Fantastical Names

  1. Shuna
    • Description:

      Shuna is a feminine name with Scottish Gaelic origins, particularly associated with Scotland's western islands. The name is thought to derive from an island in the Inner Hebrides called Shuna, giving it strong geographical ties. In some contexts, it may also be related to the Hebrew name Shoshana, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' Shuna has a gentle yet distinctive sound, remaining fairly uncommon internationally, which appeals to parents seeking a name with Scottish heritage that isn't widely used. The name carries a natural, earthy quality, evoking the rugged beauty of Scotland's island landscapes. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation make it accessible despite its uncommon status.

  2. 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.
  3. Sienna
    • Origin:

      Italian color name
    • Meaning:

      "orange red"
    • Description:

      Sienna has been a Top 100 choice in England & Wales since 2005, the year after Sienna Miller's acting breakthrough in the hit movies Alfie and Layer Cake. In the US, it also got a big boost in the early noughties, before dropping slightly then rebounding to reach an all-time high in 2022.
  4. Silvain
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "wood, forest"
    • Description:

      Woodsy name referring to the Roman tree god Silvanus.
  5. Sincere
    • Origin:

      English, Word name
    • Meaning:

      "honest, genuine, and heartfelt"
    • Description:

      Reminiscent of Puritan and Pilgrim name choices, Sincere is a relatively modern virtue name that has been in the US Top 1000 since the 2000s.
  6. Sinead
    • Origin:

      Irish form of Janet
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      One of the best known of the Irish girls' names, thanks to singer Sinead O'Connor. Though it's still in the Irish Top 100, it's no longer quite as fashionable in Ireland as Aoife or Aisling. But by now everyone in the Western World knows it's pronounced shin-aid and so would have no trouble fitting in on an American playground.
  7. Siobhan
    • Origin:

      Irish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "god is gracious"
    • Description:

      Siobhan is the Irish variation of Joan, which is derived from the ancient Anglo-Norman name Jehanne. In this way Siobhan is indirectly related to the name Sinead—the Irish form of Jeannette, which also derived from Jehanne—although Sinead is not a nickname for Siobhan. Siobhan was the name of several early Irish queens and was introduced to the American public by the actress Siobhan McKenna.
  8. Siomon
    • Description:

      Siomon appears to be a rare variant spelling of Simon, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'he has heard' or 'listener.' This uncommon spelling variation maintains the pronunciation of the traditional Simon while offering a distinctive written form. The traditional Simon has deep historical roots, appearing in various religious texts and carried by numerous significant figures throughout history, including Simon Peter, one of Jesus's apostles. While the Siomon spelling is exceedingly rare, it might appeal to parents seeking to differentiate their child's name while maintaining connections to the well-established Simon. The name carries connotations of wisdom, thoughtfulness, and attentiveness across cultures, reflecting its etymological connection to listening and hearing.
  9. Skya
    • Description:

      Skya is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of 'Sky' or 'Skye,' referencing the heavens and conveying a sense of limitlessness and freedom. The name could also have Scandinavian or Scottish influences, possibly relating to the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Some parents might choose Skya as a unique spelling of the Sanskrit-derived 'Skaya,' meaning 'branch' or 'protection.' With its compact, flowing sound and distinctive appearance, Skya appeals to parents seeking something contemporary yet meaningful. Though rare in statistical records, the name's connection to nature and the celestial realm gives it appealing symbolic depth.
  10. Skyla
    • Origin:

      Variation of Dutch Schuyler
    • Meaning:

      "scholar"
    • Description:

      Skyla is the most feminine form of the Skylar / Sklyer trend - little Skyla will never be mistaken on paper for a boy.
  11. Snow
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.
  12. Sofya
    • Origin:

      Russian and Armenian variation of Sophia, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "wisdom"
    • Description:

      This spelling of Sophia is primarily used in Russia and Armenia.
  13. Solana
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "sunshine"
    • Description:

      A bright and warm possibility for a summertime girl, Solana feels both soulful and fresh, distinctive and familiar. Originally adapted from the Spanish surname and Saint name, Solano, it entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2023.
  14. Solandis
    • Origin:

      nature name
    • Description:

      This name comes from a very rare species of butterfly, making it a nice choice for those seeking a name that suggests nature, rarity and fragility.
  15. Soleil
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      An attractive French word name known here via former child TV star Soleil Moon Frye, aka Punky Brewster. It started to be lightly used in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now attracting some attention as both a sunny nature and an international word name. It's currently in the Nameberry Top 500.
  16. Solstice
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "when the sun stands still"
    • Description:

      Solstice graduated from word to official first name when author Lionel Shriver used it for a character in her novel Big Brother. But of course, there were people named Solstice before: 16 baby girls were given the name in the US in 2021 (and it is occasionally used for boys too).
  17. Sorcha
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining"
    • Description:

      A popular Irish name virtually unknown here, but one that feels like it could follow in the footsteps of Siobhan and Saoirse. It's pronounced SOR-ka, but with a little hiccup between the 'r' and the 'c' that's difficult for non-Gaelic speakers to reproduce. Spelled (and pronounced) Sorsha, she is a major character in the movie Willow.
  18. Sorrell
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "reddish brown"
    • Description:

      Soft, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. The proper spelling: Sorrel.
  19. Stasiya
    • Description:

      Stasiya is a feminine name with Slavic origins, primarily functioning as a variant spelling of Anastasia or its shortened form, Stasia. The root name Anastasia comes from Greek, meaning 'resurrection' or 'rebirth.' This variation adds a distinctive 'y' that enhances its exotic feel while maintaining the melodic quality of the original. Stasiya is most common in Russian, Ukrainian, and other Eastern European cultures, though it remains relatively rare even in these regions. The name carries the same elegant, regal associations as Anastasia, which has connections to Russian royalty. With its unique spelling and international character, Stasiya appeals to parents seeking a name with Slavic roots and distinctive styling that remains recognizable and pronounceable in Western contexts.
  20. Stavros
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cross"
    • Description:

      A name that conjures up billionaire shipping magnates like, for instance, Stavros Niarcos.