Short List for Little Bit
- Ariella
Origin:
Spelling variation of ArielMeaning:
"lion of God"Description:
This variation of Ariel, with the extra-feminine suffix, has been on the rise in recent years and has now surpassed the original. The similarity to the name of the Little Mermaid gives Ariella a princessy flair. Ariella entered the charts in 2008, and has now risen into the Top 200. The cute nickname Ari is on trend as seen with the popularity of Ariana and Arianna, as are any girl names ending in "-ella", making Ariella a natural hit. Arabella is another name with the best of both of these trends.
- 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.
- Nesiah
Description:
Nesiah is a feminine name with Hebrew origins that carries profound meaning. Derived from the Hebrew word 'נְשִׂיאָה' (nesia), it translates to 'journey,' 'voyage,' or 'lifting up.' This evocative meaning connects the name to themes of progress, spiritual elevation, and life's path. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, Nesiah has gained some recognition in Jewish communities where Hebrew names maintain cultural significance. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and soft ending. Nesiah can be seen as a modern alternative to more common biblical names while still maintaining strong cultural roots. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice that carries both spiritual depth and contemporary appeal, particularly for families seeking names with meaningful Hebrew origins.
- Nessa
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"headlands, promontory"Description:
Like its cousin Tessa, Nessa -- a shortening of Vanessa or Agnes or Anastasia among other possibilities -- is an attractive nickname that can stand on its own.
- Nomi
Origin:
Hebrew, Scandinavian, and JapaneseMeaning:
"beautiful, pleasant, delightful "Description:
This adorable cross cultural name updates Naomi and offers an accessible Japanese option. The Scandis were the first to contract Naomi to Nomi, once again being ahead of the trend. Nomi strikes the right balance by being distinctive without seeming strange.
- Phoebe
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"radiant, shining one"Description:
Bubbly, bright, and versatile, Phoebe is a name with mythological, biblical, and literary ties. Used since the 17th century, it fell out of fashion in the US during the '60s, only to be revived after it appeared in the 90's TV favorite, Friends.
- Rina
Origin:
Diminutive of Caterina or other names ending in -rinaDescription:
A pan-European short form often used as a name in its own right, Rina is sister to names like Mina and Lena, popular at the end of the 19th century and showing their pretty if slight faces again. In the Netherlands, Rina itself is sometimes shortened to Rineke, as Tina may become Tineke.
- Sadie
Origin:
Diminutive of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sadie started as a nickname for Sarah, but their images couldn't be more disparate. Where Sarah is serious and sweet, Sadie is full of sass and fun.
- Yakira
- Zahara
Origin:
Hebrew; SwahiliMeaning:
"to shine; flower"Description:
Zahara, a delicate but strong multicultural name, came into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie bestowed it on her Ethiopian-born daughter, and we predict other parents will adopt it as well. If you want something simpler than Zahara, consider Zara, a royal name in England--but also the name of a Spanish-based clothing store chain.
- Ziva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
A zippy little international name. The Hebrew name relates to the month of Israeli independence, while the Slavic Ziva (also spelled Živa and Siva) is a goddess of love, life and fertility.