Ventura started life as a shortening of Bonaventura, Spanish for good luck or good fortune, but now stands on its own. It has a pleasant sound and the stylish 'V' ending, but Angelenos would associate it with the Valley's main stem--Ventura Boulevard, and others might think of Ace or Jesse Ventura.

A contemporary sounding word name with an ancient history, widely used in the Roman Empire, and based on the mythic goddess of good luck and fertility.

A beautiful name of Arabic origin, with a musical sound and an uplifting meaning. Maymuna comes from the root, yamana meaning "to be lucky", which links it to the popular Arabic name Ayman (or Aiman). In Islamic tradition, Maymuna bint al-Harith was the last wife of the Prophet Muhammad.

Saint Madern, also sometimes referred to as Saint Madron, was a Cornish monk and hermit sanctified in the 6th century. The Cornish village of Madron is named after him.

Sadiyah is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning 'fortunate' or 'lucky.' It's a variant spelling of Saadia or Sadiya, derived from the Arabic root 'sa'd' relating to happiness, good fortune, and prosperity. The name has historical significance in Islamic culture and has been borne by notable women throughout history. The spelling with the final 'h' emphasizes its traditional Arabic pronunciation and gives it an elegant quality. Sadiyah remains moderately popular in Muslim communities worldwide and has gained some recognition in Western countries with diverse populations. The name carries positive connotations of joy and blessedness, making it an appealing choice for parents wanting a name with both cultural significance and an optimistic meaning.

Yet another member of the Gwyn/Gwen/Finn family of names ultimately deriving from a Celtic element meaning "white", Guin gets rare use in England and Wales; a notable bearer is Olympic- medal winning (female) rower Guin Batten.

Upbeat choice.

Tyche is the goddess of luck and fate in Greek mythology. Her Roman equivalent is, fittingly, Fortuna.

Seeley is a Medieval surname with a happy, fortunate meaning.

The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.

How to spruce up Fisher or Beau? This French surname-name might be an option for a parent unafraid of the unusual. The name derives from Barbel, a type of fish, which is how it became a surname for some fishermen.

This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.

A popular American name in previous centuries in honor of famed Harvard President, Charles Chauncy. This name is burdened by an incredibly pompous sound and best left in the past.

There are several fine Ben-beginning boy's names, such as BENJAMIN and BENEDICT, but girls names like this and BENJAMINA don't fare as well.

A virtuous and optimistic name whose most famous bearer is the former president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan.

MacRae -- or McRay or McCrae -- is a Scottish surname-name whose meaning is most often given as son of grace or sometimes son of luck. The hero of Lonesome Dove's last name was McCrae. A good honor name for a Ray or Rae, it can also be shortened to Mac.

Parvaiz would certainly stand out in an American classroom.

Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.

A pretty blue wildflower traditionally considered a universal healer and lucky charm – the name is because the sight was thought to speed travelers safely on their way.

A mystical and poetic feeling name, Yllnore is derived from the Albanian word yll meaning "star". More figuratively and colloquially, however, it can also mean "fate, luck", "light" and "shooting star". Yllnora is an alternative form.