various names

Avram is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, serving as a variation of Abraham. Meaning 'exalted father' or 'father of many,' it carries significant religious and historical weight in Jewish tradition. While Abraham is the anglicized form commonly used in English-speaking countries, Avram remains closer to the original Hebrew אַבְרָהָם (Avraham). The name appears in the Torah/Bible as God's chosen name for the patriarch originally called Abram. Popular in Jewish communities worldwide, especially in Israel and among Ashkenazi Jews, Avram also has usage in Eastern European countries. The name combines historical gravitas with a distinctive sound that feels both ancient and accessible. Its biblical significance makes it meaningful for many religious families.

Bram has an unusual measure of character and charm for a one-syllable name; it started as a hipper-than-Abe diminutive of the biblical Abraham, but is also an independent Irish and Dutch name, made famous by Irish-born Dracula creator Bram (nee Abraham) Stoker. Bram is currently Number 16 in the Netherlands; Bram Howard was a character on The West Wing.

Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.

Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right at Number 78, making it a modern classic that's neither too popular nor unfamiliar.

Long before the Jennifer Era, Jennie was a fashionable pet form of several names, and was also used independently -- in 1875 it was in the Top 20. Jennie was replaced by the Jenny spelling in the 1960s, and is rarely seen today.

Josephine, with its large measure of class and character and a gently offbeat quality, has been on a gentle uphill climb in the US for over 30 years, now ranking in the Top 100. With an intriguing number of vivacious nicknames, from Jo to Josie to Fifi to Posy, Josephine is a Nameberry favorite.

Lucas is a Top 10 boys' name with a slightly-less-popular almost-identical twin brother, Luke. Like Elijah and Elias, Lucas and Luke come from the same root and have the same meaning and so feel even more popular than they are.

A wearable update to the New Testament classic.