Names That Mean Friend or Friendly
- Nakotah
Origin:
SiouxMeaning:
"friend to all"Description:
This name of a subtribe in the Great Sioux Nation could make an inventive twist on the overused Dakota.
- Yadira
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"worthy"Description:
Yadira is a popular choice in Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, and has also been a favorite among Latin American families in the US. Popularized by actress Yadira Jiménez in the mid-20th century, its exact etymology is unknown, but a likely possibility is that it comes from the Arabic Jadira, usually interpreted as meaning "worthy", though "bloom" is also suggested.
- Sameria
Origin:
Variation of SamiraMeaning:
"companion in evening conversation"Description:
This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.
- Boudewijn
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"brave friend"Description:
Dutch form of Baldwin
- Sumitra
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"good friend"Description:
An appealing name with a gentle feel, Sumitra is a name of Sanskrit origin used in India and Thailand as a feminine name, and in Indonesia as a masculine one. It combines the elements su and mitra, meaning "good" and "friend" respectively.
The name appears on a (feminine) figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana and has been borne by actress Sumitra Devi, regarded as one of the best Bollywood actresses of the '40s and '50s, and by Sumitra Bhav, one half of a film-making duo with Sunil Sukthankar.
- Tomoya
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"friend"
- Alvina
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf-friend"Description:
This variation of the more well known Alvin adds an unusual and feminine touch to the original. It sounds a bit more like what it means--"elf friend."
- Lauge
Origin:
DanishMeaning:
"fellow / partner"Description:
Lauge is unheard of in most English-speaking countries, but is in the Top 50 in many Nordic countries. Despite is lovely meaning, Lauge's pronunciation and spelling issues are unlikely to make it popular outside of Scandinavia.
- Oswyn
Origin:
Old EnglishMeaning:
"God's friend"Description:
A variation of Oswin, an ancient name borne by a 7th century king and saint. Meaning "God's friend", it could be an unexpected way to nickname Ozzie.
- Ames
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"friend"Description:
Ames is that jewel of a name that's simple and familiar while at the same time being unusual and rare. With gender neutral surname names ending in S trending today -- think Brooks, Wells, Oakes -- Ames can make a perfect update on Amy or Amanda.
- Herophile
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"friend of the heroes"Description:
In Greek Mythology, Herophile was Aphrodite and Poseidon's daughter and a sibyl who predicted the fall of Troy.
- Sahir
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend"Description:
Appealing Indian and Arabic choice.
- Edin
Origin:
ManxMeaning:
"rich friend"Description:
Edin is a variant on the name Edwin from the Isle of Man. It may get confused as a misspelling of Eden in the US, but the pronunciation is different..
- Ethelwyn
Origin:
Form of Æðelwine, Old EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend"Description:
Ethelwyn is a form of Æðelwine, a masculine Anglo-Saxon saints' name that was revived in the 19th century, but for girls. An old example of gender-bending names, the switch likely occurred due to its obvious similarities to Ethel, which ultimately shares the same Old English root, æðele meaning "noble".
- Farquahar
Origin:
Anglicized form of Irish and Scottish FearcharMeaning:
"dear man"Description:
Definitely a far stretch for any child.
- Winton
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"friend's farm"Description:
See WYNTON.
- Amica
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"female friend"Description:
Amica is a word meaning girlfriend that is not often used as a name in Italy, but it would sound pretty and name-like elsewhere.
- Nefertari
Origin:
Ancient EgyptianMeaning:
"beautiful companion"Description:
Nefertari Meritmut was the first and favorite wife of pharoah Ramesses II "the Great". She was highly educated and undertook important diplomatic work on behalf of her husband, corresponding with other prominent figures and even making speeches.
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