Amish Names
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Janice
Origin:
Variation of JaneMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.
- Arno
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"eagle"Description:
Subtract the last two letters of Arnold, and you're left with a much more modern-sounding name. Arno is also the name of the main river in Florence, upon which sits the famed Ponte Vecchio. The Italian river name means "flowing water".
- Susie
Origin:
Diminutive of Susan, HebrewMeaning:
"lily"Description:
In the 1950s and 60s, Susie was the name every little girl wanted for her very own.
- Rebekah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to tie, bind"Description:
Many parents prefer this spelling of Rebecca, used in some versions of the Bible. Still, it's slipped considerably since its heyday in the eighties and nineties and fell off the US Top 1000 completely in 2023.
- Lorne
Origin:
Variation of LawrenceDescription:
Alive thanks to Ponderosa papa Greene and SNL creator Michaels, both from Canada, where the name is much more popular.
- Lovisa
Description:
Lovisa is a Scandinavian feminine name, particularly popular in Sweden, derived from Louise, which ultimately comes from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' Despite its martial origins, Lovisa has a gentle, melodic quality that feels both elegant and approachable. The name has deep historical roots in Nordic countries dating back centuries, where it has been borne by several notable figures including Swedish royalty. While not widely used outside Scandinavia, Lovisa offers an appealing option for parents seeking a name with European flair and subtle connection to the more common Louise or Louisa.
- Abe
Origin:
Diminutive of Abraham. HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Old-time nickname that's following in the fashionable footsteps of cronies Jake and Sam. Abe feels both fresher and cuter -- which is maybe the same thing? -- than those choices right now. You can also get to Abe via Abel, which may prove a friendlier formal name than the gray-bearded Abraham.
- Justina
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of JustinDescription:
Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.
- Katharina
Origin:
German variation of Katherine, GreekMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Katharina is an attractive form of Katherine and a great way to update a classic. Popular in Austria and a classic in Germany, it is typically pronounced as ka-ta-REE-na, though kath-uh-REE-nuh or ka-THREE-nuh are sometimes heard among English speakers. Worn by royalty and saints, it makes a strong and elegant choice.
- Arie
Origin:
Variation of Ariel and AriMeaning:
"lion of God"Description:
This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".
- Vernon
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"place of alders"Description:
Once aristocratic British surname yet to be revived. Vince Vaughn recently gave his son the same double initials as his own when he named him Vernon Vaughn.
- Atlee
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"clearing in the wood or meadow"Description:
As a first name, Atlee is a common choice in the Amish community.
- Frieda
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This traditional Germanic name hasn't been on the U.S. list since 1958, but perhaps due to the mythic power of painter Frida Kahlo, parents are beginning to show some interest in it.
- Malinda
Origin:
Variation of Melinda, EnglishMeaning:
"beautiful honey"Description:
This spelling of Melinda is used primarily in Amish communities.
- Isby
Origin:
Diminutive of Elizabeth, Isabella, or Isabel, HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
A playful and vintage nickname for Elizabeth, Isabelle, or Isabella, if you're hoping to avoid Izzy, Lizzy, Belle, or Beth.
- Levina
Description:
Levina is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Lavinia, an ancient Roman name associated with Latin roots meaning 'woman of Rome' and featured in Virgil's 'Aeneid.' Alternatively, it could derive from Lovina, a name with Germanic origins meaning 'beloved friend.' In some contexts, Levina may also connect to names like Levin or Levi, which have Hebrew origins meaning 'joined' or 'attached.' Throughout history, Levina has remained relatively uncommon, appearing sporadically in English-speaking countries and parts of Europe. The name carries a vintage charm with its soft sounds and elegant ending, making it appealing to parents seeking a traditional yet distinctive name with historical resonance.
- Elam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"distant"Description:
Elam is the name of no fewer than eight Old Testament figures. The most notable was a grandson of Noah whose followers were dubbed the Elamites. Elam is commonly used in Amish communities today.
- Heinrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Traditional German names of this ilk have had a difficult time emigrating into the American name pool, mostly because anti-German sentiment during the two world wars of the 20th century drove German names out of fashion. One of Heinrich's nicknames, Harro, might do better.
- Elly
Description:
Elly is a charming feminine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a diminutive for several longer names including Eleanor, Elizabeth, Ellen, Eloise, and Eliana. With English and Greek origins, its root meaning connects to 'light' or 'shining one' through its connection to these longer forms. Elly has a friendly, approachable quality with its cheerful sound and simple spelling. While not typically ranking among the most popular names, it has maintained steady usage throughout the decades. The name strikes a perfect balance between feeling familiar and yet not overly common. Its brevity makes it practical and unpretentious, while still carrying the elegant heritage of its longer counterparts.
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