User-created list
By ThatsAmore · Updated January 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Welsh
"hill"
The simple and attractive Bryn is well used for boys in Wales, and does have a history as a male name in the US, although both Bryn and Brynn are currently far more popular for girls. Fans of British…
Arabic
"purity, bright whiteness"
The final a adds a lot of style.
German, diminutive of Anselma
"God helmet"
Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking…
French, blend of Vivian and Anne
A smooth and velvety Gallic choice first heard here as the heroine of the movie "Chocolat."
Latin
"grain"
An unusual possibility; Zea would fit right in with schoolmates named Tea and Leya.
"very fair, beautiful"
Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.
Short form of Ezekiel
Sharp attractive short form which has a nautical translation in German: "keel" (although it isn't used as a name there). Fun fact: the similarly spelt Kieł is the name of Hagrid's dog Fang in the…
Scandinavian
"new victory"
Signe could make an offbeat, more unusual alternative to Sydney or Sigrid. In Norse mythology, Signe was the twin sister of Sigmund. Can also be spelled Signy.
Hebrew
"olive"
A rarely heard Hebrew name whose zippy first initial Z transforms it from dated Yetta-like image to more lively Catherine Zeta Jones-like appeal.
Welsh geographical name
This simple, solid Welsh name enjoyed moderate popularity in England and Wales in the '80s and '90s, after the success of choirboy Aled Jones.
Dutch and French variation of Anna
"grace"
Anouk, made famous by French actress Anouk Aimée, is a singular name with a lovely sound and a Bohemian feel. Anouk Aimée was born as Francoise, but adopted the first name of the character she played…
Spanish place name
Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.
Short form of Bardolph or Aboriginal
"water"
Bardo has a poetic beginning and upbeat ending, with roots in several diverse cultures. It may be most familiar today via George Saunders' novel Lincoln in the Bardo , which refers to the Tibetan…
"battle"
St Cadoc was an early Welsh churchman, who gave his name to several villages in Wales, and according to his Life knew King Arthur. Less popular than other C__C names like Cormac and Cedric, Cadoc…
"love"
The Welsh word for "love" and a term of endearment turned modern word-name, Cariad is a sweet possibility that might work well as a name for a February or Valentines baby or a name for a Christmas…
Common name in Wales that's all but unknown in the U.S. Certainly an attractive choice ripe for export. In the UK it sits at Number 330.
