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Intriguing Names
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Lizbet
Lizbet is a charming diminutive form of Elizabeth, with connections to various European naming traditions, particularly Scandinavian and German (where similar forms like Lisbet or Lizbeth appear).…
Llewellyn
Welsh, variation of Llywelyn
"leader's image"
Llewellyn/Llywelyn is a common patriotic first name in Wales, with its distinctive Welsh double LL's; in the U.S. Llewellyn would make a daring choice, though with the chance that some might find the…
Lucienne
French feminine variation of Lucian
"light"
Lucienne is a soft and ultra-sophisticated French-accented option in the Lucy family, one that could provide a fresh alternative to such fatigued Gallic choices as Danielle and Michelle. So if you're…
Lysander
Greek
"liberator"
Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary…
Lystra
Biblical place-name
Anatolian city visited by Paul in the Bible, though risks sounding a tad antiseptic.
Marcheline
French
"warrior"
Marcheline was the first name of Angelina Jolie's late mother, who was part French-Canadian, which Jolie and Brad Pitt used as the middle name for their twin daughter Vivienne. The name is related to…
Margaux
French spelling variation of Margo
Yes, it's pronounced with a long o sound at the end, just like Margo and Margot. This spelling was popularized by supermodel, actress, and tragic Hemingway granddaughter Margaux, whose name spelling…
Marguerite
French variation of Margaret; also a flower name
"pearl; daisy"
Marguerite is a classic French name with a remnant of old-fashioned Gallic charm; and is also a variety of daisy. Chic again in Paris, it's definitely ripe for revival here. Another reason you might…
Mariposa
Spanish
"butterfly"
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning. Uncommon but not unknown, Mariposa is an elegant entrant in the nature names category. And it comes with the adorable nicknames Mari or…
Mischa
Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
This was a 100 percent boys' name till the willowy Mischa Barton of TV's "The OC" made it unisex, a la Sascha.
Morpheus
Greek mythology name, god of sleep and dreams
Though you may pray to the god of sleep for your baby to slumber through the night, a drowsy image is not the greatest one to inflict on your little boy.
Muguet
French
"lily"
One of the few French words/names not attractive to the American ear. It's pronounced moo-gay, not a winner on either syllable. Alternatives: Liliane, Lily, Lilou, Manon.
Myfanwy
Welsh
"my fine one; my woman; my beloved"
A lyrical Welsh name with both poetry and ruggedness, Myfanwy can mean "my fine, delicate one", "my woman", or "my beloved", depending on whether you consider the second element as derived from manwy…
Naamah
Hebrew
"sweetness, grace, beauty"
Interesting Old Testament name that embraces many traditional female attributes; also name of a place in the Jordan Valley. In the Bible, a daughter of King Ammon and wife of Solomon.
Nacho
Word name or short form of Ignacio
Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
Narcissus
Greek
"daffodil"
Mythological young man who fell in love with his own image: the first narcissist.
Natalija
Slovenian variation of Natalia
"Christmas"
The French version of this name, Natalie, is most popular in the U.S., but all variations are appealing and this one is a fresh twist. Pronunciation is like Natalia.
Nefertiti
Egyptian
"the beautiful one has arrived"
This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.
Ngaio
Maori
"reflections on the water"
New Zealand writer Ngaio (born Edith Ngaio) Marsh is the best-known bearer of this Maori nature name, properly pronounced ng (like the end of sing) -EYE-oh. It is the name of a tree indigenous to New…
Nieves
Spanish
"snows"
A name bestowed in honor of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Nieves, referring to a miracle she performed with unmelted snow in the August heat of Rome.