Alphabet of names
By hconnors
Updated Sat Nov 20 2021
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Describe your lis
- Naomi
Origin:
Hebrew, JapaneseMeaning:
"pleasantness; straight, direct, beautiful"Description:
A familiar name with a unique look and sound about it, Naomi combines a gentle cadence with classic strength. It was once a primarily Jewish name from the Old Testament, borne by the mother-in-law of Ruth, symbolically given to girls on Shavuot (a holiday held around the wheat harvest) when the story of Ruth is read in the synagogue.
- Rosalie
Origin:
French variation of Rosalia, LatinMeaning:
"rose"Description:
Rosalie hit its apex in 1938 and then slid straight downhill until it fell off the U.S. Top 1000 completely in the 1980s, only to spring back to life in 2009 as the name of a character in the Twilight series. The beautiful vampire Rosalie Hale has breathed fresh life back into this mid-century name, and the fact that the character is both sympathetic and relatively minor means Rosalie has the chance to thrive again as a baby name without feeling unduly tied to Twilight.
- Sylvia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"from the forest"Description:
The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.
- Sterling
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"of the highest quality"Description:
A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets, though it could easily be seen as a virtue-adjacent choice, like Merit, Chosen, or Hero. It has been a rising star in the US in recent years, appearing in the Top 400 in the latest count, when it was given to 880 boys.
- Veronica
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"she who brings victory; true image"Description:
The name Veronica projects a triple-threat image: at once saintly, sensuous, and strong. The name derives from Berenice, the Latin form of the Greek name Berenike "she who brings victory", with the spelling influenced by the Latin phrase vera icon "true image". Veronica was the name of the compassionate woman who wiped Jesus's face when he was on his way to Calvary and whose cloth was miraculously imprinted with his image: she is now the patron saint of photographers.
- Elowen
Origin:
CornishMeaning:
"elm"Description:
A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A fresh and magical member of the fashionable El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
- Coralie
Origin:
French from LatinMeaning:
"coral"Description:
Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.
- Justine
Origin:
French feminine variation of JustinMeaning:
"fair, righteous"Description:
Justine is a French name that's never reached the popularity we think it deserves. Like its far-more-common brother Justin, Justine is sleek, and sophisticated, but still user-friendly.
- Philo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"loving"Description:
Could Philo be the next Milo?
- Morrisey
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"sea taboo"Description:
When British rocker Steven Patrick Morrissey decided to use his last name alone, it became a viable option for baby namers, a lot cooler than Morris or Maurice.
- Patterson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Peter"Description:
Patterson is an upscale name worth considering if you're looking to continue a line of Peters, but soundalike Paterson is a downscale city in New Jersey.
- Albricias
- Delfine
Description:
Delfine is a feminine name with French and Latin influences, functioning as a variant of Delphine. The name derives from Delphi, the ancient Greek city that was home to the famous oracle and considered the center of the world in Greek mythology. The Latin word 'delphinus' means dolphin, creating an additional association with these intelligent marine mammals that were sacred to Apollo. This spelling variation with an 'f' instead of 'ph' gives the classical name a slightly more modern and streamlined appearance. Delfine carries connotations of wisdom, intuition, and grace. While not as widely used as some French names, Delfine offers an elegant option with mythological depth and a subtle aquatic connection for parents seeking something distinctive yet melodious.
- Franziska
Description:
Franziska is a feminine name of German origin, serving as the female form of Franz (Francis). The name ultimately derives from Latin "Franciscus," meaning "Frenchman" or "free one." Franziska has been consistently popular in German-speaking countries, particularly Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, where it's appreciated for its classic elegance and cultural roots. The name gained recognition through figures like Franziska von Hohenheim, a German noblewoman of the 18th century. While less common in English-speaking countries, Franziska offers an international alternative to Frances or Francesca. The name carries a sophisticated European flair with its distinctive consonant blend and melodic three-syllable structure. It provides the charming nickname options Franzi or Ziska, adding versatility to this culturally rich name.
- Gwendolen
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"white ring, circle"Description:
Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished original is up for reappraisal.
- Holda
- Isaline
Origin:
French variation of IsabelleDescription:
A trendy name in France, sometimes also spelled Ysaline, that's related to both Isabelle and Iseult. To the American ear, it freshens up Isabelle without really improving on it.
- Jessamy
Origin:
English, variation of JessamineMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.
- Karena
Origin:
Variation of KarenDescription:
Karena modernizes middle-aged Karen but also creates pronunciation confusion. Is it ka-REN-a, ka-REEN-a, or just plain Karen with an a at the end? Spelled Karenna as in Gore goes partway toward clarifying things.
- Lilybeth
Description:
Lilybeth is a feminine compound name combining the popular flower name Lily with the classic Elizabeth or its short form Beth. Lily derives from the flower symbolizing purity and innocence in many cultures, while Elizabeth comes from Hebrew, meaning 'God is my oath.' This blend creates a sweet, feminine name with both contemporary and traditional elements. Lilybeth emerged in the late 20th century as parents increasingly sought combination names with personal meaning. It offers the appeal of the trendy Lily while providing a more distinctive alternative to this popular name. The name has a gentle, melodic quality with an inherently feminine character. While not among the most common names, Lilybeth has gained modest recognition in recent decades, particularly in North America.
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