International Baby Names · Classic Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
Spanish variation of Rachel
"ewe"
Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a…
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
"God is gracious"
Juana has not achieved the popularity in the U.S. of the male version Juan. Whereas Juan has made it almost to the Top 50 on the U. S. hit parade, sister Juana has barely entered the thousand most…
Italian and Spanish variation of Paula
"small"
Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
Original New Testament Greek variation of Andrew
"strong and manly"
Andreas is a beautiful name, with the patina of an Old Master painting, one that could make a dashing namesake for an Uncle Andrew. In Europe, Andreas is currently in the Top 20 in Norway and is also…
Irish variation of James
"supplanter"
Parents who have tired of Sean are now contemplating Seamus, the Irish form of James, which has a lot more substance and verve. One of the name's most famous bearers is the 1995 Nobel Prize-winning…
Hebrew; Swahili
"to shine; flower"
Zahara, a delicate but strong multicultural name, came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie bestowed it on her Ethiopian-born daughter, and we predict other parents will adopt it as well. If you…
Diminutive of Lorenzo
Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German
"famous throughout the land"
Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.
German, Russian, and Scandinavian variation of Anthony, Latin
"from Antium"
Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du…
Spanish, diminutive of Ricardo
"dominant ruler"
Consider this short form for your little Richard.
Russian variation of Helen
"bright, shining one"
One of many international versions of this classic.
Russian variation of George
Common Russian name familiarized here via cosmonaut Yury Gagarin and a character in Dr. Zhivago , but we don't see it ever gaining permanent resident status.
Variant of Stephen
If you wanted to try to get people to pronounce your son's first name the way Stephen Curry does, this might be a way to do it.
English, diminutive of Philippa
"lover of horses"
Pippa, a peppy condensation of Philippa that turns it from serious to sprightly, has come into the public eye in a big way via the former Kate Middleton's sister. Pippa can and is given as a name in…
Russian variation of Michael
"who is like God"
One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
Scandinavian from Latin Laurentius
"crowned with laurel"
Lars is a perfect candidate for a cross-cultural passport: it has been heard often enough here to sound familiar and friendly, yet retains the charisma of a charming foreigner. In this country Lars…
Yiddish, Hebrew, Persian, Sanskrit
Suri, a once obscure name, hit the headlines when it was chosen by Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for their daughter in 2006. A truly multi-cultural choice, Suri is a unique name with a variety of…
Spanish variation of Jacob
Charming way to freshen up Jacob.
Italian, variation of Paul
Paolo is an irresistibly lush Italian name for boys , worlds more romantic than its spare English equivalent. Among noted bearers of the name are Renaissance painters Uccello and Veronese, architect…
Italian, Spanish, Scandinavian, Slavic
"lady"
Sharper and steelier than Martha, but with the same underused vintage appeal.
