Architecture Inspired Names
- Maya
Origin:
Sanskrit, English, Hebrew, EstonianMeaning:
"illusion, magic; mother; water; beloved, bitter, drop of the sea"Description:
Maya, which has an almost mystical image, has been steadily climbing in popularity in the US and the English-speaking world, along with a range of other countries, including France, Germany, Israel, and Brazil. It's ranked in the US Top 100 since the turn of this century, but has never risen to the top of the list, which you may consider a good thing.
- Otto
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"wealthy"Description:
Otto is cool again. Long a quintessential Old Man Name, Otto has been promoted to trending darling of adventurous baby namers.
- Wren
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"small bird"Description:
Wren may not be as time-honored a bird name choice as Robin or even Lark, but it's more fashionable and fresh, with a gentle and earthy vibe.
- Sophia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
Sophia, which was the Number 1 girls' name in the US from 2011 to 2013, is among the top girl names in the Western World, with a sensuous sound and high-minded meaning. A real winner, Sophia reached the top of the charts without losing any—okay, much—of its sophisticated beauty.
- Griffin
Origin:
Welsh, variation of GriffithMeaning:
"strong lord"Description:
Griffin is one of the newer and most appealing of the two-syllable Celtic surnames. In English, griffin is the name of a mythological creature, half eagle, half lion. It re-entered the list in 1983 after an absence of 75+ years.
- Lottie
Origin:
English, diminutive of CharlotteMeaning:
"free man"Description:
Lottie is a nostalgic great-grandma name that conjures up lockets and lace, and — like Nellie, Josie, Hattie, Tillie, and Milly — has considerable vintage charm.
- Victoria
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"victory"Description:
Victoria is the Latin word for "victory" and a feminine form of Victor. It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, and also a popular third century saint.
- Remi
Origin:
Variation of Remy, FrenchMeaning:
"oarsman"Description:
Remi is an adorable name that's fashionable and keeps gaining momentum. Remi entered the US Top 1000 in 2013 and is now approaching the Top 100.
- Bruno
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"brown"Description:
Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
- Andrea
Origin:
Italian variation of Andrew, GreekMeaning:
"strong and manly"Description:
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name in the most recent year counted.
- Lina
Origin:
Arabic; Latin diminutiveMeaning:
"tender"Description:
This pretty, succinct Arabic name is also commonly used as a nickname for names like Carolina.
- Hadrian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"dark-haired"Description:
Most parents would find this old Roman name pretentious compared to the more accessible Adrian, but some history buffs just might want to commemorate the enlightened emperor.
- Foster
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"forester"Description:
Foster is one commonly heard last name that makes a fine first. The word foster means "to nourish" — as in "fostering hope", or "fostering a relationship". The only problem with Foster might be its association with "foster child."
- Lloyd
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"gray"Description:
This Welsh surname was taken up as a first in the English-speaking world in the early twentieth century, originally as a nickname for someone gray-haired. The original Welsh nickname was Llwyd, pronounced LHOO-eed, and is the Welsh word for the color.
- Eero
Origin:
Finnish variation of EricMeaning:
"eternal ruler"Description:
Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.
- Rem
Origin:
Dutch, diminutive of Remment, Remmert, or RemmeltDescription:
The Dutch are fond of short nickname names, and this one is tied to influential and provocative architect Koolhaas, born Remment. Could also be short for Remington or Remy.
- Eames
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of the uncle"Description:
An upscale surname with a nice modern design connection to the creators of the Eames chair and other midcentury furniture classics, Charles and Ray Eames.
- Alto
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"high"Description:
With its musical allusions, a harmonious possibility.
- Zaha
Description:
Zaha is a distinctive feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It has Arabic origins where it can mean 'brilliant' or 'shining,' carrying connotations of brightness and radiance. The name gained international recognition through the renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, whose innovative designs brought prominence to this formerly obscure name. In some African traditions, particularly Swahili, Zaha can also have meaningful connections. The name's brevity and symmetrical construction give it a modern, streamlined quality, while the soft 'z' and open 'a' sounds create a melodic flow. Despite its growing recognition, Zaha remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce. Parents might choose this name for its multicultural resonance, artistic associations, and beautiful meaning, as well as its elegant simplicity that works well across language boundaries.
- Bucky
Description:
Bucky is a masculine diminutive nickname that typically derives from names like Buchanan, Buck, or sometimes William/Bill. With American roots, it carries a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of nostalgia. The name evokes a down-to-earth, all-American charm and has occasionally gained visibility through fictional characters like Bucky Barnes in Marvel comics and films. Though relatively uncommon as a formal given name, it maintains popularity as an affectionate nickname, particularly in the southern United States. The name has a youthful, endearing quality that sometimes follows individuals into adulthood, conveying a sense of approachability and warmth. Its informal nature gives it a distinctive casual character compared to more formal masculine names.
