User-created list
Non-English Virtue Names
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Timaeus
Latin from Greek
"honor"
Timaeus is an ancient name that appears in both Plato's Dialogues and in the New Testament. Might make a so-old-it's-new-again version of Timothy. The feminine variation is Timea.
Fayette
Short form of Lafayette, French
"faith"
Short form found in historical records, feels a tad feminine for modern times.
Zinedine
Arabic
"beauty of the faith"
Zinedine Zidane is France's biggest soccer star, spawning a legion of little Zinedines in that country.
Von
Norse
"hope"
One of those midcentury shortenings that are starting to sound cool again, though we prefer Van.
Tikvah
Hebrew
"hope"
Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.
Toivo
Finnish, Estonian
"hope"
This name was on the U.S. Top 1000 in the early 20th century, when recent immigrants frequently chose native names that have since died out for American babies. But if you're of Finnish or Estonian…
Amal
Hebrew
"laborer"
Amal is the name of a male figure in the Bible, a member of the tribe of Asher. Not, in this case, Mrs. George Clooney.
Amal
Arabic
"hope, inspiration"
Amal is an attractive name with a wonderful meaning that has long been used in many Middle Eastern countries, especially Lebanon (and migrant communities). It is of course getting a lot more coverage…
Zakia
Arabic and Hebrew
"pure"
Strong cross-cultural name that could be a feminine spin on the Zachary family.
Vesta
Latin
"pure"
The name of the Roman goddess of the household is not recommended for your little goddess. More on that deity: Vesta is primarily associated with the vestal virgins, her priestesses, who tended the…
Sachin
Sanskrit
"pure"
Common in India, but seldom heard in the US, Sachin is the kind of name that could easily cross cultural boundaries. Another name for the Hindu god Shiva, Sachin means "pure." Several notable Indian…
Kendry
Malagasy
"wise man"
How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?
Mayara
Variation of Maiara
Ulima
Arabic
"astute, wise"
Unusual Arabic name with an inspiring meaning for a baby girl.
Arinya
Thai
"beautiful knowledgeable woman"
This name has it all - looks, brains, charms and an international sound that can go anywhere.
Ved
Sanskrit
"sacred knowledge"
Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.
Ismene
Greek
"knowledgeable"
Sister of Antigone and daughter of Oedipus in Greek mythology, Ismene's name is unlikely to make it in modern times because of its teasability factor. Ismay or Esme would be better bets.
Noam
Hebrew
"pleasantness, charm, tenderness"
Noam is an underused modern Hebrew name with any number of attractive attributes attached to its meaning; it doesn't have the biblical weight of Noah, but could make a more distinctive alternative to…
Mahala
Hebrew and Arabic
"tender"
An interesting and rhythmic name often heard in the Native American community; in fact,in the Gold Rush era in California and Nevada, it was so common that it became a generic English term for a…
Amica
Latin
"female friend"
Amica is a word meaning girlfriend that is not often used as a name in Italy, but it would sound pretty and name-like elsewhere.