Baby Name Meanings
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
Russian diminutive of Euphemios, Greek
"fair speech"
Efim originated as a short form of the elaborate Greek name Euphemios and is now used as a name in its own right. It can also be spelled Yefim.
Welsh
"white brow"
A little bit Isla, a little bit Elowen. Also the Kentucky-based heroine of a 2018 novel by Gwen Kaelin.
Italian and Spanish from Latin
"blond, fair"
Elvio is a barely-ever-used name that might just be a hidden gem. From the Latin family name Elvius, international bearers of the name include several footballers and the Paraguayan poet Elvio…
"fair head"
A rare Welsh choice, and an original way to get the nickname Ken / Kenny.
Welsh, Cornish, Breton
"noble friend"
The male name Elwyn is used regularly in Wales, but its feminine form Elwen (also spelled Aelwen) slightly less so. Elsewhere, this name is little-known but very appealing, with straightforward…
Latin
"white"
Attractive ancient name borne by several saints but sullied by association with yeast infection.
Greek
Euphemios is the masculine variation of Euphemia. It was borne by an early archbishop of Constantinople.
"fair flower"
Evanthe is a pretty Greek name not often heard outside its native culture. With its stylish Ev-begining, Evanthe could make an interesting choice if you're looking for a generic flower name.
Scottish
"fair-haired child"
For towheads with ties to Scotland -- in theory, anyway.
English
Only if it's a family name, and even then, better in the middle.
Celtic
"white-shouldered one"
More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country. Fenella first became known outside of Ireland when Sir Walter…
Irish
"fair-haired"
This is an ancient saints' name well used in Ireland but a rarity here and unlikely to ever reach the popularity of other Finn-ish names. St. Finbarr (the more common spelling) is the patron saint of…
Gaelic
"fair stranger"
Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin-…
"white fortress"
Traditional though not overly popular Welsh option, which may have something of a fantasy vibe elsewhere in the world.
"white cow"
The famous Battle of the Boyne, in Ireland, vanquished the Catholic king.
