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-ian/-ien/-ion

  1. Vivien

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.
  2. Xavian

    • Description:

      Xavian is a masculine name representing a modern variation of Xavier, which itself derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'new house.' The name gained prominence through St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. Xavian combines the distinctive 'X' beginning of Xavier with the flowing ending of names like Adrian or Julian, creating a contemporary feel while maintaining historical connections. The initial 'X' gives the name an edge of uniqueness, while the overall sound remains approachable. Growing in popularity since the early 2000s, Xavian appeals to parents seeking modern-sounding names with subtle historical roots. The name projects qualities of strength and distinctiveness while offering the friendly nickname option 'Xavi.' Its relative rarity ensures individuality without being difficult to pronounce or understand.
  3. Darien

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Darian

    • Meaning:

      "rich, kingly"

    • Description:

      The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.
  4. Lilian

    • Origin:

      Alternate spelling of Lillian, English

    • Meaning:

      "lily; pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Lilian is the far less popular than the 'Lillian' spelling. To avoid a lifetime of mistakes and misspellings, we suggest you go with the Lillian spelling, which also looks more polished on paper. Whichever spelling you prefer, these names are benefitting from the fashion for girls' names starting with L.
  5. Orion

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Description:

      The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.
  6. Emilian

    • Origin:

      Romanian form of Emil

    • Meaning:

      "rival"

    • Description:

      With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.
  7. Olivian

    • Origin:

      Romanian variation of Oliver

    • Description:

      As both Oliver and Olivia grow in popularity throughout the English-speaking world, parents may seek variations that are the same-but-different and Olivian is one such choice. Attractive and easy to understand, yet some confuse it with Olivia.
  8. Charmian

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "joy"

    • Description:

      This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.
  9. Dalian

    • Description:

      Dalian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Welsh elements 'dal' meaning 'to hold' and 'ian' meaning 'God is gracious,' suggesting 'God holds graciously.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Chinese city of Dalian, making it a place name turned personal name. Some consider it a variation of names like Dallen or Dylan. The name has a strong, melodic quality with its balanced syllables. Dalian remains quite rare in Western naming practices but may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with cross-cultural resonance. Its uncommon status gives it a fresh, contemporary feel despite potential ancient roots.
  10. Dorian

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Doris"

    • Description:

      A male name occasionally borrowed by the girls, as in Dorian Cramer, a long-running female character on the soap One Life to Live and famous midcentury model Dorian Leigh.
  11. Gian

    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.
  12. Vermilion

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Description:

      This vivid reddish orange color name is an undiscovered possibility -- kind of a female equivalent of Cerulean for boys.
  13. Fabien

    • Description:

      Fabien is a masculine name of French origin, serving as the French variant of the Latin name Fabianus, which derives from 'Fabius,' an ancient Roman family name. The name ultimately stems from 'faba,' meaning 'bean grower.' Fabien carries an air of sophistication and continental charm, popular throughout French-speaking regions and increasingly recognized internationally. In France, it saw significant popularity during the 1960s-1980s. The name suggests qualities of creativity, elegance, and intelligence. While less common in English-speaking countries, Fabien has gained some recognition through notable bearers, including French athletes and artists, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with European flair.

  14. Maximillian

    • Origin:

      Variant of Maximilian

    • Description:

      We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.
  15. Veridian

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "green"

    • Description:

      Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.
  16. Justinian

    • Description:

      Justinian is a masculine name of Latin origin, drawing its heritage from the illustrious Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565 CE and was known for his significant legal reforms and architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia. The name derives from the Latin 'iustus,' meaning 'just' or 'righteous,' with the suffix adding a sense of belonging or connection. Justinian conveys strength, wisdom, and moral integrity, making it an excellent choice for parents drawn to names with historical gravitas and positive character associations. While relatively uncommon, Justinian offers the familiar nicknames 'Justin' or 'Justo' for everyday use, combining accessibility with distinguished historical roots.

  17. Mirian

    • Description:

      Mirian is a feminine name with roots in several cultures. It's a variant of Miriam, which has Hebrew origins and traditionally means 'bitter' or 'beloved'. In some Latin American countries, particularly in Georgia and other Eastern European regions, Mirian is used as both a feminine and masculine name. As a feminine name, Mirian has maintained modest popularity over the decades, offering a slightly unique alternative to the more common Miriam or Marian. The name carries a classic, timeless quality while still feeling distinctive. In recent years, it has remained relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an option for parents seeking a traditional name with an uncommon flair.

  18. Sebastien

    • Origin:

      French and Czech variation of Sebastian, Latin, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "from Sebaste"

    • Description:

      Also spelled as Sébastien, this is the French and Czech form of the cotemporary (yet ancient) favorite, Sebastian. Derived from the name of ancient city who got its name from a Greek word for "venerable", this spelling adds something gentler and elegant to to the name.
  19. Alician

    • Origin:

      Variation of Alice

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      An intriguing and rare variant of Alice.
  20. Sylvian

    • Origin:

      Swedish, Norwegian

    • Meaning:

      "of the forest"

    • Description:

      Form of Silviana