250+ Names like Arlo and Esme: Vowel-Consonant-Consonant-Vowel
- Ardi
Description:
Ardi is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Indonesian, it means 'perfect' or 'flawless,' while in Albanian it can mean 'golden day.' The name gained international recognition after the 2009 discovery of an important early hominid fossil nicknamed 'Ardi' (short for Ardipithecus ramidus). As a personal name, Ardi is appreciated for its brevity and melodic quality. It can also function as a diminutive for longer names like Ardith or Ardella. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Ardi has seen modest usage in parts of Europe, Indonesia, and among families seeking distinctive yet accessible names for their daughters.
- Anyu
Description:
Anyu is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Hungarian folklore, it means 'mother' and carries warm, nurturing associations. In Chinese, depending on the characters used, it can mean 'peaceful jade' or convey other positive qualities. The name also appears in Inuit culture, where it can refer to a snow angel. Anyu's brevity and melodic quality make it appealing across cultural boundaries. The name has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries, giving it an exotic appeal while still being straightforward to pronounce. Its simplicity—just two syllables with a pleasing rhythm—contributes to its gentle charm. For parents seeking a name that is both distinctive and meaningful across different cultural traditions, Anyu offers a thoughtful choice with nurturing undertones.
- Alka
Description:
Alka is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'curl' or 'lock of hair' and is associated with beauty. In Slavic languages, particularly Serbian and Croatian, it serves as a diminutive of names containing 'Al-' elements. The name has maintained consistent usage in India, where it's appreciated for its simplicity and melodious sound. Alka also appears occasionally in Eastern European communities. Its short, balanced structure makes it easy to pronounce across languages, contributing to its cross-cultural appeal. The name carries connotations of delicacy and natural beauty, making it an elegant yet straightforward choice that works well internationally.
- Anki
Description:
Anki is a feminine name with Swedish and Finnish origins, commonly used as a diminutive form of Anna or Anneli. These names ultimately derive from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace'. In India, Anki can also be found with different etymological roots and meanings. The name has a light, cheerful sound and a modern feel despite its traditional origins. In Sweden, it gained some popularity during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today. It has also found use as a nickname in German-speaking regions. Anki's short, two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable across language boundaries, contributing to its charm as a simple yet distinctive name choice.
- Adna
Description:
Adna is a feminine name with ancient roots and cross-cultural significance. In Hebrew, it means 'pleasure' or 'delight,' while in Bosnian it's associated with 'paradise.' The name appears in the Bible as a male name belonging to several minor figures, but in modern usage, it's more commonly given to girls. Adna has maintained a consistent presence across several cultures, particularly in the Balkans and Middle East. Its brevity and melodic quality make it accessible across language barriers. The name's simple two-syllable structure and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality. Despite its ancient origins, Adna feels contemporary and distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.
- Octa
Origin:
Anglo-SaxonDescription:
The underachieving son of a great Saxon leader named Hengist in Arthurian legend.
- Arda
Origin:
Turkish, Hebrew, or EnglishMeaning:
"scepter, bronze, or forest"Description:
Arda is a simple gender-neutral name with several possible origins and meanings. As a Turkish name, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a river in Turkey called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may also be a variation of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.
- Erla
Description:
Erla is a feminine name with primarily Norse and Icelandic origins, derived from the Old Norse 'Erla' meaning 'noble woman' or possibly connected to 'jarl' meaning 'earl' or 'nobleman.' In Icelandic culture, the name has maintained steady usage through generations. Erla also appears in German traditions, possibly as a variant of Ella. The name features a pleasing brevity and soft sound with its gentle 'er' beginning and open 'la' ending. Despite its ancient roots, Erla has a surprisingly modern feel with its concise two-syllable structure. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it offers an accessible yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Nordic heritage. Erla's simple pronunciation and spelling make it practical while remaining uncommon.
- Azni
Origin:
Armenian, meaning unknownDescription:
Though it might be acceptable in its native land, the fact of Azni being an anagram of a word with unpleasant World War II associations would limit its usage here.
- Urba
Description:
Urba is an uncommon masculine name with potential Latin roots, possibly derived from 'urbanus' meaning 'of the city' or 'refined.' The name might also have connections to place names or surnames in various European cultures. Urba has an ancient quality while being remarkably spare and modern in its brevity. This name has remained exceptionally rare in English-speaking countries, never appearing in popular naming records. Its short, symmetrical form gives it a distinctive, almost minimalist quality. The name's unusual nature means those called Urba would rarely encounter others sharing their name. With its uncommon status and intriguing potential etymologies, Urba might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive name with classical undertones.
- Arza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"panels of cedar"Description:
Straightforward yet intriguing, a winning combination.
- 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.
- Idzi
Origin:
PolishMeaning:
"young goat"Description:
Idzi is an intriguing name used mostly in Poland, a relative of Giles via its original Latin form Aegidius. If you're looking for a very unusual animal or vowel-heavy name, this might make an excellent choice.
- Arje
Description:
Arje is a masculine name with Hebrew and Nordic connections. In Hebrew contexts, it relates to 'aryeh' meaning 'lion,' symbolizing strength and courage. In Nordic regions, particularly Finland, it may be a variation of Ari or Arie. The name is compact yet distinctive, with a strong sound despite its short length. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Arje has maintained usage within certain cultural communities, particularly Jewish and Scandinavian populations. The name carries connotations of natural power and leadership. Its brevity makes it practical while its unique character helps it stand out, offering a balance that appeals to parents seeking something both substantial and uncommon.
- Isme
Origin:
Variation of Esme, French, PersianMeaning:
"esteemed; beloved; emerald"Description:
While the traditional Esmé is pronounced EZ-may, the Isme variation would suggest an IZ-may pronunciation.
- Orsu
Origin:
CorsicanMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Corsican form of Ursus
- Imri
Origin:
HebrewDescription:
Rare biblical name.
- Etke
Description:
Etke is an uncommon feminine name of Yiddish origin. Historically used in Eastern European Jewish communities, it's believed to be a diminutive form of names containing 'Et' or possibly derived from Esther or Edith. The name carries cultural significance within Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and was more prevalent in pre-WWII Europe. Today, Etke is quite rare, preserved mainly through family naming traditions honoring ancestors. Its brevity and distinctive sound make it stand out, though its unfamiliarity in mainstream culture means bearers might need to explain its pronunciation and origins. For families looking to preserve Jewish heritage, Etke offers a connection to cultural roots.
- Elna
Description:
Elna is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Germanic roots. It likely developed as a variant of Elena or Helena, ultimately deriving from the Greek word 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' In Nordic countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, Elna has enjoyed modest popularity throughout history. The name carries associations with brightness, clarity, and illumination. While never reaching mainstream popularity in the United States or United Kingdom, Elna has maintained a consistent presence among families with Scandinavian heritage. Its short, two-syllable structure gives it a simple elegance while remaining distinctive in most contemporary settings.
- Irva
Description:
Irva is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old Norse name Irvr, meaning "river" or "water," or could be a variation of Irva, with Celtic roots relating to "fresh, green, vigorous." In some contexts, it appears as a variant of Irene, ultimately connecting to the Greek word for "peace." This rare name has never been common in English-speaking countries but maintained minimal usage throughout the early 20th century before declining further. Irva has a gentle, flowing sound with its soft consonants and ending vowel, giving it a delicate feminine quality. Its uncommonness offers uniqueness while its brevity gives it a modern sensibility despite its traditional roots.