User-created list
By Myn · Updated May 2023
Across 10 pages
of 10
Aramaic
"rock"
The apostle Simon was called Cephas by Jesus because he was to be the rock upon which the Christian church was to be built. In most versions of the New Testament, Cephas is translated into Petros in…
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…
Welsh
"hill"
You say Bryn, he says Bryana -- here's a name you might agree on.
French variation of Severus; Latin
"stern, serious"
Severin is an ancient Roman family name borne by several early saints. It's still alive throughout Europe, and could be ready for import here. Severin Winter is a wrestling prodigy character in John…
Greek
"fair speech"
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
Gaelic, Anglicized form of Eoghann
"born of the yew tree"
The attractive Euan and Ewan are just coming onto the U.S. radar, via actor Ewan MacGregor and Harry Potter 's Euan Abercrombie.
Swedish word name
"story; seeress"
Apt name for a little drama queen with a long future ahead of her. Saga is a Top 30 girls' name in Sweden. Saga was the Norse goddess of poetry, storytelling, and history. She was a prophetess — able…
Yvan is a masculine name primarily used in French-speaking regions and Eastern Europe, serving as a variant of Ivan, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' The…
"violet flower"
This unusual Greek flower and color name has gained considerable recent attention via actress Ione Skye, who is the daughter of sixties folksinger Donovan. Ione was one of the fifty sea nymphs —…
Greek place-name
The name of an ancient country located in South Asia Minor, perfect for someone looking for a rare and feminine name with history.
"godlike one of Nysa"
Also written as Dionysos, Dionysus was a son of Zeus and the god of wine, revelry, fertility, and dance. Likely meaning "godlike one of Nysa" — Nysa being a region in Greece where Dionysus was raised…
Latin
"shining sea"
Marilla is a names that's familiar via its resemblance to Mary and variations, but also distinctive: It hasn't been on the Top 1000 since the 1800s and was given to only 27 baby girls last year.…
Irish
"she who intoxicates"
Meabh, the native Irish spelling of Maeve, is in the Top 100 in Ireland and becoming more popular here in its Anglicized form. Outside of Ireland, life will be easier with the Maeve spelling of this…
Persian
"lovely"
This Persian name with an Old Testament pedigree has a warm Sasha-like feel. The Biblical Vashti was a queen who refused her husband's orders to appear naked in front of his party guests and so was…
Celtic
"gold"
An unusual name for a child with golden hair. Auron is a Welsh female name with the same meaning.
Hungarian, from German
"strength"
Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.
Dutch, German, and Frisian diminutive of Adelheid
"noble"
Though she has long stood on her own, Elke has many longer cross-cultural connections, to the Dutch/German/Scandinavian Adelheid and Alice and the English Adelaide, as a feminine version of Elkanah…
Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
"Immortal"
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the…
Spanish
"hazelnut"
This alluring Spanish word name has the quirky meaning "hazelnut". Avellana has a beautiful sound, although it may be misheard as the trending Avianna.
Italian feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
One case where the English version -- Josephine -- is far preferable.
