Best names WITH a V -

Gray-bearded name heard primarily in Sweden and Germany.

Silvanus was the Roman god of the forests and is also an alternate name in the New Testament for Silas. Relatives include Silvio, Silvius, and Sylvia.

Avra is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Hebrew, it relates to Abraham, meaning "father of many," while in Greek it can mean "breeze" or connect to the word "avrio" meaning "tomorrow." This cross-cultural name carries a sense of freshness and possibility with its airy sound and positive associations. Relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Avra offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Ava or Eva while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Avra projects gentle strength and optimism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and accessible.

Neven is a masculine name with multicultural origins, particularly prominent in Slavic and Celtic naming traditions. In Slavic contexts, particularly Croatian, it derives from the word for 'marigold,' symbolizing the vibrant orange flower. In Celtic usage, it may relate to the Irish 'Naomhán,' meaning 'little saint' or 'holy person.' The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. With a straightforward pronunciation and spelling, Neven offers international appeal while remaining distinctive in English-speaking countries. Though relatively uncommon in the United States, it has steady usage throughout Eastern Europe. The name balances masculine strength with subtle nature connections, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both meaningful and uncommon. Neven's cross-cultural background makes it adaptable across different cultural contexts while maintaining its distinctive character.

Highly unusual name of a small, tranquil island in the Caribbean; chosen for her daughter by singer Nelly Furtado.

Gwenevieve represents a creative variation of Genevieve, incorporating elements of the Welsh name Gwen (meaning "white, fair, blessed") with the classic French name Genevieve (derived from the Germanic name Genovefa, combining elements meaning "tribe, clan" and "woman"). This hybrid spelling creates a unique name that evokes both Celtic and French traditions. While less common than the traditional Genevieve, Gwenevieve offers a distinctive alternative with similar melodic qualities and feminine appeal. The name carries associations with medieval romance and legend, particularly through its similarity to Guinevere of Arthurian tales. For parents drawn to names with European heritage and a lyrical quality, Gwenevieve provides an uncommon option that remains accessible in pronunciation and recognizable in its roots.

A rarely used Slavic name until the Czech-born ex-Mrs. Trump took it over the top. Daughter's name Ivanka adds a dollop of charm.

A common epithet of Christ, frequently heard in the Hispanic community, Salvador could also be a great choice for artistic parents, given the continuing popularity of Dada and Surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. (If Monet and Raphael get a look in, why not Salvador?)

Feels more modern than the Y version but also less authentic.

Torvald, not to be confused with Torvill of skating fame, is a Norse name which might be of interest to parents looking for Thor-related options. Torvald is most familiar in the English-speaking world as the infuriatingly sexist husband of Nora in Ibsen's play A Doll's House, which may account for its low usage. However, Linus Torvalds, inventor of Linux , might put the name into a more positive light, especially in Silicon Valley.

The French Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne put the spotlight on this name when she made the charts with "Sk8er Boi". It is simply the French form of April, the fourth month of the year, whose name might derive from the Latin aperire meaning "to open" in reference to the start of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Other sources suggest it comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Alvino is a masculine name with Italian and Spanish roots, derived from the Latin 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright.' It's a variation of Alvin, with the Italian/Spanish suffix giving it a more melodic quality. Alvino carries connotations of clarity, purity, and brightness. While relatively uncommon in the United States, the name has maintained steady usage in Hispanic and Italian communities. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Alvino Rey, a pioneer of electric guitar and big band music in the 20th century. Alvino offers parents a distinctive yet accessible option with a pleasant sound and positive meaning, blending classic origins with a slightly exotic feel for English speakers.

Ovid is the English form of the Roman family name Ovidius, which possibly comes from the word for sheep. It is the usual English name for the first-century poet Publius Ovidius Naso.

Zinovia and Zenobia might be thought of as mythological adjacent names, with their meaning connected to Zeus, king of the Gods. The name Zinovia was given to fewer than ten baby girls in the US last year, versus about 30 who were named Zenobia.

Arvo is a simple name virtually unknown in the US and UK that might get discovered thanks to the surprise popularity of Arlo.

A rare twist on modern favorites like Oliver and Alexander, this elaborate option is nevertheless familiar to most people as the surname of the eminent wandmaker Garrick Ollivander, from the Harry Potter books.

Gwenevere is a variant spelling of Guinevere, the name of King Arthur's queen in Arthurian legend. Derived from the Welsh name 'Gwenhwyfar,' it combines elements meaning 'white, fair, blessed' and 'smooth, soft.' This romantic name carries the weight of literary history, evoking images of medieval courts and chivalry. While the Guinevere spelling is more traditional, Gwenevere offers a phonetic alternative that maintains the name's elegant sound. Though never extremely common, the name saw modest popularity during the 1980s and has maintained a steady presence as a choice for parents drawn to names with legendary connections and feminine strength. Gwenevere balances regal history with a fairy-tale quality that continues to appeal to those seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name.

Harvest has been occasionally used as a name since the eighteenth century, originally as evenly unisex, but in the US data for last year was starting to lean more female, given to 29 girls and 11 boys. Harvest can be seen as pleasantly archaic, rich and ripe, fitting in with popular baby names like Harper and Harry, and is also a fresh take on names like Autumn and August and one of the best names for autumn babies.

Seinfeld's George threatened to name his future child Seven, and then singer Erykah Badu actually did it.

Ivanna / Ivana both come out of the name "John" by way of the Russian variant Ivan. Whereas Joanna feels dated, Ivanna feels cosmopolitan and fresh. Ivanka (of Trump fame) is a diminutive version of Ivanna.