Names That Mean Surprise

The French word for marvel has a beautiful and elevated sound — pronounced "mair-VAY".

The name of prize-winning American architect Robert Venturi would make a somewhat awkward first.

A big name to bestow upon a baby, but in line with word names that are becoming increasingly fashionable, such as Legend, Miracle, and Royal.

Marvel is rising for both sexes, and this cheerful, melodic variation could appeal too.

A contemporary sounding word name with an ancient history, widely used in the Roman Empire, and based on the mythic goddess of good luck and fertility.

An attractive name that's uncommon even in its native Finland. Onneli ja Anneli is a Finnish children's movie translated to English as Jill and Joy, although the names are unrelated.

Unrelated to the gemstone, Opalluk is a rare name of Greenlandic origin with an endearing and lively meaning. Rarely used as a given name, it would be a surprising choice. Upaluk is another form of the name.

The futuristic consonant x sets this apart -- for better and worse -- from all the other Felices, Felicias, and Felicitys.

A big name to bestow upon a baby, but in line with word names that are becoming increasingly fashionable, such as Legend and Royal.

A popular American name in previous centuries in honor of famed Harvard President, Charles Chauncy. This name is burdened by an incredibly pompous sound and best left in the past.

Wonder is a lovely quality for a modern virtue name. With ethereal word names like Dream and Love rising fast in the charts, Wonder feels right at home. Australian singer, Sia, used it as a middle name for her third daughter, Somersault Wonder.

Of the Faust- name family, Fausto is considered the most stylish.

Maimun is a common name in Arabic-speaking countries, where its meaning bestows good fortune.

Alazne is a traditional name in Euskera, the language of the Basque people.

Derived from the Finnish word "mielu", meaning "luck", Mielikki is the Finnish goddess of forests and the hunt.

In Roman mythology. Felicitas was the deity of good luck.

A bright, celestial sounding choice with a lucky meaning. Violinist Maimuna Murashko and actress Maimuna Memon are notable bearers.