Amish Names
- Iddo
Origin:
Hebrew and ArabicMeaning:
"to evaporate and to be mighty"Description:
This Old Testament name, also translated as Ido, is well-used in the modern Middle East but nearly unknown in the US. The Biblical Iddo was a minor prophet who lived in the time of Solomon.
- Delila
Origin:
Variation of Delilah, Hebrew or ArabicMeaning:
"delicate"Description:
This spelling of Delilah is disproportionately common among the Amish.
- Erma
Origin:
Variation of Irma, English, German, SloveneMeaning:
"whole, great, universal; army man"Description:
A variation of the German Irma, Erma emerged in the 19th century in English-speaking countries where its similarity to timeless Emma might have helped it gain popularity. In fact, if you follow its Germanic roots, it relates back to irmin meaning "whole, great", the same as Emma does.
- Melita
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"honey"Description:
A coffee filter.
- Erna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"to know"Description:
That er sound -- as in Myrna, Myrtle, and Bernice -- sounds terminally dated.
- Ura
Description:
Ura is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'shore' or 'coast,' evoking natural imagery. In Albanian, the name means 'bridge,' symbolizing connection. Ura also appears in various Slavic languages with different meanings. The name's brevity gives it a stark simplicity that works across language boundaries. Extremely rare in English-speaking countries, Ura enjoys modest usage in parts of Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Japan. The name's short form makes it easy to pronounce in most languages, though in English it might face confusion with the phrase 'you are.' Ura carries an understated, minimalist quality with international versatility, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with cross-cultural significance.
- Menno
Origin:
Diminutive of Meine, DutchMeaning:
"strength"Description:
The Mennonites took their name from Menno Simons, a Dutch leader of the Anabaptists. His name, which is a nickname of Meine, is still used today in the American Mennonite community.
- Gerhard
Origin:
German variation of GerardDescription:
In its native Germany, Gerhard was very popular a hundred years ago and is now rather old-fashioned. It isn't much used by English speakers either, but has a certain clunky charm about it.
- 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.
- Dannie
Description:
Dannie is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Daniel, meaning 'God is my judge' in Hebrew. While the spelling 'Danny' is more common for boys, 'Dannie' represents a less frequent variant. This spelling is sometimes used to distinguish it from the nickname form, potentially indicating it as a given name in its own right. Dannie has a friendly, approachable quality typical of names ending with the 'ie' sound. The name can also be used for girls, making it one of the truly unisex names. Though not currently ranking high on popularity charts for boys, Dannie offers a slight twist on the familiar Danny while maintaining its casual, amiable character.
- Neta
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"plant"Description:
Botanical Hebrew choice that leads to the sweet vintage nickname Nettie.
- Elfrieda
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf power"Description:
Form of Elfrida that has an old-fashioned sound you just might find cool.
- Netha
Origin:
Diminutive of Aganetha, GermanMeaning:
"pure, virginal"Description:
Short form of Aganetha used in the Amish community.
- Rudolf
Origin:
Spelling variation of Rudolph, GermanMeaning:
"famous wolf"Description:
You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.
- Vernice
Origin:
Variation of Verna, LatinMeaning:
"springtime"Description:
Part Verna, part Bernice, Vernice saw use as a girls' name during the heyday of both those names. Both entered the Top 200 in the 1880s, where Verna lasted until 1940 and Bernice a decade longer.
- Lavern
Description:
Lavern is a gender-neutral name that has been used predominantly for males in the United States, though it can also be found as a feminine name. It likely derives from French elements, possibly from surnames or place names, with "verne" referring to alder trees or swampy areas. The name reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting naming trends of that era. While less common today, Lavern maintains a certain vintage charm and straightforward appeal. The masculine use of Lavern is sometimes confused with the more feminine LaVerne spelling variation. Notable bearers include American football player Lavern Dilweg and country music artist Lavern Baker. The name's soft sounds combined with its strong ending give it a distinctive character that bridges traditional and modern naming styles.
- Atlee
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"clearing in the wood or meadow"Description:
As a first name, Atlee is a common choice in the Amish community.
- Emanual
Description:
Emanual is a variant spelling of Emmanuel, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is with us.' This masculine name carries biblical significance, as it appears in the Old Testament as a prophecy of the Messiah and is later associated with Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. While less common than the traditional spelling Emmanuel, Emanual maintains the same powerful religious connotation and melodic quality. The name has maintained modest popularity throughout Western countries, particularly in Christian communities. With its four syllables and rhythmic sound, Emanual conveys strength, spirituality, and divine protection, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with religious significance.
- Waneta
Origin:
American, meaning unknownDescription:
Rumors abound about Waneta, which is a Canadian place name. Some say it's an Anglicization of Juanita, while others claim it's a Native American name. Interestingly, Waneta is a common name among the American Amish.
- Laverna
Origin:
LatinDescription:
Laverna was the Roman goddess of thievery, cheating, and the underworld. The original meaning of her name in unknown, however, there are several theories. One such theory states that Laverna is related to the Latin word for theif, laterniō, while another connects the name to levare, meaning "to lift," as in shoplifting. In the case of the latter, Laverna would mean "goddess of gain".