Toni Morrison, the modern master of literary names, made this one famous as the title character of a novel. But things didn't work out so well for that Beloved.

Promise is one of those word names with an uplifting meaning that is making inroads as a girls' name, like sisters Dream and Serenity. How promising is Promise as a first name? Our try at cleverness illustrates perhaps the biggest problem with naming your baby girl Promise: It will be difficult for people to resist making bad puns on the name. We promise (argh) you'll be tired of hearing them well before your baby Promise's first birthday.

Yoland is a feminine name that appears as a shortened form of Yolanda, which has medieval origins. Derived from the French name Yolande, it ultimately comes from the Germanic elements meaning "violet flower" or possibly "ruler of the homeland." This concise variation maintains the elegant essence of Yolanda while offering a more streamlined, modern feel. Though uncommon, Yoland has an international appeal, recognized across various European cultures. The name carries a certain strength and dignity, with its crisp ending providing a contemporary edge. While much rarer than the full form Yolanda, Yoland might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet historically grounded name that works well across language boundaries.