Nature, Place and Word Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Gemstone name
Citrine is a type of quartz named after its citrus-colored hues. if Amethyst, Jasper, and Onyx (all other types of quartz) can be used, why not Citrine, which has a lovely French-sounding suffix.…
Italian
"diamond"
Diamante was a commonly used feminine name among Italian Jews in the Middle Ages. Today, it's more popular for boys than girls in the US.
Welsh
"silver, bright, brilliant, snow"
A modern, unisex Welsh name with a shiny feel, Eirian can mean "silver" (from Welsh arian ) or "snow, brilliant, bright" (from eira ). It may appeal to those who like rising star Eira, but want…
American, Greek
"chosen, elected; amber"
An early American name inspired by the word spiritual word "elect" and by a passage in the New Testament in which the Christian Church is referred to as "The Elect Lady and Her Children". Used in the…
French
"Emerald"
Gemstone names have a long history of use, from Ruby to Pearl. Emeraude is the French word for emerald. If the Spanish Esmeralda is stylish, why not Emeraude?
Georgian
"cohabitant; gold"
This Georgian name is of unclear meaning, but it may derive from Persian zar "gold".
Mongolian
"precious thing, jewel"
A popular unisex Mongolian name with a precious meaning.
Arabic
"turquoise"
Instead of the more obvious Aqua, Turquoise, or Blue, consider this offbeat Arabic name, brought into the American name pool by actress Fairuza Balk (named by her father for the color of her eyes).…
"silver"
Common name in Japan, would have alcoholic allusions here.
Golde is a feminine name with Yiddish origins that literally means 'gold' or 'golden.' This precious metal association gives the name connotations of value, preciousness, and warmth. Popular in…
Nature name
There's a whole quarry of rocky names parents are now considering: Slate, Flint, etc. , but this one is particularly hard-edged and problematic.
Also known as green beryl, Heliodor is the name of a sun-kissed colored gemstone. The name is reminiscent of other -dor names such as Theodore, Esidore, Isidor, Landor, Salvador etc.
Finnish
"pearl"
A punchy alternative to Pearl as it gains popularity, it may also be used as a short form of Vilhelmina or Wilhelmina.
Israeli
"amber"
Fashionable choice in modern Israel, also a place-name there, not likely to succeed here.
Turkish
İnci is the Turkish word for "pearl," derived from the Old Turkic word yençü . Ínci is a Top 10 girls' name in Azebijian.
Gemstone name, variation of Hyacinth, English
"blue larkspur; precious stone"
Jacinth is a gemstone of the Zircon variety. The name is related to the floral Hyacinth.
Diminutive of James or Jeremiah
This name of the ten-year-old boy in the much loved and acclaimed modern classic To Kill a Mockingbird could find favor along with that of the character's sister, Scout.
Japanese
"gold; pleasure; close; average"
As with all Japanese names, the meaning of Kin changes depending on which kanji are used.
Swahili
"precious jewel"
An energetic African name with a stylish o ending.
Persian
"azure blue stone"
Out-of-the-ordinary gemstone name derived from lapis lazuli, which is said to enhance awareness and intellect, impart ancient wisdom and cure many ailments, making it an interesting possibility for a…
