Animal Related Names

Rachelle

French variation of Rachel

Elaboration of Rachel sometimes seen in France, but more rarely here.

Rae

English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew

"ewe"

All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back — Kay, Fay, Mae/May — and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin. Even more popular in the…

Adler

German

"eagle"

This common German-Jewish surname is a fast riser among boys but lately has been picked up by parents of girls as well. Notable figures with the surname include designer Jonathan Adler, Freud…

Raquel

Spanish variation of Rachel

"ewe"

Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a…

Rima

Arabic; Lithuaniian

"white antelope; to calm down, to quieten"

Nature girl played by Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions," it now has an old-style bohemian feel.

Ryo

Japanese

"fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"

A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation…

Sephora

French variation of Tziporah, Hebrew

"bird"

This lovely name is a softened French version of Tziporah, the biblical wife of Moses. Unfortunately, in the US, it's become attached to the cosmetics franchise. The brand Sephora claims to have…

Starling

Bird name

Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.

Sula

Literary name

"little she-bear; peace; good natured, charm"

A literary name with a simple yet alluring sound, Sula may appeal as an alternative to those who like Lula, Lola, Susannah, and Tallulah. The protagonist and titular character of Toni Morrison's 1973…