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LizaDevlynWright
By LizaDevlynWright
Updated Mon May 08 2023
My fave names!
  1. Aerin

    • Origin:

      Tolkien Middle Earth invention, or variation of Erin

    • Description:

      In Tolkien's world, the derivation of this airy name is Elvish. Regular folks might consider it an artsier form of Erin, borne by cosmetics heiress and socialite Aerin Lauder.
  2. Aleph

    • Origin:

      First letter of the Hebrew alphabet and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "chief, number one"

    • Description:

      Aleph came into the spotlight when chosen by Israel-born Natalie Portman for her son. Alef is a more common spelling of these related Hebrew baby names.
  3. Althea

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "with healing power"

    • Description:

      Althea is a poetic, almost ethereal name found in Greek myth and pastoral poetry, associated in modern times with the great tennis player Althea Gibson, the first African-American to win at Wimbledon.
  4. Anastazia

    • Description:

      Anastazia is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Anastasia, which derives from Greek origins meaning "resurrection" or "rebirth." The name has deep historical roots, associated with Christian martyrs and Russian royalty, particularly Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Russian Tsar. This spelling variation with 'z' instead of 's' gives the classic name a contemporary twist while maintaining its elegant, regal associations. While less common than the standard Anastasia, Anastazia offers the same rich cultural heritage with a slightly more distinctive appearance. The name carries a timeless quality that spans cultures, from Eastern European to Mediterranean, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal.

  5. Astra

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "stars"

    • Description:

      A starry-eyed, intergalactic name, far rarer than Stella or Esther. It's attached both to a comic book character and to Princess Astra on "Doctor Who".
  6. Auden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "old friend"

    • Description:

      A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
  7. Azalea

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "azalea, a flower"

    • Description:

      Azalea is one of the fresher flower names, along with Zinnia and Lilac, that are new to the name bouquet — in fact, it entered the Social Security list for the first time in 2012. So if Lily and Rose are too tame for you, consider this brilliant pink springtime blossom with a touch of the unusual that has been growing in popularity.
  8. Beatrix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness; blessed"

    • Description:

      Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
  9. Calixta

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"

    • Description:

      Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.
  10. Caoimhe

    • Origin:

      Irish, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Caoimhe, pronounced (more properly) kwee-va or kee-va, is a pretty and distinctive Gaelic name but one that could well lead to no end of confusion outside the Irish community. Even in its native habitat, it is sometimes spelled Keeva.
  11. Ciara

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little dark one"

    • Description:

      Ciara is very popular in Ireland, more familiar here as the Anglicized Kiera or Keira. The uninitiated will tend to pronounce Ciara as the Italian Chiara, a form of Claire—kee-AHR-a or even see-AHR-a, like the American singer-songwriter Ciara. In the US, Ciara peaked in 2005, when it was the Number 150 name; it's since fallen down to Number 882.
  12. Dante

    • Origin:

      Latin diminutive of Durant

    • Meaning:

      "enduring"

    • Description:

      Though closely associated with the great medieval Florentine poet Dante Alighieri -- who's so famous most people skip the last name -- it's not as much of a one-man name as you might think. Heck, it's not even a one-poet name, thanks to British pre-Rapahaelite Dante Gabriel Rosetti. Though especially well used in the Italian-American community, it would make a striking name for any little boy.
  13. Dream

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.
  14. Ezra

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "help"

    • Description:

      Ezra has a lot going for it: the strength of its heroic Biblical legacy, its quirky sound, and its fresh but familiar feel. Ezra is now at its highest point ever, but its intuitive streamlined spelling and deep roots could make it a worth successor to Elijah in the Top 10 -- or even to Liam or Noah at Number 1.
  15. Flavia

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "golden, blond"

    • Description:

      An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
  16. Ilse

    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Ilsa

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
  17. January

    • Origin:

      English month name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "doorway"

    • Description:

      Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.
  18. Jessamine

    • Origin:

      English from Persian

    • Meaning:

      "jasmine"

    • Description:

      Jessamine, a charming name occasionally heard in England, is just beginning to be appreciated in the U.S. as a possible successor to all the Jess names of the past. It's also spelled Jessamyn, as in Quaker novelist Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion--who started life with Jessamyn as her middle name.
  19. Lizette

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
  20. Llewellyn

    • Origin:

      Welsh, variation of Llywelyn

    • Meaning:

      "leader's image"

    • Description:

      Llewellyn/Llywelyn is a common patriotic first name in Wales, with its distinctive Welsh double LL's; in the U.S. Llewellyn would make a daring choice, though with the chance that some might find the ellen sound slightly feminine.