Names with Good Meanings

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

Acting couple Alyson Hannigan and Alexis Denisof chose this Sanskrit word meaning, literally, "truth vehicle" for their daughter. It has a melodic sound and strong meaning. Think of it as rhyming with the Russian Tatiana.

A happy combination of several desirable genres: it's a word name, it has a foreign accent, and it has a highly virtuous meaning. And few other parents will be bold enough to choose it.

Name that makes a strong philosophical statement -- but might ironically be a lot for a child to carry.

Gentler and much less frequently heard than Tamar.

Unusual yet accessible name with the fashionable double-L sound. Lilting and lovely.

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all.

Nigerian name with some teasing potential: "follow me".

This name may be beautiful, and mean beautiful, but is more likely to feel odd and frumpy in an English-speaking country due to the spelling (which connotes an eider-down quilt). If looking for a feminine variation of Eder, we recommend Ederne instead.

Rangimarie is the Maori words for peace, and is occasionally used as a feminine name. Dr Rangimarie Pere is a prominent New Zealander with this name.

A Puritan-virtue type name that could possibly work for a modern baby with its rhythmic four-syllable sound and admirable meaning.

Ultimately a feminization of the very fashionable boys' name Zayn, Zoyna and its ilk, such as Zaina and Zoya, are fairly popular Arabic names for girls in Pakistan and among Muslims in India.

A modern virtue name possibility.

North African name with a distinctive beat.

A sixties-style name that might work best as a middle.

This feminine version of the masculine name Eder is far better than the alternative, Eider.

A big, bold, ultra-rare virtue name. Could it follow in the footsteps of Justice and Liberty?