Names I'm Considering for an OC I Made for One of My Favorite Anime
- Ayla
Origin:
Hebrew or TurkishMeaning:
"oak tree; halo, moonlight"Description:
Bright, fresh, and sunny, Ayla is a fashionable and exciting international choice for girls. Reminiscent of other trending names such as Layla, Isla, and Ava, Ayla has recently found its place in the Top 100.
- Mara
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Mara is the evocative ancient root of Mary, appearing in the Book of Ruth, in which Naomi, devastated after the death of her two sons, says "Call me not Naomi, call me Mara." It's one of the girl names starting with M that both fits in and stands out.
- Elara
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"hazelnut, spear"Description:
A bright, airy choice, Elara appears in Greek mythology and is borne by a lover of Zeus who gave birth to a giant son called Tityos. One of Jupiter's moons is named after her, adding a celestial feel to the name and an appealing connection to astronomy.
- Yara
Origin:
Arabic, Persian, Brazilian, HebrewMeaning:
"friend, helper; strength; water nymph; honeycomb"Description:
The multicultural Yara is a sweet but substantial choice that could make a more unusual take on Sara and also work in multiple languages Popular in Portugal, The Netherlands, and Switzerland, familiar in the UK and France, it entered the US Top 1000 in 2017 and has been climbing the charts ever since.
- Rhea
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"a flowing stream"Description:
Rhea is an old-style creative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops.
- Soraya
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"Pleiades constellation"Description:
Soraya is a Persian name made famous in the Western world by the one-time empress of Iran, who settled in Europe, primarily in France. Soraya is derived from Thurayya, the Arabic name of the Pleiades, a group of stars in the constellation Taurus.
- Suri
Origin:
Yiddish, Hebrew, Persian, SanskritDescription:
Suri, a once obscure name, hit the headlines when it was chosen by Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise for their daughter in 2006. A truly multi-cultural choice, Suri is a unique name with a variety of different origins.
- Keziah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"cassia tree"Description:
This lively Old Testament nature name (belonging to one of the three beautiful daughters of Job) entered the US Top 1000 list in 2024, and ranks highly here on Nameberry — making it one to watch!
- 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.
- 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.
- Senna
Origin:
Botanical name; ArabicMeaning:
"brightness"Description:
Senna is a flowering bush common in the tropics, with bright yellow flowers. In herbal medicine, Senna has gained some notice as the active ingredient in so-called "dieter's teas," which works mainly as a laxative. While that is a less-than-savory association, Senna has a pretty sound and is a fresh entry in the flourishing botanical names genus.
- Maelys
Origin:
French or BretonMeaning:
"chief or prince"Description:
Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.
- Neriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"light of Jehovah"Description:
A version of a symbolic name given to girls born on Hanukkah, the festival of lights. It can also be spelled Neriya(h), but this spelling made it into the Top 1000 in 2013. Neriah was among the fastest-rising names of 2022, possibly in part due to up-and-coming musical artist NERIAH.
- Talitha
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"little girl"Description:
Talitha appears in the Bible as words Jesus says to awaken a young girl whose parents feared she was dead. It has been used in the US since colonial times. Talitha is also the name of two stars in Ursa Major, where it's related to the Arabic word for "third." Talitha definitely makes a fresh spin on Tabitha or Talisa.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mehri
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"kind, lovable, sunny"Description:
English speakers might want to pronounce this lovely name like the familiar Mary or Merry, but the correct Persian pronunciation includes the h -- meh-ree.
- Neri
Origin:
Hebrew or GreekMeaning:
"my candle; ocean spirit"Description:
A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots combined with its simple, upbeat, modern feel, ala Peri and Rory.
