Baby Name Meanings · Name Image
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 10 pages
of 10
Indonesian
"princess; daughter"
A common name in Indonesia that would not work well in English-speaking countries, being too close to putrid or putty.
Finnish variation of Basil, Greek
"regal"
A Gen X name in the Nordic region from which it hails.
Yoruba
"God is a great king"
This Yoruba name, with a mighty meaning, might seem a mouthful at first, but is often shortened to Tobi, which makes it far more manageable for non Nigerians.
Dutch from Hebrew
"city of the king; king of light"
The least used of the Three Wise Men's names, but a strong option for bold namers to consider. The exact origins of Melchior are unknown, but it is speculated that it derived from either the Hebrew…
English
"ruler's hill"
Rarely heard surname name that lacks the lightness of other o-ending names.
Italian, meaning unking
A possible addition to the international Lil family of names, but having four L's in its four syllables makes it a bit of a tongue twister.
Germanic
"beloved kingdom"
Derived from Old English leof "dear, beloved" + ric "power; reign; kingdom". A notable historical bearer is Leofric, Earl of Mercia: he was the husband of Lady Godiva, who (legend has it) promised…
Croatian form of Vladimir
"famous ruler"
This Croation take on Russian stalwart Vladimir has a softer sound that may appeal to many.
Norwegian
This intriguing Scandinavian name is associated with Roald Dahl, author of the juvenile classics James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . You can honor an ancestral Ronald…
German
"renowned ruler"
Unfashionably ornate female form of unfashionable Roderick.
Hungarian
"king"
Kende is derived from the Hungarian title kende , referring to the king of Magyar, the nation that predated Hungary. Kende has a modern, internationally-appealing sound and is a Top 100 name in…
Greek
"of royal birth"
In mythology, Iphigenia was sacrificed by her father, Agamemnon -- a difficult legacy to pass on to a daughter, and only one reason the name is hardly ever used.
"war ruler"
When you like Eric, but wish it were longer; also the name of a great early English poet.
"kingfisher bird"
This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.
Gaelic
"blue princess or illustrious lady"
Gormlaith was the wife of the 11th century ruler of Ireland Brian Boru. The name is also used in Scotland. Despite its beautiful meaning, many will find the hard "gorm" sound too much to get past.
