International Baby Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 30 pages
of 30
Persian
"dawn; or, little star"
The name of the wife of Alexander the Great, more attractive than the better-known Roxanne. Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe's…
Diminutive of Theodora and Isidora, Greek
"gift"
Dora is poised for a comeback, right behind Laura, Nora, Cora, and Flora. First-time parents who haven't watched cartoons in a couple of decades should be aware of the Dora the Explorer connection,…
German and French, feminine variation of Gerald
"ruler with the spear"
Though twin brother Gerald is still in baby name limbo, Geraldine is in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival—even though Gerry is not as spunky a nickname as Josie. Geraldine was…
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Raymond, German
"wise protector"
With deep historical roots dating back to medieval Europe, Raymundo spread throughout Spain and Portugal before traveling to Latin America, where it maintains consistent popularity. The name conveys…
Spanish, feminine variation of Emmanuel
"God is with us"
Manuela is one feminine form that's more energetic than the male original, and is worth considering if you're seeking an easily assimilated Spanish name. In the 1948 film The Pirate , set in the…
Latin
"Sabine"
Sabina is a sleek but neglected name with the same spirited, stylish feel of Sabrina, Serena, and Selena. It ranked towards the latter end of the US charts in the early 20th century while a more…
Portuguese, Catalan
"God is gracious"
A variant of Johanna.
Mayan
"gift of God"
Itzae is an ancient Mayan name showing signs of revival in our modern world.
Spanish, combination of Maria and Celia, Hebrew, Latin
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved + heaven"
A pretty and little-known Spanish smoosh name, combining Maria with Celia. As such, it may have a number of meanings. On one hand, it could simply be interpreted as meaning "Maria of the Heavens",…
Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
With brother name Theodore ranking in the US top 10, this alternative might appeal to parents looking to honor Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish heritage.
Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese form of Timothy, Greek
"honoring God"
Timoteo put some bounce in the step of the somewhat wispy Timothy. And it can be a more original way than Mateo to the cool short form Teo. Italians emphasize the second syllable -- tee-MO-tay-oh --…
Feminine variation of Eugene, Greek
"wellborn, noble"
Eugenia, a name scarcely used at all since the 1980's, is another that flourished a century ago and could be due for a revival. Eugenia has some interesting literary references, including the…
Diminutive of Jane
Janet started as a pet form of Jane but has long been used independently. Jane is a feminine form of John, which derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan. Janet can also be considered a variation of…
Spanish, feminine variation of Juan
Pervasive in all Spanish-speaking cultures, Juanita, like Juana, has not emigrated.
Spanish, Hebrew, Akkadian
"Baal protects the King"
This variation spelling of Balthasar is most often used in South America. Argentinian football star Joan Figallo recently called his son Baltazar.
Feminine variation of Robert, English from German
"bright fame"
Roberta has been one of the most successful feminization names, up at #64 in 1936. It's a name that's found all over children's lit, often nicknamed Bobbie or Robbie, though Bertie is another…
Spanish version of French Adelard
"noble and strong"
Sometimes heard in the Latino community, has not crossed over into others.
Turkish variation of Eidel or Nahuatl
"delicate; unique"
As a feminine name, Izel is the Turkish variation of the Yiddish name Eidel, as well as a Nahuatl name derived from the word isel , meaning "unique." Izel is a character in the TV show Agents of…
Spanish diminutive of Maria
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Used especially in Latin America, this would make a funky spin on Maria. The meaning of Maria is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea");…
Spanish, Portuguese
"hyacinth"
Less familiar than the feminine Jacinta. Jacinto is a sweet floral boy name that was most popular in early 20th century Spain and Brazil.
