Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Latin
"faithful"
The association with the Cuban leader Castro is still strong, but he's by no means the only Fidel. This name was in the Top 1000 for over 80 years, from 1919 to 2005. From the late Latin name…
Hebrew
"devoted to God"
Lemuel is a neglected Old Testament name, with the friendly nickname Lem, that we're surprised hasn't been picked up on by parents who have known too many Samuels. In the Bible, Lemuel is mentioned…
Arabic
"faith"
One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
"trustworthy, faithful"
This elaboration of the Arabic amīn, meaning "trustworthy" or "to feel safe" was a fast riser in 2022, but has yet to crack the Top 1000. Latvian musical artist Aminata Savadogo's 2021 song "It's…
Variation of Imani, Arabic
A new, fast-rising Imani variation.
Greek
"truth"
Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now, thanks to its similarity to Athena,…
Turkish, Bosnian and Azerbaijani
A Top 20 choice in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is a handsome variant of Arabic Amin.
"peace through faith"
Short form of the name Anglicized as Saladin, very popular throughout the Arab world.
"honest; hope and faith"
Zayah is more famous in the US in its Zaya spelling, thanks to the elder daughter of basketball great Dwyane Wade. Either way you spell it, Zayah is a name that's both unique and simple, a great…
Irish
"loyal"
With both the Dillon and Dylan spellings, usage of this gender-neutral names runs about ten to one boys to girls. But Dylan is used about 20 times as often as Dillon for both genders. Which might be…
Looks like a pared-down Emmett, but it actually derives from a difference source.
Variantion of Iman borne by model Imaan Hammam.
A little used Hebrew virtue name with a sweet, soft sound.
"devotee of the Virgin Mary"
From the Greek title of the Virgin Mary, Panagia, which means "all holy".
Arabic and Slavic
This name of an Albanian supermodel is a short form of many Slavic choices but is an intriguing alternative to Emma on its own.
"a devotee of Saint John"
Classic Irish surname with a lot of character and some interesting associations: the title character of a Samuel Beckett novel and basketball great Karl Malone. Malone is a popular name for baby boys…
English masculinization of Emma, German
"universal"
Emmett has had an interesting and unusual gender history. A long-obscure masculinization of Emma, Emmett is now rising as a boys' name as a companion to the very popular Emma and Emily. And at the…
Persian from Arabic
Variant of Iman
"true believer"
Could serve as an alternative to the more common Latifah.
Sanskrit
Satya can be either a feminine or masculine name. It is strongly connected to the virtue, and in order to represent "satya" one must be truthful not only in words, but also in actions and thoughts.…
