My names Orthosophy101
- Aleska
Description:
Aleska is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Aleksandra or Alexia, names deriving from the Greek Alexandros, meaning "defender of mankind." With Slavic influences evident in its spelling and sound, Aleska is primarily found in Eastern European countries like Hungary, Poland, and Russia, though it remains relatively uncommon even there. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Aleska offers an exotic alternative to more common Alexandra derivatives while preserving the strong meaning and heritage. Its appealing sound combines strength and femininity, making it increasingly attractive to parents seeking distinctive international names. Though still rare globally, it has seen occasional usage outside Eastern Europe in recent decades.
- Alexei
Origin:
Russian, GreekMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.
- Anna
Origin:
Variation of Hannah, HebrewMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
- Anya
Origin:
Russian diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anya is a Russian variation of Anna, which came from the Hebrew name Hannah. Anya is the form found most frequently in Russia, Poland, and other East European countries, while Anja is the spelling usually preferred in Germany Norway, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and The Netherlands. In the Hungarian language, Anya also means mother.
- Arthur
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
" bear"Description:
Arthur, once the shining head of the Knights of the Round Table, is, after decades of neglect, now being polished up and restored by stylish parents, inspired perhaps by the new generation of royals. Arthur has led the list of possible names for the young British princes, chosen as a middle name for Prince Louis, son of William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales.
- David
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
David is an enduring worldwide classic, used from ancient times to the present day.
- Debora
Description:
Debora is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian form of Deborah, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'bee.' In the Old Testament, Debora (Deborah) was a respected prophetess and judge who helped lead the Israelites to victory. The name carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and industriousness—qualities associated with bees. While the anglicized Deborah peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, the Debora variant maintains popularity in Latin countries and among Hispanic communities. This spelling gives the name a slightly softer, more melodic quality than its English counterpart. Debora blends biblical heritage with a touch of Mediterranean or Latin flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but distinctive international character.
- Daneliya
- Elias
Origin:
Greek variation of Elijah, HebrewMeaning:
"Yahweh is God"Description:
Strong, charismatic, and sleek, Elias has followed in the footsteps of Elijah and Eli to become a popular choice among parents today.
- Fergus
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"man of force"Description:
In Celtic lore, Fergus was the ideal of manly courage, making it a charming, slightly quirky Scottish and Irish favorite.
- Fredrika
Description:
Fredrika is a feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins, the female counterpart to Frederick. It derives from the Old German elements 'frid' meaning 'peace' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power,' essentially translating to 'peaceful ruler.' Particularly popular in Sweden, Norway, and other Nordic countries, Fredrika has historical significance and has been borne by notable women including Swedish writer Fredrika Bremer, an early feminist pioneer. The name offers several nickname possibilities, including Frida, Rika, or Freddie. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Fredrika provides a strong yet feminine option with international recognition and a rich historical background. It strikes a balance between uniqueness and traditional roots.
- Henry
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"estate ruler"Description:
Henry is well and truly back in style. The classic returned to the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and as of 2024, sits at Number 6. Like James and Theodore, Henry is a strong, traditional name that also manages to feel stylish and gentle.
- Hiram
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"brother of the exalted one"Description:
Hiram is the kind of forgotten biblical name that adventurous parents who wish to move beyond David and Daniel are beginning to reconsider--even though it has bits of its old stiff-collared image clinging to it, along with a little hillbilly feel as well.
- Irena
Origin:
Czech; Latvian; Polish; Bulgarian; Lithuanian, from GreekMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.
- Ivan
Origin:
Russian variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Though some might find it a bit heavy-booted, Ivan is one of the few Russian boys' names to become fully accepted into the American naming pool.
- Joachim
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Established by God"Description:
Joachim is an undiscovered biblical name with potential, although most modern parents would probably prefer the more lively Spanish version, Joaquin. Like many Old Testament names, it was primarily in use in the seventeenth century, and then became rare. In the Bible Joachim is a king of Judah; according to the Gospel of James, Saint Joachim was the husband of Saint Anne and the father of the Virgin Mary.
br/>Currently well-used in France, the name Joachim is known in countries and languages around the world and pronounced somewhat differently in each. While American might be most familiar with the Spanish version of the name, Joaquin via actor Joaquin Phoenix, that pronunciation wah-keen is not similar to any of the pronunciations of Joachim, which all have three syllables often with the emphasis on the second.
- Josef
Origin:
German, Scandinavian, Czech variation of Joseph, HebrewMeaning:
"Jehovah increases"Description:
The German, Scandinavian and Czech variant of Joseph, borne by several notable European artists and athletes, as well as the brutal Soviet dictator Josef (or Iosif) Stalin.
- Lidiya
Description:
Lidiya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, representing a variation of Lydia, which derives from the ancient Greek name Λυδία (Lydia), referring to a person from Lydia, a region in Asia Minor. This beautiful name carries historical significance, as Lydia appears in the New Testament as the first European convert to Christianity. The spelling 'Lidiya' is particularly common in Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and other Slavic languages, giving it a distinctive Eastern European character. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While less common in Western countries, Lidiya has maintained consistent popularity in Eastern Europe, valued for its classical roots, religious connections, and elegant simplicity.
- Ludmila
Origin:
SlavicMeaning:
"beloved of the people"Description:
This Slavic classic name might begin to make its mark with American parents, what with the growing popularity of the short form Mila. Borne by a tenth century saint who had been a princess from Bohemia, Ludmila is widely used in Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.
- Marcus
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Though ancient, Marcus now sounds more current than Mark, in tune with today's trend towards us-ending Latinate names.