model names

Silvia

Latin

"from the woods"

This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.

Liya

Hebrew

"I am with God"

The first name of Ethiopian supermodel Liya (pronounced like Leah) Kebede is also a Russian variation of Lia and Lily. Rather than using Liya, English speakers will do better to call a child Leah or…

Linnea

Swedish

"twinflower, lime tree"

Linnea is an attractive Scandinavian name that derives from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals. Linnea is…

Karmen

Slovenian, Croatian and Estonian variation of Carmen

"garden, song"

Derived from a place name and a musical word, Karmen is the Slovenian, Croatian, and Estonian form of Carmen, though it might just be used as a contemporary, English spelling a la Kadence and Karter.

Sabina

Latin

"Sabine"

Sabina is a sleek but neglected name with the same spirited, stylish feel of Sabrina, Serena, and Selena. It ranked towards the latter end of the US charts in the early 20th century while a more…

Saskia

Dutch

"Saxon"

From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming…

Kiki

French nickname and Japanese

"double happiness"

Kiki is one of the Coco-Gigi-Fifi-Lulu bohemian-type French nickname names from the turn of the last century, which have endless energy and sparkle. Artist Kiki Smith is its most well-known…

Carola

Carola is a feminine name with Latin and Germanic origins. It is the feminine form of 'Carol' or 'Karl,' meaning 'free man' or 'strong woman.' Popular throughout Europe, particularly in Germany,…

Hanne

Danish, Norwegian, German, Dutch

"grace"

This spin on the popular Hannah is widely-used in Europe and pronounced similarly to Hannah. It may also be a short form of Johanne, from John/Joan.

Siri

Norse, diminutive of Sigrid

"fair victory"

Siri is a charming and lively Scandinavian name that is no longer on the table given the ubiquity of Apple's digital Siri. Too bad, because Siri -- along with variations Syrie and Cyrie -- is unique,…

Edita

Edita is a feminine name with roots in several European languages. It originated as a form of Edith, derived from the Old English 'Eadgyth,' meaning 'wealth, fortune' and 'battle.' Popular in Eastern…

Vlada

Slavic

"to rule, control"

Used as a short form for Slavic names beginning with the volděti element, such as Vladislava and Vladimira, it is a unisex nickname, while as a stand-alone name, it's used as a feminine choice in the…

Lisann

Lisann is a delicate feminine name that likely originated as a compound of the popular names Lisa and Ann, or possibly as a variation of Elizabeth with a distinctive ending. This elegant name carries…

Behati

Afrikaans version of Beate or Beata

"blessed"

Namibian supermodel Behati Prinsloo, who has walked the runway for every designer from Prada to Versace to Vera Wang, has introduced us to this Afrikaans version of Beata and relative of Beatrice.…