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International Forms of Classic Names

  1. Zahara

    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "to shine; flower"

    • Description:

      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 want something simpler than Zahara, consider Zara, a royal name in England--but also the name of a Spanish-based clothing store chain.
  2. Ibrahim

    • Origin:

      Arabic variation of Abraham

    • Meaning:

      "multitudes; father of many"

    • Description:

      Well used by Muslim parents across the world, Ibrahim is the Arabic variation of Abraham. Significant in multiple religions and with an international and well-travelled feel about it, Ibrahim has been in the US Top 1000 since the 1990s, and is currently popular in Azerbaijan, France, the UK, and Turkey.
  3. Bethan

    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.
  4. Zuzu

    • Origin:

      Czech diminutive of Susan

    • Meaning:

      "lily"

    • Description:

      This sizzling nickname Zuzu is heard every Christmas as the name of Jimmy Stewart's little girl in "It's a Wonderful Life," but we love it all year round as a lively alternative to double names like Gigi and Bibi.

  5. Vittoria

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Victoria, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      An appealing Italianate alternative to the classic queenly Victoria, though in Anglophone countries it will be forever misunderstood as Victoria. Could be an appealing long form for a girl called not Vicky or Tory but Vita.
  6. Magda

    • Origin:

      German variation of Magdalen

    • Description:

      On "Sex and the City," Magda was the elderly nanny from the old country -- which is what this name sounds like. While Magdalene and Magdalena are enjoying fresh life, Magda still feels dated.
  7. Sidonia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "of Sidon"

    • Description:

      Sidonia is a feminine form of the Ancient Roman habitational name Sidonius. Sidonie is the French form, which sounds similar to the recently trendy Sydney but comes from a different root. An original way to honor grandpa Sid.
  8. Zanna

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Susanna; Polish variation of Jane, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "lily or pledged to God"

    • Description:

      A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or even John.
  9. Feodora

    • Origin:

      Ukrainian; Russian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"

    • Description:

      Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name-giver, especially with the dynamic nickname Feo.
  10. Anushka

    • Description:

      Anushka is a feminine name of Indian origin, serving as a diminutive form of Anu, which means 'atomic' or 'small' in Sanskrit. The name carries warmth and affection through its diminutive suffix. Widely used across India, particularly in Hindu families, Anushka gained international recognition through prominent figures like Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The name blends melodic quality with cultural significance, representing both delicacy and inner strength. Though traditional in origin, Anushka has a contemporary feel that travels well across cultures. In recent decades, it has gained popularity beyond South Asian communities, appreciated for its flowing sound and exotic yet accessible quality.

  11. Rolando

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German

    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"

    • Description:

      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.
  12. Tomas

    • Origin:

      German; Norwegian; Swedish; Lithuanian, version of Thomas, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "twin"

    • Description:

      The most common form of Thomas in various European languages, although some Anglophone parents also use this as a phonetic spelling of the classic name. Tomas is usually pronounced with an emphasis on the second syllable -- toe-MAHS -- though you might not succeed in getting other people to go along with that in the US, where your exotically named Tomas may quickly devolve into just plain Tom.
  13. Mischa

    • Origin:

      Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

    • Description:

      Though the Mischa spelling is migrating toward the feminine side thanks to actress Mischa Barton, this Russian boys' short form still works for children of both sexes, as Mischa or Misha.
  14. Janna

    • Origin:

      Dutch contraction of Johanna

    • Description:

      Could run into pronunciation confusion.
  15. Esteban

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
  16. Stefano

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Stephen

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.
  17. Gracia

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Grace

    • Description:

      Although Gracia is the literal Spanish translation of Grace and is used as the Grace equivalent in Spanish-speaking countries, where it's pronounced grah-see-ah or grah-thee-ah, it's also a long-time if unusual Grace variation pronounced gray-sha. You might consider Gracia if Grace is getting too commonplace for you.
  18. Carsten

    • Origin:

      Low German and Nordic variation of Christian

    • Description:

      This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.
  19. Alexandre

    • Origin:

      French variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
  20. Mikko

    • Origin:

      Finnish, from Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God?"

    • Description:

      Cute Finnish version of Michael.

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