Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Dilay is a Turkish feminine name that carries a beautiful meaning of 'heart of the moon' or 'moonheart.' The name combines elements representing feelings and celestial beauty, making it both poetic…
Literary name
Puck was Shakespeare's mischievous pixie who'a had a few television incarnations in more recent years. A popular name in The Netherlands but nowhere else, from what we can tell. We love Puck for its…
Latin, female variation of Nicasio
"victorious"
An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.
Welsh variation of Agnes
This is the most popular Welsh form of Agnes. Variants include Annest and Nest. There was an eleventh century Nest who was known as 'Helen of Wales' for her beauty and the problems it caused.
Navarre is a masculine name derived from a historical region that spans parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. With Basque origins, some scholars suggest it may derive from 'nabar' meaning…
Variation of Rhea, Riya, or Rhiannon, Greek, Sanskrit, Welsh
"flowing stream; singer, melody; divine queen"
Familiar but underused, Rhiya has been given to a handful of girls each year in the US since 2007. Likely a variation of the water-inspired Greek name Rhea, the musical Sanskrit name Riya, or the…
Cardan is a masculine name with multiple possible origins and meanings. It may derive from the Welsh 'cardden' meaning 'thicket' or could be connected to the Italian surname Cardano, famously borne…
Finnish
"poem"
An appealing Finnish name, with a touch of literary magic and whimsy, Runo means "poem" in its native language. Traditionally said with a slightly rolled R and a softer 'oh' sound at the end (more…
Variation of Loew or Lowell
Surname names that might work as a first, though either of its original forms may be even better.
Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means…
Popular culture, literary invention, "narrow; chaos"
"narrow; chaos"
Several names that are used in the popular book series Throne of Glass have been gaining attention in recent years, including Celaena and Aelin, and though Chaol has yet to join them, it may be one…
Irish
"grey lady"
An old Irish saint’s name and the name of a lovelorn poetess in Irish folk legend. Liadain and Líadan are other variations.
Spelling variation of Kerris or Cerys
"love"
This phonetic version of the Welsh Cerys might be easier for Americans, certainly, to understand, but it does lose some poetry in translation.
Signa is a feminine name with Norse and Latin influences. From Norse origins, it may relate to 'signa' meaning 'to bless' or be connected to 'sigr' meaning 'victory.' In Latin contexts, Signa means…
Variation of Callan, Gaelic
"descendent of Cathalan"
This modern rendition of Callan was created by author Sarah J. Maas for her fantasy romance series A Court of Thorns and Roses .
Thai
"beautiful knowledgeable woman"
This name has it all - looks, brains, charms and an international sound that can go anywhere.
Greek
"purple flower"
Like Violet, Lavender and Lilac, Ianthe is a purple flower name. Chosen by the poet Shelley for his daughter, Ianthe has a poetic, romantic, almost ethereal quality. In the ancient myth, she was the…
Literary diminutive of Tam, Scottish
"twin; son of Thomas"
A gentle name with a playful and spirited air, Tamlin appears in a traditional Anglo-Scottish ballad that tells the story of Tamlin who is abducted by the Queen of Faeries and later rescued by his…
Latin, Roman clan name
One of the few ancient Roman names that doesn't end in us, the rarely heard Tarquin has a decidedly creative, even dramatic flair, which could appeal to the parent looking for a strikingly original…