Name Spellings, Initials and Sounds
By Sophie Kihm · Updated October 2026
Across 3 pages
of 3
Literary name
"evening star"
A title given to the elf Arwen in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings , meaning "evening star" and usually rendered poetically as Evenstar. Like her revered ancestor Lúthien, Arwen chooses to become mortal…
Unika is a distinctive feminine name that appears to be a modern creation inspired by the word 'unique.' The name naturally conveys individuality and originality through both its meaning and its…
English
"upper town"
Uppity name associated with muckraking novelist Upton Sinclair.
Greek
"heavenly"
The name of one of the Greek Muses would be really difficult to bear here on earth.
Uberto is a masculine Italian name derived from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart, mind, spirit' combined with 'beraht' meaning 'bright, famous.' Essentially the Italian form of Hubert, it…
Urmi is a feminine name with roots in Sanskrit, where it carries meanings including "wave," "ripple," or "undulation." Common in India and among families with South Asian heritage, Urmi remains…
Slovene, from Latin
"little female bear"
A Slovene diminutive of Ursula. Unlike in the Anglosphere, where many still see Ursula as a heavy name, Urška is popular in Slovenia and has even ranked in the Top 20.
Ursino is a masculine name with Latin roots, derived from "ursus" meaning "bear." This gives the name associations with strength, courage, and protection. Ursino is most commonly found in Italian,…
Urson is a masculine name of medieval origin, derived from the Latin 'ursus' meaning 'bear.' It functions as a diminutive or variant of the name Urso, which was used in medieval England and France.…
Chinese
"the ox"
In China, the ox represents patience and determination, a commendable combination.
German
"prosperity, riches"
Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.
Igbo
"God's way"
We're always looking for cool new U names (it's the least common initial for first names!) and Uzochi is our latest favorite find. It's an Igbo name derived from the components uzo , meaning "road"…
Latin, feminine form of Urban
"of the city"
If you live in the city, you might call your urban baby Urbana; if you live in the suburbs--don't even think of Surbana.
Tupi
"strong spear"
A powerful name from the Old Tupi language, Ubiratan can also be seen as Ubiratã or Ubiratam and is used in Brazil. Namesakes include the Brazilian colonel and politician Ubiratan Guimarães,…
Teutonic
"wealthy"
One of several three-letter U-a names -- Uda, Ula, Uma, Una -- take your pick.
Udella is a rare feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be a variant of Udele or a feminine form of Udell, which has Germanic roots meaning "wealthy estate" or "prosperous valley." The name…
Ibibio
"will, desire"
Uduak is a name from the Ibibio language, native to Southern Nigeria.
Italian variation of Hugh, Igbo
"mind, intellect; eagle"
Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.
Scottish variation of William
Most Americans would take the easy way out and spell it Willem, as in artist de Kooning and actor Dafoe.
Filipino
"rain"
Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from…
