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Names I Like

arb18
By arb18
Updated Tue Sep 14 2021
  1. Alessia

    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Alexis

    • Meaning:

      "defending warrior"

    • Description:

      Young Canadian pop singer Alessia Cara has given this spicy-sounding name a new lease on life, propelling it into the Top 1000 in 2016. It was one of the fastest rising girl names of the year in 2016, then again in 2023. As a form of Alexander, Alessia could make a wonderful honor for any of Alexander's variants—Alexandra, Alexis—or as an alternative to Alexa, now best known as Amazon's AI voice.
  2. Effy

    • Origin:

      Greek, diminutive of Euphemia

    • Meaning:

      "fair speech"

    • Description:

      This can be a short form of any Greek girls' name starting with 'Ef', such as Efstraria or Efrosini. It has also been suggested as a possible nickname for Elizabeth.
  3. Isolda

    • Description:

      Isolda is a feminine name with Celtic and Germanic origins, best known from the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde (also spelled Iseult or Isolde). The name may derive from elements meaning 'ice' and 'ruler' or 'battle,' though its exact etymology remains debated among scholars. Isolda carries an air of romance, tragedy, and medieval nobility due to its legendary associations. While never extremely common, it has maintained a presence throughout European history, experiencing occasional revivals when medieval themes become popular in culture. The name offers a dramatic, romantic option with rich literary connections. Isolda appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and a touch of mystical, legendary quality.

  4. Lyric

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "of the lyre; songlike; a personal, emotive poem"

    • Description:

      Associated with poetry, pop music, and the Greek lyre, Lyric has a light and zippy sound to it and joins the likes of Melody, Harmony, Cadence, and Aria as musical names that have become baby names. A unisex name, it is currently three times more popular for girls in the US where it sits in the Top 600. It has declined in use since its 2014 peak, but was still given to around 560 girls in a recent year.
  5. Manon

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Marie

    • Meaning:

      "bitter"

    • Description:

      Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon Lescaut a 1731 novel by Abbe Prevost, set in France and Louisiana, that was controversial in its day. It formed the basis of operas by Puccini and Massenet, and several films and TV series.
  6. Oddetta

    • Description:

      Oddetta is a feminine name of Germanic origin, serving as a feminine variation of Otto, which means 'wealth' or 'prosperity.' The name carries a distinctive quality with its double consonants and melodic ending. Though rare in contemporary usage, it evokes a sense of vintage charm and uniqueness. Oddetta may also be connected to the more familiar Odette, a name featured in Tchaikovsky's ballet 'Swan Lake.' For parents seeking an uncommon name with historical roots and a melodious quality, Oddetta offers a distinctive choice that combines antiquity with femininity, presenting a rare option in today's naming landscape.
  7. Ophelia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "help"

    • Description:

      Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
  8. Selene

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "moon"

    • Description:

      Selene may be the mythological Greek original, but Latin variation Selena is used more often in the US these days. Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon, sister of Helios the sun god. Selene is also sometimes called Cynthia and Phoebe. The name may be related to the word selas, which means light, and is one of the loveliest of the Greek goddess names.
  9. Theia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "goddess, godly"

    • Description:

      Theia is the Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. She is the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos. The name is more familiar in its Anglicized version, Thea.
  10. Tirzah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "delight"

    • Description:

      A fairly common Hebrew name without much crossover potential.
  11. Waverly

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "meadow of quivering aspens"

    • Description:

      Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.
  12. Willa

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of William

    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"

    • Description:

      Willa has become increasingly fashionable, with its combination of Willa (born Wilella) Cather-like pioneer strength and the graceful beauty of the willow tree.
  13. Yseult

    • Origin:

      French variation of Iseult, Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "fair, light-skinned"

    • Description:

      Variation of Isolde, the name of a great Celtic heroine. The mononymous French singer Yseult is the most notable bearer today.
  14. Zorah

    • Origin:

      Biblical place-name

    • Description:

      Zorah, the Old Testament home of Samson, is both soft and substantial.
  15. Zosia

    • Origin:

      Variant of Sophia, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"

    • Description:

      This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls.