Alphabet of names

Marielle

Dutch and French diminutive of Mary

"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"

Popular in France in the 60s, Marielle is one of many international variations and diminutives of Mary. While actress and author Mariel Hemingway made us aware of the more abbreviated spelling —…

Sukie

Diminutive of Susan

This centuries-old nickname feels fresher and more modern today than Susie or Sue. A good short form if you're tempted by Susan, Susanna, or Susannah; another spelling is Sukey.

Sunniva

Scandinavian

"sun gift"

Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died. After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and…

Tindra

Swedish

"to twinkle or sparkle"

Tindra is a new name in Sweden, used only since the 1980s, that has become enormously popular: It's in the Top 100 there. And while unknown in the US, Tindra certainly has possibilities as a…

Tirzah

Hebrew

"delight"

A fairly common Hebrew name without much crossover potential.

Zinnia

Flower name, from German surname

"Zinn's flower"

Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after the 18th-century German…