User-created list
By Zev Bordowitz · Updated May 2023
Across 7 pages
of 7
Malagasy
"wise man"
How often do you see a name from Madagascar that is so wearable in English? Kendry has a great meaning to boot and is possibly a great name for a Christmas baby. What's not to love?
Yiddish
"rose"
A diminutive of Raisa, a Yiddish name meaning "rose", Raizel is a sweet but sharp choice. Also written as Raisel, it is more likely to be used as a diminutive that appear on the birth certificate.
Irish
"proud, haughty"
Spunky Irish surname that still has a pugnacious feel from its lingering association with one of boxing's greatest champs, Jack Dempsey. Many people may associate it more with Patrick Dempsey these…
English, diminutive of James
"supplanter"
Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
Spelling variation of Cory or Corey
Corey was always the most popular form of this Irish name, with Cory (as in New Jersey Senator Booker) in second place and Kory riding caboose. Kory et al were in the first wave of unisex names that…
Arabic
"loved one"
A North African choice, particularly popular in Tunisia and Syria.
Arabic, Swahili, Indonesian, Persian
"jewel"
Johari is derived from the Arabic word jawhar , which evolved from the Persian word gouhar , both referring to gemstones. With its glitzy meaning and on-trend sounds, Johari has been quietly on the…
Chinese or Vietnamese
"peace or safe, secure"
An is a gender-neutral Chinese name, originally a surname, that can be used for girls or boys and means peace or quiet. It is also a Vietnamese name meaning safe and secure. In the English-speaking…
"light"
Indian, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Sikh
"powerful"
An Indian boy's name with a powerful meaning.
Spelling variation of Linda
"pretty"
When President LBJ's daughter Linda Bird changed the spelling of her name to Lynda, she set a trend for spelling adventurism that's still rippling through the name world today.
Cing is a unique feminine name with roots in Burmese culture, particularly among the Chin ethnic group of Myanmar. The name is typically pronounced as 'sing' and may carry cultural significance…
Crewe is a masculine name derived from the Old Welsh 'criu' meaning 'ford' or 'crossing.' It originated as a place name in Cheshire, England, where the town of Crewe developed around an important…
Thai, Yiddish, Romanian, Arabic "brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
"brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
This pretty multicultural name makes a pleasant update to Sarah.
Chi is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Chinese, Chi (气/氣) represents life force or energy that flows through all things. In Vietnamese, it can mean 'branch' or serve as a…
English
"a small salamander"
Rarely used on its own and irrevocably tied to former House Speaker Gingrich -- who was christened Newton.
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
"eagle-tree"
Arvid, a Scandinavian name that's virtually unknown in the US, is one of the top baby names in Sweden . It might make a handsome, unusual choice for a parent in search of an original yet traditional…
Word name; surname from Ó Comhraidhe
Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
English, word name
"hymns and sacred songs"
The Book of Psalms is an important and lyrical piece of Christian and Jewish scripture. While Psalm (singular) is now a gold-leafed celebrity baby name, Psalms still feels spiritual and…
Hungarian, from German
"strength"
Commonly heard in its native country, and might get a boost here too, now that Alanis Morrissette has used it for her son Ever's middle name.
