Names I'm Considering for an OC I Made for One of My Favorite Anime
- Adira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"strong"Description:
Adira is one of those names that feels familiar without being overused. Simple but with subtle flair, Adira crosses different languages easily and could provide an alternative option tor the likes of Ava, Ariana, Adeline, and Anna.
- Alya
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"heavens, highborn, exalted"Description:
Alya is most familiar in the US in its much-more-complicated form Aaliyah, the spelling used by the later singer. The traditional name of the star system Theta Serpentis, Alya is also an established Muslim first name and a Turkish place-name. It may also be a Russian short form for Alexandra or any other Al- name.
- Anissa
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friendly"Description:
A pretty and delicate cousin of Anna is often heard in Scotland and is also currently popular in France. In the US it was brought to public attention by child actress Anissa Jones, who played Buffy on the popular TV show Family Affair, which debuted in 1966, bringing her name onto the charts the following year. Born Mary Anissa, her middle/stage name reflected her Lebanese heritage.
- Ashira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"I will sing"Description:
Unusual name with stylish, silky feel.
- Ashya
Description:
Ashya is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Aisha or Ayesha, an Arabic name meaning 'alive' or 'prosperous,' significant in Islamic tradition as the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives. Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of Asha, which means 'hope' in Sanskrit and 'life' in Swahili. The unique spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to these meaningful roots. Ashya has a melodic, flowing quality that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While not among the most common names, it has gained some recognition in multicultural communities. The name's global resonance and positive connotations of life and hope contribute to its appeal across different cultural backgrounds.
- Astrea
Description:
Astrea derives from Greek mythology, where Astraea was the goddess of justice, purity, and innocence. The name means 'star-maiden' or 'starry one' in Greek, reflecting its celestial origins. It embodies qualities of righteousness and divine justice. While never extremely common, Astrea has attracted parents seeking a distinctive celestial name with mythological depth. The name has maintained a steady, if rare, presence in the English-speaking world, appealing to those who appreciate its classical heritage and ethereal quality. As astronomical and mythological names have grown in popularity, Astrea offers a sophisticated alternative to more common celestial names.
- Ayala
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"doe, gazelle"Description:
This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.
- Ayelet
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"deer, gazelle"Description:
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman.
- Ayla
Origin:
Hebrew, or TurkishMeaning:
"oak tree, or halo, moonlight"Description:
Bright, fresh, and sunny, Ayla is a fashionable choice for girls. Reminiscent of other trending names such as Layla, Isla, and Ava, Ayla has recently found its place in the Top 100.
- Aylin
Origin:
TurkishMeaning:
"of the moon"Description:
This Turkish name has some of today's most popular sounds - partly like Isla and Ayla with the well-loved -lin ending of Evelyn, Oaklynn, and Brooklynn. Used internationally, it's currently on trend in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azerbaijan, and Mexico too. It also ranks in the US and The Netherlands Top 500s, and in the the UK Top 1000. With its glowing meaning and contemporary sounds but established feel, Aylin could make a lovely choice.
- Ayna
Description:
Ayna is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Turkish, it means 'mirror' or 'clear as a mirror,' while in Turkic languages it can represent beauty and clarity. The name also appears in various cultures: in Scandinavian contexts as a variant of Aina (meaning 'always' or 'forever'), and in some Baltic regions with connections to nature. In certain African traditions, particularly Nigerian, Ayna may be found with unique local meanings. The name's brevity and melodic quality give it a contemporary appeal, while its cross-cultural presence makes it versatile for families with diverse heritage. Though not widely common in English-speaking countries, Ayna has gained modest appreciation for its distinctive sound, elegant simplicity, and meaningful connotations across different cultural traditions.
- Azha
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"the breeding place"Description:
Star name that could also be another spelling of Asia or Aja.
- Alioth
- Callaia
Origin:
English, GreekMeaning:
"beauty"Description:
A spin on Calia or Calla, with a lot of fashionable sounds.
- Cyra
Origin:
Persian or GreekMeaning:
"sun or throne, or lord"Description:
Cyra is an unusual name that can be pronounced either SEER-a or SI-ra, rhyming with Keira or Tyra. This name may be a feminine variation of Cyrus but is also a Persian name that stands on its own. One noted bearer is writer Cyra McFadden.
- Darya
Origin:
Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of DariusMeaning:
"kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"Description:
The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
- Elan
Description:
Elan is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. From Hebrew, it means 'tree' or can be related to enthusiasm and spirit. In Celtic languages, particularly Irish, Elan connects to names meaning 'bright' or 'shining one.' As a French word, élan conveys vigor, style, and panache. Though used for both genders, Elan has a delicate quality that works beautifully as a feminine name. Its brevity and melodic quality give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient roots. While never tremendously common in English-speaking countries, Elan has maintained steady usage, appealing to parents seeking a cross-cultural name that combines simplicity with depth. The name's multiple positive associations with nature, light, and vivacity make it richly meaningful.
- Elara
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"hazelnut, spear"Description:
In Greek mythology, Elara was a lover of Zeus who gave birth to a giant son (ouch); it's also the name of one of the moons of Jupiter, giving it a celestial feel. Possibly derived from the Greek alara meaning "hazelnut" or "spear", it combines that favorite El- beginning with the popular -ara ending of Clara, Lara, and Amara, making it an all round appealing choice. Currently in the UK Top 1000, and on the rise in the US, it could be a fresher or less popular alternative to Ella, Lyra, or Laura.
- Elira
Description:
Elira is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Albanian culture, it derives from the word for 'free' or 'freedom,' making it a name with powerful symbolic significance. Alternatively, it may have evolved as a variation of names like Elvira or as a combination of popular elements like 'El' (meaning 'God' in Hebrew) and 'ira' (meaning 'watchful' in Sanskrit). The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic rhythm. Elira remains relatively uncommon internationally but has seen some increased usage in Albania and among Albanian diaspora communities. The name carries an air of elegance and distinction while being straightforward to pronounce across different languages. Its cross-cultural potential and beautiful sound make it appealing to parents seeking something both unique and accessible.
- Gelsey
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"flower"Description:
This name was given a lithe and graceful image by ballerina Gelsey Kirkland, but was later far surpassed by Kelsey and Chelsea.