Name options for kids

There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.

This lilting Irish saint's name shone in neon lights on Broadway for the classical 1947 musical "Finian's Rainbow," later made into a film starring Fred Astaire as Finian McLonergan, and there was also a character on "General Hospital" named Finian O'Toole. With the growing popularity of Finn and Finlay/Finley--and boys' names ending in 'an'--Finian, which can also be spelled Finnian, seems like a sure-fire winner.

Lilium is the genus of the lily family of plants and sounds a bit botanically formal for a first name. Try Lillia or Lilias.

Interesting multi-cultural option.

The Finnish writer Mika Waltari invented the name Minea from the Greek Minos for a character in his 1945 novel The Egyptian. It's become a popular Finnish name in the 21st century.

A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.

Siana is a beautiful feminine name with cross-cultural connections. It may be a variation of Siana (pronounced see-AH-na), which has Welsh origins meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Italian name Siena, after the Tuscan city, or could be a form of Shana, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'beautiful.' In some Polynesian languages, particularly Hawaiian, similar names can mean 'light' or 'divine.' The name features a pleasing combination of soft sounds that flow naturally together. While not among the most common names, Siana has maintained a steady presence in various cultures and has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries. Its international appeal, gentle sound, and positive meanings make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

Lilit in the Top 20 girls names is Armenia. Outside of Armenia, Lilit might be confused with Lilith, but is worth considering as a name in its own right.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.

If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.

An energetic Japanese name that would make for an on-trend choice in the English-speaking world. Especially appropriate for a first-born son.

Nanou is a delicate feminine name with French origins, often used as a nickname for names like Anne, Nanette, or Éleanor in French-speaking regions. This charming diminutive has taken on life as a given name in its own right, offering a sweet, modern sound with an international feel. The name has a melodic, sing-song quality that gives it a playful yet sophisticated character. Nanou remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking something short yet complete. The name carries a certain joie de vivre and elegance associated with French culture.

Lúthien Tinúviel is an elf princess in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium, who falls in love with a mortal human, Beren, and chooses to become mortal herself rather than to live without him. Tinúviel is a Sindarin name given to her by Beren, meaning "daughter of twilight" and therefore "nightingale".

Lilo is the name of the spunky little Hawaiian girl character in the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch-- and is also Lindsay Lohan's nickname. Multi-cultural, it can be found in Hawaiian, German and Hebrew nomenclature.

With the rise of all those other popular feminine W names, like Winnie, Willa and Winona, why not consider the lovely Winika? Win and Winnie are likely nicknames and it is associated with a dainty Pacific orchid that blossoms at Christmas time. If you're looking for international names for Christmas babies, this is one for the short list.

Melea is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins, primarily Greek and Hawaiian. In Greek, it relates to 'meli' meaning 'honey,' suggesting sweetness and warmth. In Hawaiian tradition, it means 'gentle' or 'pleasant.' This cross-cultural appeal gives Melea versatility and global charm. The name has remained relatively uncommon but has seen quiet, consistent usage across diverse communities. Its melodious three-syllable structure flows beautifully when spoken, with an emphasis on the middle syllable. Melea offers a distinctive yet accessible alternative to more common names like Malia or Amelia. The name evokes qualities of gentleness, sweetness, and natural beauty, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and meaningful, with positive associations across different cultural traditions.

Zo is a concise masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Greek, it relates to "life" (from zoe), while in some African cultures, particularly Madagascar, it can mean "ancestor" or carry spiritual significance. The name has been used in East Asian contexts as well, where short names are often valued. Its brevity gives it contemporary appeal in Western naming trends that favor short, punchy names with impact. Zo functions well internationally due to its easy pronunciation across languages. While uncommon in mainstream Western usage, it has gained some traction among parents seeking minimalist names with cross-cultural resonance and meaningful depth beyond its simple two-letter structure.