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Rynbeth's Favorites

Rynbeth
By Rynbeth
Updated Wed Sep 14 2022
I love the names in this list, and that includes their meanings. A few may be personally thought-up by myself! While various others are plucked from literature or video games.
  1. Aalto

    • Origin:

      Finnish

    • Meaning:

      "wave"

    • Description:

      The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
  2. 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.
  3. Alys

    • Origin:

      Welsh form of Alice, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble"

    • Description:

      Popular in Wales, familiar across the UK, and ultimately derived from the Germanic Adalheidis, this isn't a creative respelling of a classic, but the Welsh variant of it.
  4. Amynta

    • Description:

      Amynta is a rare feminine name with classical Greek origins, potentially derived from the Greek word 'amyntor' meaning 'defender' or 'protector.' This uncommon name carries an ancient, poetic quality, having appeared in pastoral poetry and classical literature. Though never widely used in modern times, Amynta possesses a lyrical, rhythmic quality that appeals to parents seeking names with historical depth and unusual melodic sounds. The name has a certain mystical elegance with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. Similar to names like Araminta but with a more direct connection to Greek origins, Amynta offers a refined alternative for those drawn to classical naming traditions while remaining distinctively uncommon in contemporary usage.
  5. Audra

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble strength"

    • Description:

      Used primarily in Scotland, and represented here by singer Audra McDonald, the girls' name Audra has been overshadowed by the return of the classic Audrey. Audra may be to Audrey what Jenna is to Jennifer and Jessa is to Jessica: A variation that will rise as the original falls from favor, which may take another decade.
  6. Agriea
    • Caius

      • Origin:

        Variation of Gaius, Latin

      • Meaning:

        "rejoice"

      • Description:

        Caius is classical and serious but also has a simple, joyful quality. There was a third century pope named Caius, as well as an early Christian writer, several Shakespearean characters, and a Twilight vampire. We would pronounce the name to rhyme with eye-us though at Cambridge University in England, where it's the name of a college, it's pronounced keys.
    • Dolce

      • Origin:

        Italian

      • Meaning:

        "sweet"

      • Description:

        Dolce is the Italian word for "sweet," derived from the Latin word dulcis of the same meaning. It's a rare feminine first name in Italy, more often seen as a surname, as in that of Domenico Dolce, co-founder of fashion house Dolce & Gabbana. The luxury fashion brand has inspired a number of baby girls to be given the name since D&G's launch in 1985.
    • Dulcie

      • Origin:

        Latin, diminutive of Dulcibella

      • Meaning:

        "sweet"

      • Description:

        A sweet-meaning and sounding name dating back to the Roman Empire, and later found in the antebellum South, Dulcie has in the modern era been heard most often in Australia.
    • Dezel
      • Edel

        • Origin:

          German

        • Meaning:

          "noble"

        • Description:

          Rarely used independently, it's more often the start of a multisyllabic German mouthful.
      • Egan

        • Origin:

          Variation of Aidan, Irish

        • Meaning:

          "little fire"

        • Description:

          Egan's likeness to the word eager gives this Irish surname a ready-to-please, effervescent energy, and it would make an appropriate substitute for the overused Aidan.
      • Elethia

        • Description:

          Elethia is a feminine name of uncertain etymology, possibly related to Greek roots or a variant of Alethea, which means 'truth' in Greek. This rare and melodious name has a lyrical quality with its flowing syllables. Though uncommon in historical records, Elethia occasionally appeared in the southern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The name evokes images of elegance and grace, with its soft sounds and classical feeling. Potential nicknames include Ellie, Thea, or Lettie. Elethia remains exceptionally rare in contemporary usage, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name that sounds traditional yet is virtually unique, offering the bearer distinction without sacrificing feminine appeal.
      • Elodie

        • Origin:

          French, variation of Alodia, German

        • Meaning:

          "foreign riches"

        • Description:

          The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. This once uncommon member of the El- family is a Top 100 name in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand, while in the US, it was one of the fasted rising names of 2024 and now sits in the Top 400.
      • Emil

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "rival"

        • Description:

          Derived from the Latin word aemulus, Emil is a name with international appeal. Concise and sturdy but with the gentle Em sound, Emil is popular across Europe, from Azerbaijan to Finland, from Germany to Norway, and Denmark. Alternative spelling Emile also ranks highly in Belgium and Canada.
      • Essa

        • Description:

          Essa is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Arabic, it's a variation of Isa (the Arabic form of Jesus) and means 'God is salvation.' In Irish contexts, Essa derives from the Gaelic 'os' meaning 'deer' or possibly as a diminutive of Esther. In some South Asian cultures, particularly in Pakistan and India, Essa appears as both a feminine and masculine name. The name remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and melodic quality with soft consonants give it an appealing, gentle sound while maintaining a unique character. Essa has seen modest usage in recent decades without becoming mainstream, appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name with multicultural resonance.

      • Ewyn

        • Description:

          Ewyn is an uncommon masculine name with Celtic and Anglo-Saxon roots. It may be a variation of names like Ewen, Ewan, or Owen, which derive from the Welsh name Owain, meaning 'well-born' or 'young warrior.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Old English name Edwin, combining 'ead' (wealth, fortune) and 'wine' (friend). The distinctive spelling with a 'y' gives this classic name a contemporary twist. Ewyn remains relatively rare, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but a modern feel. Its brevity and melodic quality make it both memorable and easy to pronounce across cultures.
      • Faisal

        • Origin:

          Arabic

        • Meaning:

          "resolute"

        • Description:

          A Saudi Arabian royal name that has remained within its own culture.
      • Faye

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "fairy"

        • Description:

          Soft and simple, but no less magical, Faye is enjoying a quiet spell of popularity in the US. It broke the Top 1000 in 2014, and by 2023, was one of the fastest rising names on the charts. Faye is a perfect example of a name that fits in and stands out, recognizable and yet unexpected. It also makes a beautiful middle name option, if Mae and Rae are feeling too overdone.
      • Fiamma

        • Origin:

          Italian

        • Meaning:

          "flame"

        • Description:

          Fiery names are blazing hot right now, and this one would fit right in.