User-created list
Non-English Virtue Names
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Pallas
Greek
"youth, young woman"
An overlooked name from Greek mythology, Pallas is both an epithet for the goddess of wisdom and a name in its own right, borne by a daughter of the sea god Triton who was raised alongside the…
Hye
Korean
"wisdom, intelligence"
One of the few Korean names to migrate to Western culture, via supermodel Hye Park.
Rishi
Sanskrit
"sage"
A number of stylish Indian names are making their way to the US mainstream, including wise Rishi. In Hindu mythology, the Rishis are sages and seers; in modern times, Rishi Rich is a popular…
Manju
Sanskrit
"pleasant, sweet"
This attractive Indian unisex name has a number of interesting variations with equally appealing meanings, including Manjula and Manjusha.
Nava
Hebrew, Spanish
"beautiful; from Navarre or Nava"
Short, sweet, and sparky, Nava has been slowly climbing up the US popularity charts in recent years, owing perhaps to its similarity to Nova, Ava, Navy, and Nevaeh. Used quietly but consistently from…
Raziya
Swahili
"agreeable, pleasant"
An appealing East African possibility.
Vikram
Hindi
"valorous"
Another traditional Indian name, best known here via novelist Vikram Seth.
Ananda
Hindi
"bliss"
Genuine Indian name some parents turn to as an Amanda alternative; also connected to a network of spiritual communities.
Halima
African
"gentle, humane"
This Swahili and Muslim female name referring to the Prophet Muhammed's nurse. It is a popular name in Egypt and Somalia.
Latifah
Arabic
"kind and gentle"
Singer-actress Queen Latifah -- born Dana Owens -- makes this North African Muslim name sing.
Rafiq
Arabic
"friend, companion, gentle, kind"
Confident Middle Eastern choice. Children will relate to the Rafiki form via the wise guru in Disney's "The Lion King."
Benigno
Latin
"kind, wellborn"
From the root that gives us "benign," Benigno is not as accessible in English-speaking cultures as such names as Bruno and Benicio. Filipino Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., went by his nickname Ninoy.
Ebele
African
"mercy, kindness"
Igbo name made more familiar by its relationship to the popular Belle and Bella.
Racham
Hebrew
"mercy, compassion"
This name -- the basic form is Rachamim -- is especially popular among Sephardic Jews.
Eir
Norse
"peacefulness, mercy"
So airy, it's almost not there.
Rahim
Arabic
"empathetic, merciful"
To Muslims, an auspicious name.
Bonaventure
Latin
"good fortune"
One for the truly adventurous baby namers, or perhaps an unexpected middle name to liven up a more traditional first. But on trend short form Bo does make it feel a little more accessible.
Anisa
Arabic
"good-natured"
Phonetic spelling of the Muslim Aanisah, chosen by singer Macy Gray for one of her daughters.
Beneste
Jèrriais
"goodness"
The name was used in the Channel Island, Jersey. It is believed to be derived from the Latin root word "Bene" meaning good.
Eupraxia
Greek
"good conduct"
This rare name, used by a Byzantine saint, is not as attractive as other Greek "Eu" name like Eugenia, Eulalie and Eudora. This probably belongs in the footnotes of the history books.