Names from the Arts and Pop Culture
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Arabic
"pure"
Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther , in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery…
Invented name
Feminization of Namor, a name created for a Marvel Comics character by spelling Roman in reverse. Namora is also a comic book superhero, and cousins with her namesake Namor.
Bird name
There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.
Literary invented name
Invented in 1939 as the name of Marvel Comics character Namor the Sub-Mariner. Bill Everett, the creator, decided on Namor after writing noble, dignified names in reverse—Namor is Roman spelled…
English
"small bird"
The name of a small yellow bird that hasn't taken off in the way that some of its avian sisters – like Robin, Wren or Lark – have. Given to a small number of girls across the 20th-century, the 2020s…
Word name, English from Hindi
"fine, downy wool"
Cashmere is soft, luxurious — and way out of the ordinary. One of the unique names found in The Hunger Games series, you might be surprised to learn that this fabric name has been appearing in the US…
Word name
"fate"
The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
Fictional name
The name of a powerful DC superhero who works magic by speaking spells backwards.
West African and South African, meaning unknown
T'Challa is the "real" name of Marvel's Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman in the 2018 blockbuster. That year, Marvel released a comic revealing the name means "he who put the knife where it…
Lyja was created as a name for the Marvel Comics superhero in 1984. Her name has not caught on, but its similarity to names like Lila and Leah makes it a plausible choice, although pronunciation…
Greek gem name
As a name, Topaz is a quietly used option, with a distinctive ending and a sleek but sassy feel. As a golden gemstone, it is said to have energizing properties and bring good luck to those who wear…
Surname name
Zatara is a relatively uncommon surname found in Arabic and African cultures that could be quite cute on a baby girl.
Spanish from Native American word name
"hurricane"
Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name , thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys…
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.
Japanese
"village"
Though Shuri is a well-established unisex name in Japan, most parents considering it now will be thinking instead of the iconic Princess Shuri from Marvel's Black Panther , memorably played in the…
Word and comic book name
Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…
Flower name, from English
"yellow wildflower"
Though Buttercup is most often reserved for cows (and pets of other kinds), this humble flower name was given to the princess in "The Princess Bride" and to one of The Power Puff Girls . Yet to rank…
"eagle, a bird"
Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.
A highly uncommon boys' name inspired by the elements.
Diminutive of Catherine, Greek
May be the most modern, stylish Catherine nickname: more unusual than Kate or Cate, with an animal and word name edge. Cat Power is a trendy folksinger.
