User-created list
By ssister · Updated May 2023
Across 5 pages
of 5
Polish
"violet"
A Slavic name that could easily blend in.
Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine…
Irish
"born handsome or son of Caomhan "
If you're looking for an Irish last name that moves beyond Casey and Cassidy, this one is pleasant sounding and worth considering. Kavanaugh, which can also be spelled Cavanagh, Cavenagh, Kavanagh,…
Greek
"to chatter"
An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman . Appealing…
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).…
Biblical place-name
Anatolian city visited by Paul in the Bible, though risks sounding a tad antiseptic.
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…
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.
"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.
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…
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.
"daffodil"
Mythological young man who fell in love with his own image: the first narcissist.
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…
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.
"army of victory"
A lengthy Olde World route to Nick.
"white footprint"
Olwyn is a popular Welsh name that might be an alternative to the more familiar Bronwen or Rhonwen -- though in Wales the female form is usually spelled -wen and the male one -wyn.
Reigh is an unusual masculine name that may be a creative spelling of Ray or a variant of names like Reece or Reese. It could also connect to the word "reign," suggesting leadership or sovereignty.…
