250+ Names like Arlo and Esme: Vowel-Consonant-Consonant-Vowel
- Urso
Origin:
Italian from LatinMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
- Itza
Origin:
Variation of Itzel, MayanMeaning:
"rainbow lady"Description:
Itza is a rare Itzel variant that shares its colorful meaning. Itza also connects to the Itza people of Guatemala and their language of the same name. Chichen Itza was a city built by the Mayans in what is now the Yucatán of Mexico.
- Elby
Description:
Elby is a charming masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from a surname, possibly an English place name meaning 'old farm' or 'old settlement,' or could be a diminutive form of names beginning with 'El' such as Elbert or Elvin. The name has a warm, friendly quality with its soft sounds and simple structure. While uncommon, Elby has an approachable, unpretentious character that makes it accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel, though it could equally be considered vintage in style. Elby strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, making it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name that still feels warm and relatable rather than exotic or difficult.
- Ashe
Origin:
English surname; diminutive of Ashley, Ashton, etcDescription:
Although usually spelled without the final 'e', this version commemorates tennis immortal Arthur Ashe. Seth Meyers' son Ashe was given his wife's maiden name.
- Ersa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"dew"Description:
Ersa, daughter of Zeus and the moon goddess Selene, is goddess of the morning dew, which may make this an excellent name for a child born in the early hours of the day.
- Alda
Origin:
Feminine variation of Aldo, German, or Old NorseMeaning:
"old or wave"Description:
Alda's brother name Aldo has been a mainstay of the U.S. popularity chart for decades now, and the related Alden is soaring up as well. This version has never really caught on. (Maybe it's the association with Alan Alda: great actor, unlikely namesake for a little girl.) However, there is possible hope now that Alba and Alma are on the rise. Aida and Arden are more familiar alternatives.
- Ilka
Origin:
Hungarian, diminutive of Ilona; variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
- Etna
Description:
Etna is a feminine name derived from Mount Etna, the famous active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. The name carries strong associations with natural power and intensity. In Greek mythology, Mount Etna was believed to be the workshop of Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, or the location where the monster Typhon was trapped by Zeus. As a personal name, Etna remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation are practical advantages, while its volcanic association conveys an impression of strength and fiery spirit. Some parents might be drawn to this name for its connection to Sicilian heritage or its natural symbolism.
- Osha
Origin:
Literary nameDescription:
Game of Thrones fans may recognize this as the name of the wily Wildling who helped protect Bran Stark for several seasons of the HBO show. George R.R. Martin has cited Harry Potter vet Natalia Tena's performance in the part as the one that most changed his understanding of a character he created.
- Esra
Origin:
HebewMeaning:
"help"Description:
As a name for boys, Esra is usually considered a spelling variation of the Biblical Ezra. Esra has a separate life as a Turkish girls' name.
- Elzy
Description:
Elzy is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It likely developed as a diminutive of names beginning with "El-" such as Elias, Elijah, or Elwood. In some cases, it may represent an Anglicized form of the Hungarian name Eleazar or even derive from a surname. The name has folk and rural associations in American history, particularly in the southern United States, where it occasionally appeared in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Elzy has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sound and "z" consonant. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its historical usage. Today, Elzy remains extremely uncommon, making it an option for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with a hint of vintage charm.
- Ylva
Origin:
Feminine variation of Ulf, ScandinavianMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
Ylva may look like it belongs with the Eva family of names, but it actually derives from Ulf, a name meaning "wolf." It's not a very intuitive name to English-speakers, and likely won't get picked up in the US anytime soon. At last count, it was only given to five American baby girls.
- Elki
Description:
Elki is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Hebrew, it's a diminutive form of names containing 'El' (meaning 'God'), giving it the essence of 'my God' or 'God to me.' The name also has connections to Germanic languages, where it may be related to 'Elke,' a Dutch and German diminutive of Adelaide or other names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' In some Native American traditions, particularly Algonquian languages, 'Elki' relates to terms for 'elk' or 'horned one.' This short, distinctive name has a modern, crisp sound that appeals to parents seeking something concise yet memorable. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Elki offers cross-cultural appeal with its international connections and contemporary feel.
- Enzi
Origin:
African, SwahiliMeaning:
"powerful"Description:
This short and strong Swahili name shares lots of sounds with trending Ezra and Enzo, and has a great meaning too. This name is considered unisex in East Africa.
- Orsa
Origin:
Italian variation of UrsulaMeaning:
"little female bear"Description:
The advantage of Orsa over the arguably-more-attractive Ursula is that it breaks the tie to the hideous she-witch of The Little Mermaid. Orsa definitely feels more ready for modern life now that brother name Orson is on the rise.
- Arvo
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"value, worth"Description:
Arvo is a simple name virtually unknown in the US and UK that might get discovered thanks to the surprise popularity of Arlo.
- Esco
Description:
Esco is a unique masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names beginning with 'Es-' such as Esmond or Escobar, or derive from place names like Esco, Spain. Another possibility is its connection to the Italian word 'esca' meaning 'bait' or 'lure.' As a given name, Esco remains quite rare in the United States and most English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. Some parents might choose it for its brevity and strong ending sound, or for its cultural connections. The name has occasionally appeared in popular culture, which may contribute to small spikes in usage, though it maintains its uncommon status.
- Asma
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"supreme"Description:
Asma is a simple but powerful name, and holds significance in Islamic tradition. Asma was a niece of Muhammad whose refusal to betray her uncle and father helped them escape to Mecca.
- Emry
Origin:
Variation of Emery, GermanMeaning:
"industrious"Description:
Emry is a shortened form of the popular Emery, which now ranks in the Top 100 girl names in the US. Emry has not yet hit the Top 1000 but was given to about 200 babies in the US last year, about 80 percent of those girls.
- Ilda
Origin:
Italian variation of HIlda, GermanMeaning:
"battle woman"Description:
The Italian form of Hilda is rarer but sweeter than its mother name, which still isn't ready for revival in the US.