User-created list
By Lou_T · Updated January 2023
Across 6 pages
of 6
Sanskrit
"dark, black"
Krishna, in Hindu tradition, was the human incarnation of the god Vishnu, a heroic figure representing love, protection, tenderness and joy. Meaning "dark, black, dark blue" in from Sanskrit, Krishna…
Diminutive of Roman et al
"citizen of Rome"
Best known as a feminine diminutive, Romy is used now for boys too, as a short form of Roman or Romeo or a name in its own right. Remy and Romi are other related choices, or you might want to go all…
Combination of Mary and Lynn
Sounds like Marlon (as in Brando) and looks like marlin (as in the fish).
Italian place-name
This is the Italian way to say Venice -- Ven-ETZ-ee-a -- but you might also opt for the softer Venetia or Venice itself.
French
"flower"
Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur…
English nature name
"apple"
When people talk about unique baby names, Apple is often one of the first examples they mention. Apple made international headlines when Gwyneth Paltrow chose this wholesome fruit name for her…
Norse
"guarded by Ing"
Ing was a powerful Norse god whose name inspired several modern variations -- though Inga has become a caricatured Scandinavian choice.
French, diminutive of Marie
"bitter"
Manon is an endearing French pet name for Marie or Marianne; it has the international yet straightforward feel that makes it a viable import. Manon of the Spring was a gorgeous French film, Manon…
Latin, feminine form of Ambrose
"Immortal"
Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning. In Greek mythology, Ambrosia was not a goddess or other figure but literally the…
Latin, diminutive of Dulcibella
"sweet"
A sweet-meaning and sounding name dating back to the Roman Empire, and later found in the antebellum South, Dulcie has in the modern era been heard most often in Australia. In Agatha Christie's…
"jewel"
Bijou is a name that lives up to its definition -- a real jewel. Warning: not unheard of on poodles' dog collars. Actress Bijou Phillips is its best known bearer. It can also be spelled Bijoux.
Norse mythological name
"lock"
While god of mischief Loki is usually depicted as a male -- sometimes in animal form -- he gives birth as a mare to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir and also appears in some stories as an elderly…
Hebrew
"gold"
Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.
Greek
"demi-god"
Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero in Greek myth was a woman. Myleene Klass got that when she chose Hero for her daughter, and Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson used it as their…
Word name or variation of Armie, English from French
"military land force; soldier"
A patriotic spin on Armie, with roughly the same meaning whether you consider it a variation or a totally separate word name.
Word and occupational name
"writer"
An occupation name with a preppy, scholarly air, Author could fit in alongside Arthur and August or Chosen and Booker, in terms of sound and style. Author saw more usage that you might think in the…
Australian animal name
These wild dogs eat babies, they do not inspire baby names.
Color name
Middle name possibility for a nature-loving family -- Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke used it for their son's middle name.
English, Irish
"bold, brave; battle"
Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.
Greek, diminutive of Athanasios
"immortal"
Thanos originated as a short form of Athanasios, a Greek name meaning "immortal." It is composed of the elements a , a negative Greek prefix, and thanatos , meaning "death." St. Athanasius, who used…
