names a-z
- Freya
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"a noble woman"Description:
Freya has long been popular in the U.K. but has only taken off in the US in the last decade, along with the entire category of mythological names. Derived from the Old Norse name Freyja, meaning "Lady, noble woman", Freya is the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
- Ivo
Origin:
Germanic, SlavicMeaning:
"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"Description:
Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o. It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of countries, ranging from the Netherlands to Brazil, from Portugal to Czechia.
- Bruno
Origin:
GermanicMeaning:
"brown"Description:
Tough-yet-cuddly Bruno is an international name even in its origins: it derives from the Germanic word for "brown" plus a Latin ending, and was borrowed as a color word in many European languages.
- Salem
Origin:
Biblical place-name or ArabicMeaning:
"safe"Description:
Salem is a biblical place-name in Canaan, believed to be the same as Jerusalem. Americans may be more familiar with Salem as the name of the Massachusetts town famous for its witch trials in the late 1600s. It's also a popular Arabic name widely-used for both genders.
- Elisha
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my salvation"Description:
Creative name whose only limitation is that it looks like it would be pronounced akin to Alicia and Elissa — although as a Biblical boys’ name, it is traditionally pronounced ee-LIE-shah.
- Melisande
Origin:
French form of Millicent, GermanMeaning:
"strong in work"Description:
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.
- Dagny
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"new day"Description:
If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, this would make a stronger and more appealing import than Dagmar. With its meaning of "new day," it could make an ideal choice for a girl born around New Year's.
- Beatriz
Origin:
Spanish and Portuguese variation of BeatriceMeaning:
"she who brings happiness; blessed"Description:
Attractive translation of Beatrice, popular with Hispanic parents. Beatriz is currently a Top 10 girl name in Portugal.
- Galilea
Origin:
Feminine variation of Galileo, after "Galilee"Meaning:
"Galilee"Description:
Like the masculine form Galileo, Galilea is a variant of Galilee, a region in Northern Israel of great Biblical significance. Given the current popularity of soft Italian girls’ names, this name’s long historical roots, its beautiful sound and the potential for cute nicknames (Leia, Lil, Ally, etc) it’s no surprise that this name has been on the rise in recent years.
- Nishan
Origin:
ArmenianMeaning:
"cross, sign, mark"Description:
A gentle name well used in Armenian families, unfamiliar here.
- Amery
Description:
Amery is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from ancient elements meaning "work ruler" or "industrious leader." It shares origins with the more common Emery and Emory, all evolving from the Germanic name Emmerich. Historically, the name traveled to England with the Norman conquest and has maintained a quiet presence in English-speaking countries ever since. Amery has an aristocratic quality, possibly due to its association with medieval nobility and the English placename Amery, which itself derives from personal names. While never extremely popular, Amery sees occasional use as a distinctive alternative to more common names. Its soft beginning and two-syllable rhythm give it a gentle yet masculine quality that balances tradition with accessibility. The name carries connotations of diligence and leadership through its etymological roots.
- Jacopo
Origin:
Italian variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
One of Jacob’s perkier variations.
- Gauguin
Origin:
French surnameDescription:
We've heard artists' surnames MONET and MANET used as first names, and so, even though it's a bit of a stretch, the family name of the great post-Impressionist painter Paul Gauguin (go-GAN) could be a possibility.
- Romola
Origin:
Latin, Italian variation of Romulus, one of he founders of RomeDescription:
Romola is a literary name most notably used by George Eliot for her eponymous 1862 novel set in fifteenth-century Florence. It just may appeal to the parent looking for a name that embodies the ideal blend of the feminine, unusual, and strong. A current bearer is British actress Romola Garai.
- Elektra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"shining, bright"Description:
This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.
- Thaleia
Description:
Thaleia is a feminine name with ancient Greek origins. It stems from the Greek word "thallein" meaning "to bloom" or "to flourish." In Greek mythology, Thaleia was one of the nine Muses, specifically the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry, as well as one of the three Graces. The name embodies qualities of joy, festivity, and artistic inspiration. While not commonly used in modern times, Thaleia maintains appeal for parents seeking a name with classical roots and profound cultural significance. Its melodic sound and rich mythological associations make it an elegant choice for those drawn to names with historical depth and poetic qualities.
- Fenno
Origin:
A Finnish tribe and languageDescription:
If you've heard this name, it's probably from the hero of the acclaimed Julia Glass novel, Three Junes, or else the political scientist Richard Fenno. As well as a Finnish name, it's alos a Frisian diminutive from names in the Frederick family, making it is a cousin of Freddie, Fritz and Fedde. This name is so rare it's never appeared on the charts, but with its energetic O ending it might appeal if you're looking for an alternative to names like Otto and Arlo.
- Hansine
Origin:
German feminization of HansMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Rare feminine form of Hans — a John derivative — occasionally heard in Germany and other German-speaking countries.
- Shyloh
Description:
Shyloh is a modern masculine variation of the biblical name Shiloh, which refers to an ancient city in Israel mentioned in the Old Testament. The name has Hebrew origins and is thought to mean 'peaceful one' or 'he who is to be sent'. While the traditional spelling Shiloh has gained popularity in recent decades, the variant Shyloh offers a unique spelling with the same melodic sound. The name gained increased attention after celebrities began using Shiloh for their children. Shyloh carries spiritual significance while maintaining a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking names with both meaning and a distinctive quality. Its use crosses cultural boundaries while remaining relatively uncommon.
- Chima
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"God knows"Description:
Common in Nigeria, Chima is used as both a full name and a nickname for names beginning with Chima-.