Persian Names
- Aida
Origin:
Arabic; Italian; LithuanianMeaning:
"returning visitor; happy; echo"Description:
Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.
- Ami
Origin:
Japanese, Sanskrit, or variation of AmyMeaning:
"second beauty; second ocean; second truth; nectar; beloved"Description:
A multicultural unisex choice that peaked for girls at the same time as Amy. Ami is also the French word for "friend."
- Tina
Origin:
Diminutive of Christina et alDescription:
Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna Mae), Tina Brown (born Christina), Tina Fey (born Elizabeth), and photographer Tina Barney (born Tina).
- Dinah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God will judge"Description:
Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume. In the Old Testament, Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah and while some conflate her with the Biblical Adinah, they are in fact different figures.
- Jana
Origin:
International feminine variation of JanDescription:
A sweet name with many cross-cultural ties: it's an equivalent of Jane in languages including Czech, Slovak, Dutch, German, Slovene, Catalan, Estonian, and Latvian.
- Yasmin
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"jasmine flower"Description:
This name, whose sweet and fragrant floral essence has always been widespread across the Near Eastern world, has now landed on US popularity lists in a variety of spellings. It's been dropping precipitously over the past few years, though, perhaps due to a combination of tensions in the Middle East and the fading fashion status of Jasmine itself.
- Roxana
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"dawn; or, little star"Description:
The name of the wife of Alexander the Great, more attractive than the better-known Roxanne. Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe's novel Roxana, published in 1724. An underused and attractive possibility and perfect if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings.
- Helia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"sun"Description:
The feminine form of Helios or Helio is occasionally heard in Spain and Portugal. In Greek mythology, Helia is one of the Heliades, daughters of the sun god Helios by Clymene the Oceanid.
- Nisa
Origin:
Turkish, Japanese and ThaiMeaning:
"women; night, dream"Description:
A multicultural choice with an appealing sound. In Arabic, it means "women" and is the name of the fourth chapter of the Quran (surah an-Nisa).
- Kiana
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.
- Sarina
Origin:
Italian diminutive of Sarah or spelling variation of Serena, Hebrew or LatinMeaning:
"princess or serene"Description:
With its melodic three syllables and flowing sound, Sarina offers a softer, more elaborate alternative to Sarah while maintaining an accessible pronunciation. The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains relatively uncommon. Internationally recognized yet not overly used, Sarina appeals to parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal and feminine elegance without being overly frilly or elaborate.
- Anoushka
Origin:
Russian, diminutive of AnnMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A lively, affectionate Russian pet name that is never given as a full name in its homeland, but has found some popularity in upper-crusty British society. It's also a surprising cultural crossover name due to its resemblance to the Indian name Anushka. British-Indian musician and composer Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi, is a famous bearer.
- Adrina
Description:
Adrina is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. It likely derives from the Latin name Adriana, feminine form of Adrian, meaning 'from Hadria' (an ancient city in northern Italy). The name also appears in Armenian culture, where it may relate to the Adriatic Sea or maintain its Latin origins. Adrina has a flowing, melodious quality with its soft consonants and rhythmic syllables. While less common than Adriana or Adrienne, it offers a slight variation that maintains familiarity while feeling unique. The name has seen modest usage across various cultures but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being accessible and elegant.
- Daniella
Origin:
Italian, Polish, Czech, feminine variation of DanielDescription:
Daniella, Daniela, and Danielle were among the hottest names for twenty years, but now, though still popular, they can no longer be considered stylish options, lagging behind the newer Ella, Stella, Bella, Gabriella, and Isabella.
- Nava
Origin:
Hebrew, SpanishMeaning:
"beautiful; from Navarre or Nava"Description:
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 the 80s onwards, Nava was given to nearly 80 girls in 2023.
- Shiva
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"charming and eloquent"Description:
In India, Shiva is an unambiguously male name; but in the middle east, Shiva derives from the Persian words for charm and eloquence, and is usually used as a female name.
- Roya
Origin:
Persian, ArabicMeaning:
"vision, dream, sight"Description:
Simple yet powerful, Roya is a Persian name, ultimately from the Arabic raʾā, meaning "to see, perceive", and is therefore associated with dreams and prophetic visions. Also appearing as Ruya, Roaa, Rouyaa, and Röya, it is familiar in Iran, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan.
- Malika
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"master"Description:
Malika is an attractive multi-cultural name--it is also a pet form of Amalia in Hungary.
- Nikki
Origin:
Diminutive of Nicole or Indian, Punjabi, SikhMeaning:
"people of victory; little one"Description:
Nikki was the it-girl name of the 1970s and '80s as both a short form of Top 10 favorite Nicole and as a given name itself.
- Madina
Description:
Madina is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic tradition, it means 'city' and holds special significance as 'Al-Madina' refers to Medina, the holy city of Islam. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it's derived from Magdalene with connections to 'magdala' meaning 'tower.' The name is popular across diverse regions including Central Asia, the Caucasus, Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe. Madina carries connotations of civilization, spirituality, and strength depending on the cultural context. With its melodic three syllables and soft consonants, the name has a gentle yet distinctive sound. The name's cross-cultural nature makes it appealing to families with diverse backgrounds or those seeking a name with international resonance.
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