Names for a rainbow baby

  1. Hope
    • Origin:

      Virtue name
    • Description:

      Can a name as virtuous as Hope be cool and trendy? Strangely enough -- yes. But though this optimistic Puritan favorite is experiencing substantial popularity, Hope is too pure and elegant to be corrupted, a lovely classic that deserves all the attention it's getting.
  2. Odelia
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, German
    • Meaning:

      "I will praise the Lord or wealth"
    • Description:

      Pretty Hebrew name that would create a strong but feminine impression, as well as a variant of the Germanic name Odilia or Ottilie.
  3. Pandora
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "all gifted"
    • Description:

      Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last year.
  4. Carys
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "love"
    • Description:

      Light, pretty and distinctive in appearance, Carys is one of that sweet group of girl names with a loving meaning. A relatively modern name, it didn't come into use in its native Wales until the late nineteenth century, and even then, it wasn't a mainstream choice until the middle of the twentieth century. Pronounced as CA-riss, the beginning sound is like the one cat or Catherine, not said to rhyme with Claire.
  5. Liora
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      A beautiful Hebrew name that would work perfectly for a child today.
  6. Isadore
    • Origin:

      Variation of Isidore, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of Isis"
    • Description:

      A classic variation of the name Isidore, both Isadore and Isidore were equally popular at their peak in the 1910s. They were historically used among Jewish families — Isidore and Isadore were often used as Americanizations of Jewish names such as Israel and Isaac.
  7. Ailsa
    • Origin:

      Scottish from Norse
    • Meaning:

      "elf victory"
    • Description:

      Ailsa is a traditional Scottish name for girls related to a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
  8. Leora
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eleanor, or Hebrew and Greek
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      Somewhat dated Hebrew name that appears more modern when spelled Liora.
  9. Nala
    • Origin:

      African, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      A Disney name—Nala was the friend who became the wife of Simba, hero of The Lion King. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2015.
  10. Adora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "adored"
    • Description:

      A name that would lavish your child with adoration, a princess name--as in Princess Adora of She-Ra: Princess of Power.
  11. Felicia
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "lucky"
    • Description:

      A lacy, lucky name very popular in the Hispanic community a decade ago, less so now.
  12. Shae
    • Origin:

      Variation of Shay, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "the stately, dauntless one"
    • Description:

      The third-most-popular spelling of this name, after Shea and Shay, is notable mostly for its connection to Game of Thrones. Shae is a "camp follower" -- AKA prostitute -- who becomes the loyal mistress to Tyrion Lannister while he is serving as Hand of the King.
  13. Sian
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of Jane
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Simple and pretty and user-friendly, the Welsh Sian was used by U2's Dave "the Edge" Evans for his daughter. In Welsh, it is also spelled Siân.
  14. Godiva
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "God's gift"
    • Description:

      Whether you think of the chocolates or the naked long-haired lady on the horse, Godiva is a name with baggage no child should have to carry.
  15. Donatello
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to give"
    • Description:

      The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.
  16. Shauna
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      More modern options: Shaw, Shay, or even Sean.
  17. Ivana
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Ivan
    • Description:

      A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.
  18. Jenica
    • Origin:

      Romanian variation of Jane
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Jenica might work if you can't decide between Jennifer and Jessica. It's certainly a more distinctive option.
  19. Danna
    • Origin:

      Latinate feminization of Daniel, Hebrew, or variation of Dana
    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge; from Denmark, gift; wise"
    • Description:

      This Dana-Donna variation has started to carve out its own place on popularity lists; an interesting alternative to Daniella as a namesake for a relative named Daniel.
  20. Diarra
    • Origin:

      West African
    • Meaning:

      "gift"
    • Description:

      Diarra has a nice meaning, but we could see it leading to possible teasing re association with a certain digestive problem.