Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Updated September 2026
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Variation of Kit, diminutive of Christopher and Katherine
The extra 'T' makes this nickname name a little more substantial.
Arabic
"precious, scarce"
A relatively popular Arabic name that featured in the French Top 500 for much of the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st. It is also used as a given name in Turkey, Iran and Israel, as…
English word name
"secret"
Runes are symbols in ancient Germanic alphabets. They are often viewed as mysterious and therefore as a name, Rune imparts a feeling of folkloric mystery. As intriguing as that might be, the homonym…
Greek
"bird, hawk"
In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea (or Aiaia) who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to…
Japanese
"child of joy"
Sachi, often short for Sachiko, was given to 25 girls in the US in a recent year. While it is technically Japanese, this short form has an unidentifiably international feel and might be a relative of…
Literature, English
"fair, beautiful"
Created by Sarah J. Maas for the heroine of her Court of Thorns and Roses series of YA novels. The name was based on the Old English word for "fair" or "beautiful" and has an ethereal charm.
Welsh, German
"ice ruler"
Sleek, sharp, and soulful, Isolde is the German form of Iseult, the fabled lover of Tristan in the Arthurian romances. First appearing in the 12th-century, the name was fairly popular in the form of…
Hebrew, variation of Sarah
"princess"
Sera is a truly international variation heard in Hebrew-speaking, Spanish and Italian cultures. Sera can also spelled Serah. Sera might also be a short form of Seraphina. While Sera may rightly be…
Persian
"wind"
This old Persian name was chosen by actress Geena Davis for her daughter. It's an attractive variation on a name that exists in dozens of forms, from Alissa and Eliza to the French Alizee, but you'll…
Variation of Dane, Dean, or Dáinn, literary, Norse
"from Denmark; valley; died"
Dain might simply be considered an unusual spelling variation of the familiar Dane and Dean, however, it may also have its roots in Norse mythology, in which it belonged to a several different…
Chinese
"beautiful forest, beautiful rose"
A good cultural crossover choice for Chinese-American parents, Meilin has a beautiful meaning, an on-trend sound, and is straightforward in terms of pronunciation in an English-speaking environment.…
Mehr is a feminine name with Persian origins, meaning 'sun' or 'love.' In Persian culture, it's associated with kindness, affection, and warmth. The name also has connections to Mithra, an ancient…
"force of Zeus"
With historical roots as a beautiful and intelligent ancient queen and literary ties to Hawthorne and Edith Wharton novels, this rarity could appeal to adventurous parents seeking the romantically…
Italian, feminine diminutive of Donato
Stylish and dramatic, a la Donatella Versace.
Literary name
"maiden crowned with a radiant garland"
The name of the wise and beautiful elfin princess in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels, best known through Cate Blanchett's immortal representation in the film series. This ethereal name…
Arabic; Hawaiian
"light-footed, to move softly, to touch; joyful"
Sweet multicultural name.
"violet flower"
This unusual Greek flower and color name has gained considerable recent attention via actress Ione Skye, who is the daughter of sixties folksinger Donovan. Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs —…
Created by Sarah J. Maas for the handsome High Lord of her Court of Thorns and Roses series of fantasy romance novels. Rhysand is based on the Welsh name Rhys, meaning "ardor".
Scottish variation of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of…
English
"trickling stream"
A locational surname with its origins in the North of England, occasionally also used as a first name. Notable bearers include actor Dacre Montgomery ( Stranger Things ) and author and filmmaker…