Names I'm Considering for an OC I Made for One of My Favorite Anime

Sadiya

Arabic

"lucky, fortunate"

This female form of Sa'id is one of several eminently usable Arabic S names.

Elan

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…

Kiri

Maori

"tree bark"

The name Kiri was made famous by New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa, whose original name was Claire. Cute but slight, Kiri is close to several other names from Kiriah to Keira to Kyra and its…

Sula

Literary name

"little she-bear; peace; good natured, charm"

A literary name with a simple yet alluring sound, Sula may appeal as an alternative to those who like Lula, Lola, Susannah, and Tallulah. The protagonist and titular character of Toni Morrison's 1973…

Ayala

Hebrew

"doe, gazelle"

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…

Shani

Indian mythological name; Hebrew, Swahili

"scarlet, marvelous"

It would be easy to dismiss this girlish name as invented fluff, but it has roots in several cultures with evocative meanings and references. Shani refers to the "scarlet thread" or theme of a story.…

Laia

Catalan diminutive of Eulalia

"sweet-speaking"

Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.

Isra

Arabic

"nocturnal journey"

An Arabic name with a powerful and alluring meaning, in Islamic tradition, Isra refers to one part of the Night Journey that the Prophet Muhammad, in which he led other prophets such as Ibrahim, Isa,…