Amish Names

  1. Iddo
    • Origin:

      Hebrew and Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Ernst
    • Origin:

      German variation of Ernest
    • Description:

      Concise and clipped European version of the earnest Ernest.
  3. Delila
    • Origin:

      Variation of Delilah, Hebrew or Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "delicate"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Delilah is disproportionately common among the Amish.
  4. Vernice
    • Origin:

      Variation of Verna, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Klaas
    • Description:

      Klaas is a traditional Dutch and Frisian masculine name, functioning as a shortened form of Nicholas or Nikolaas. Originating from the Greek name Nikolaos, it combines the elements "nike" (victory) and "laos" (people), meaning "victory of the people." Widely used in the Netherlands and parts of northern Germany, Klaas has been a staple name for centuries, particularly in rural and traditional communities. In Dutch folklore, Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) is a beloved figure associated with gift-giving, indirectly boosting the name's cultural significance. Though uncommon outside Dutch-speaking regions, the name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctive character that travels well. It typically appears as a full name rather than a nickname.
  6. Liese
    • Origin:

      German and Dutch diminutive of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

  9. Gerhard
    • Origin:

      German variation of Gerard
    • Description:

      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.
  10. Erma
    • Origin:

      Variation of Irma, English, German, Slovene
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. 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.
  12. Aquilla
    • Description:

      Aquilla is a masculine name with ancient roots, derived from Latin 'aquila' meaning 'eagle.' It appears in biblical contexts, including as a name mentioned in the New Testament. The name carries powerful symbolism through its association with eagles, conveying qualities of strength, vision, and nobility. Despite its classical origins, Aquilla remains quite rare as a given name, offering distinction while still having historical precedent. The name has a commanding presence with its unusual letter combination and strong sound. For parents seeking a name with both gravitas and uncommon status, Aquilla provides a meaningful option with rich symbolic connections to one of the most majestic birds in cultural traditions.
  13. Arie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ariel and Ari
    • Meaning:

      "lion of God"
    • Description:

      This spelling variation of trending unisex Ari — both diminutives of Hebrew Ariel — means "lion of God".
  14. Elfrieda
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "elf power"
    • Description:

      Form of Elfrida that has an old-fashioned sound you just might find cool.
  15. Heinz
    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Heinrich
    • Description:

      Heinz has become a cartoonish German name, prone to ketchup teasing.
  16. Menno
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Meine, Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  17. Erna
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "to know"
    • Description:

      That er sound -- as in Myrna, Myrtle, and Bernice -- sounds terminally dated.
  18. Neta
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "plant"
    • Description:

      Botanical Hebrew choice that leads to the sweet vintage nickname Nettie.
  19. 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.

  20. Isby
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth, Isabella, or Isabel, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.