps. You might want to move on to Rollo or Wolf.
English, Germanic
Alternate Anglicization of Rurik, a powerful name related to Roderick with a meaning to match. This spelling shortens naturally to cool nickname Rory.
