27/2016
- Ksenia
Description:
Ksenia is a feminine name with deep Slavic roots, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. Derived from the Greek word "xenos" meaning "stranger" or "hospitality," it carries connotations of welcoming and generosity. Traditionally spelled "Xenia" in Western countries, the Slavic spelling with 'K' maintains its authentic cultural connection. The name gained wider recognition through figures like Russian Saint Ksenia of Petersburg and various contemporary celebrities. With its exotic sound and relatively uncommon usage in English-speaking countries, Ksenia offers a distinctive choice that's still accessible in pronunciation. The name combines strength and femininity with its crisp 'k' sound and melodic ending.
- Quirin
Origin:
German from LatinMeaning:
"spear"Description:
A child might like to have a name connected to the legendary Quirin stone, which, when placed on a sleeping person's head, prompts him to expose his secret thoughts.
- Tim
Origin:
Diminutive of Timothy, GreekMeaning:
"honoring God"Description:
Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.
- Fernando
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of FerdinandMeaning:
"bold voyager"Description:
Can you hear the drums Fernando? Although 58% of Nameberries prefer Ferdinand to Fernando, the Iberian variant has a softer, more romantic feel that makes it a better fit with all those Javiers, Lorenzos and Matteos.
- Jannik
Origin:
Dutch and German variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Popular form of John in Germany. Just remember to pronounce it YAHN-nik, which most English-speakers won't. Jannick is another spelling.
- Viktoria
Description:
Viktoria is the Eastern European and Germanic spelling of Victoria, a name derived from Latin meaning 'victory.' This variation maintains the powerful meaning while giving it a distinctive continental European flair. Particularly popular in countries like Russia, Germany, Hungary, and across Eastern Europe, Viktoria carries a sense of strength and triumph. The 'k' spelling gives the name a sharp, dynamic quality that differs slightly from the softer 'c' version. While less common in English-speaking countries, global connections have increased its usage worldwide. Viktoria combines classical heritage with cross-cultural appeal, making it both timeless and contemporary for parents seeking a name with established roots but a distinctive character.
- Ilyas
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"Yahweh is God"Description:
Common Arabic version of Elijah. The Ilyes spelling is a Top 100 name in France.
- Xaver
Description:
Xaver is a masculine name with German and Bavarian origins, functioning as a variant of Xavier. The name ultimately derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house,' and was popularized by St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. While Xavier (or Javier in Spanish) is widely recognized internationally, Xaver represents a more regionally specific Germanic form, particularly common in Bavaria, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name has a strong, distinctive sound and the uncommon initial 'X' gives it a bold, memorable quality. Despite being less familiar in English-speaking countries, Xaver offers an intriguing international alternative with authentic historical usage.
- Christoph
Description:
Christoph is the German and Dutch form of Christopher, derived from the Greek 'Christophoros' meaning 'bearing Christ.' This masculine name carries significant historical and religious weight across European cultures. While Christopher remains widely used in English-speaking countries, Christoph offers a more continental European flair without straying far from the familiar original. The name has maintained steady popularity in German-speaking countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Christoph projects an image of reliability and strength while its international recognition makes it practical across different cultures. The name balances traditional roots with a slightly distinctive quality that sets it apart from the more common Christopher.
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Lasse
Origin:
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish form of Laurence, LatinMeaning:
"from Laurentum; bay laurel"Description:
Well used throughout The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, and Denmark, Lasse is a variation of Laurence, typically used as a nickname for the related Lars. While English speakers may be tempted to say "lass" or "lassie", the correct pronunciation would LA-suh in Denmark, LAHS-seh in Norway and Finland, and LA-seh in Sweden and Germany.
- Isidor
Origin:
German and Russian variation of IsidoreMeaning:
"gift of Isis"Description:
Isidore and variants are remarkably underused and ripe for revival, a la Theodore and company.
- Luiz
Description:
Luiz is the Portuguese variation of Louis, a classic masculine name with Frankish and German origins. The name derives from the Germanic elements 'hlod' meaning 'famous' and 'wig' meaning 'warrior,' together conveying the sense of 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' Particularly common in Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries, Luiz maintains the strong heritage of its origin while featuring the distinctive 'z' ending characteristic of Portuguese adaptation. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures including Brazilian soccer players, musicians, and political figures. Though less common in English-speaking countries than Luis (the Spanish form) or Louis, Luiz offers a distinctive international flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce across languages.
- Susi
Description:
Susi is a charming feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Susanna or Susan, names derived from the Hebrew Shoshannah meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This short form is particularly common in German, Finnish, and Hungarian-speaking regions, though it appears across many European cultures. Susi carries a sweet, friendly quality with its soft sounds and approachable nature. While often used as a nickname, it has established itself as an independent given name in many countries. The name exudes a casual warmth and vintage appeal, reminiscent of mid-20th century preferences. Though not typically among top-ranking names, Susi has maintained steady usage, particularly in Central European countries. Its international recognition makes it work well across language barriers while retaining its affectionate, familiar character.
- Eleana
Description:
Eleana is a feminine name representing a variant of Elena or Eleanor, with Greek and Provençal origins. The name ultimately derives from the Greek 'Helenē,' possibly meaning 'torch' or 'bright one.' This melodic variation adds an extra syllable to Elena, giving it a flowing, romantic quality. Eleana emerged as a distinctive spelling that maintains the classic name's elegant roots while offering a slightly more elaborate form. While less common than Elena or Eleanor, it appeals to parents seeking a name with familiar roots but a more unique presentation. The name carries associations with light, beauty, and classical heritage. Its gentle sound pattern and feminine ending make it an enduringly attractive choice across many cultures.
- Marlen
Description:
Marlen is a feminine name with multiple origins, functioning as a contracted form of Marlene (itself derived from Maria Magdalene) or as a variant of Marlin. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it gained popularity during the Soviet era as an ideological name created from the components 'Marx' and 'Lenin.' In Western contexts, it's often seen as a more streamlined version of Marlene, made famous by actress Marlene Dietrich. The name has a crisp, modern sound despite its historical roots. Marlen has maintained modest usage across various cultures but never reached widespread popularity in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural versatility and concise, gender-neutral sound appeal to contemporary parents seeking a name that's distinctive yet accessible.
- Bendix
Origin:
Frisian, GermanicMeaning:
"blessed"Description:
German painter and sculptor Bendix Passig bore this eye-catching name, a Frisian and German form of Benedict, also found as a surname.
- Najla
Description:
Najla is a feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "wide-eyed" or "one with beautiful eyes." The name is popular in Middle Eastern countries, North Africa, and among Muslim communities worldwide. Najla has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. Though not frequently used in Western countries, it has gained some recognition through global cultural exchange. The name carries connotations of beauty, expressiveness, and perception. Najla is appreciated for being both distinctive and elegant, with a straightforward pronunciation despite being unfamiliar to some Western speakers. The name represents the beauty ideal of expressive eyes in Arabic culture.
- Lothar
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"famous army"Description:
Lothar is cloddish, till you add a dashing io to the end...
- Malea
Origin:
Hawaiian variation of MaryMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Malea, for familiar to Americans spelled Malia as in Malia Obama, is a Top 100 name in Germany and Switzerland. In the US, only about 40 baby girls were named Malea last year, versus 1100 named Malia.