Magi Inspired Names

Isaac has shaved off his biblical beard and leaped into the upper echelon of popular boys' names, outrunning cousin Isaiah. A favorite of the Puritans, Isaac has never dipped below Number 400 on the US list of top boy names.

Most famous as a Dracula victim (where Mina is short for Wilhelmina), Mina is a name that can stand on its own or be a diminutive of any name ending in -mina, most usually Wilhelmina.

Serene Irene, the name of the Greek goddess of peace and one of the most familiar Greek goddess names, was hugely popular in ancient Rome and again in the United States a hundred years ago.

Titus, once seen as a slightly forbidding Roman, New Testament, and Shakespearean name, was brought back to contemporary life in the USA by the TV series Titus 2000, increasing in popularity along with other revived ancient names like Linus and Silas.

Leila was popularized in the West by the poet Byron, who used it in his poem Don Juan for a ten-year-old Turkish girl. Leila also appears as a fairy in the Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera Iolanthe.

In Egyptian mythology, Amon is a major god associated with creation and the air. He was later fused with the Sun god, Ra, and became Amun-Ra.

Popular among parents with Arab roots. Also found as Maryam.

Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.

Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.

This biblical place-name for the region now known as Yemen started to feel fresh again as the name of the heroine of Zoe Heller's Notes on a Scandal, played on screen by Cate Blanchett.

Nadja is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Eastern European countries, Russia, and Germany. It's a variant of Nadia, which derives from the Russian word 'nadezhda' meaning 'hope.' The name gained international recognition through cultural works, including Vladimir Nabokov's novel 'Nadja' and André Breton's surrealist novel of the same name. With its exotic yet accessible sound, Nadja strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity in Western countries. The name has a melodic quality and carries the uplifting meaning of hope. While not among the most common names, Nadja has maintained steady popularity, particularly in Europe, for its elegant sound and positive connotations.

Courageous sister of Raskolnikov in Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment.

When comedian David Atkins adopted this Arabian Nights-type name, it became almost feasible, but could lead to tough times in the schoolyard.

Soloman is a variation of the classic Hebrew name Solomon, derived from 'shalom' meaning "peace." This alternate spelling maintains the rich historical significance of the original name, which calls to mind the biblical King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and prosperity. While less common than the traditional spelling, Soloman offers a subtle distinction while preserving the name's dignified character and elegant sound. The name carries connotations of intelligence, fairness, and judicious leadership based on its historical associations. Though not among the most popular names in recent decades, Soloman appeals to parents seeking a name with both historical depth and a slightly contemporary twist on a time-honored classic.

Benevolent name found in Israel in several forms, including Doran and Doroni.

Familiar and handsome, Jamil is a name of Arabic origin. Its literal meaning is "beautiful" and while this can refer to physical beauty, as a Quranic name, it more specifically refers to beautiful behavior, such as patience, kindness, and courteousness.

We can't pretend that this name is not indelibly linked to the Disney's eponymous character, at least in the USA; but it's not a negative connotation and may appeal to you. Bosnian variation Aldin may be more wearable in the US, though.

Marga is a feminine name with roots in multiple cultures. It's primarily a diminutive of Margaret, which derives from the Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' In Spanish and German-speaking regions, Marga stands as a nickname or shortened form of Margarita or Margareta. The name carries an air of classic elegance while offering a more concise alternative to its longer forms. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Marga enjoys modest popularity in parts of Europe, particularly in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. The name conveys a sense of timeless grace and simplicity, making it appealing for parents seeking a traditional yet not overly common name for their daughters.

When the once-popular Barbara makes a comeback, so might Baba.