Elvish names
- Tauriel
Origin:
Fictional nameMeaning:
"daughter of the forest"Description:
Tauriel is the name of an elf in the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, played by Evangeline Lilly. She is the head of the Mirkwood Elven guard, and a companion of Legolas. Her name was created from the Sindarin elements taur "forest" and riel "maiden’.
- Miriel
Origin:
English, Irish, Scottish, Icelandic, LiteratureMeaning:
"bright sea or jewel-garlanded maiden"Description:
Miriel is an English and Icelandic variant of Muriel, which in turn derives from Irish Muirgel or Scottish Muireall.
- Ylva
Origin:
Feminine variation of Ulf, ScandinavianMeaning:
"wolf"Description:
Ylva may look like it belongs with the Eva family of names, but it actually derives from Ulf, a name meaning "wolf." It's not a very intuitive name to English-speakers, and likely won't get picked up in the US anytime soon. At last count, it was only given to five American baby girls.
- Ilma
Origin:
Finnish, Hungarian, Spanish, or literary QuenyaMeaning:
"air; starlight"Description:
A name that's unknown in the US and Britain but is popular as a nature name in Finland. May also be known as a Hungarian variation of Amelia and a Spanish form of Wilhelmina.
- Elvin
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"noble friend"Description:
Elvin had his peak in the 1920s — which was when jazz musician Elvin Jones was born — but parents are still using it for over 100 boys a year. That's less than Kelvin, but more than Delvin.
- Tirion
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"gentle, kind"Description:
Used for both genders in its native country, though more often for girls, Tirion is a rare Welsh name with a lovely sound and meaning.
- Galadriel
Origin:
Literary nameMeaning:
"maiden crowned with a radiant garland"Description:
The name of the wise and beautiful elfin princess in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novels, best known through Cate Blanchett's immortal representation in the film series. This ethereal name has a gorgeous meaning and a lot of weight.
- Albion
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"white, bright"Description:
Albion is an ancient, poetic, and literary name for Great Britain. As a name, Albion is a variation of Albus -- and Dumbledore fans might find it a congenial update. Attractive short forms include Al and Albie.
- Calen
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
A recently created member of the Cale family, with a trendy unisex aura.
- Vanja
Origin:
Scandinavian, feminine variation of VanyaDescription:
Russian Uncle Vanya becomes niece Vanja in Sweden: an intriguing switch.
- Vana
Description:
Vana is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Sanskrit, it means 'forest' or 'woodland,' connecting the bearer to nature. In Persian, it relates to 'fair' or 'beautiful.' The name also appears in Greek mythology as a minor goddess. Vana possesses a melodic quality with its flowing vowel sounds, giving it a gentle yet distinctive character. The name's brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages and cultures. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Vana enjoys some popularity in parts of Eastern Europe and India. Its international versatility and natural associations make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet meaningful name with cross-cultural potential.
- Alf
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"elf counsel"Description:
Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.
- Lyda
Description:
Lyda is a concise feminine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from the region of Lydia in Asia Minor. It can also be a shortened form of names like Lydia or Elyda. With its simple two-syllable structure ending in a soft 'a' sound, Lyda has a timeless, classical quality while feeling less common than its root name Lydia. The name carries historical connections to the Lydian civilization known for its musical innovations and early coinage systems. Lyda has maintained quiet popularity throughout the years, never becoming trendy but providing an elegant option for parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible despite its relative rarity.
- Vanya
Origin:
Diminutive of Ivana, Russian, Bulgarian, IndianMeaning:
"God is gracious; deity of the forest and the wild"Description:
Used as both a diminutive for Ivana, and as a given name in Bulgaria, Vanya has a cool sharp sound that could work internationally. It has been used from a character in the TV show and comic book The Umbrella Academy and is borne by singer and writer Vanya Shtereva and poet Vanya Petkova.
- Arda
Origin:
Turkish, Hebrew, or EnglishMeaning:
"scepter, bronze, or forest"Description:
Arda is a simple gender-neutral name with several possible origins and meanings. As a Turkish name, it's usually used for males and means scepter. There is also a river in Turkey called the Arda. The Hebrew name Arda means bronze. And Arda may also be a variation of the English Arden, the name of a magical Shakespearean forest.
- Aman
Description:
Aman is a multicultural masculine name with origins spanning several traditions. In Sanskrit, it means 'peace' or 'tranquility,' while in Arabic it can mean 'security' or 'safety.' The name also appears in Punjabi, Persian, and other cultural traditions, each with similar positive connotations. This cross-cultural versatility has made Aman increasingly popular in diverse communities around the world. Its simple pronunciation, melodic sound, and universal meaning contribute to its appeal. The name carries a gentle strength and projects qualities of harmony and protection that transcend cultural boundaries. Aman's growing popularity reflects the modern trend toward names with positive meanings that work well in multicultural contexts.
- Aragorn
Origin:
Literature, SindarinMeaning:
"noble, kingly"Description:
In JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn is the heir of the Dúnedain kings of the north.
- Varda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rose, pink"Description:
Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
- Callon
Description:
Callon is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be derived from an Irish surname meaning "rock," suggesting strength and stability. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Greek name Kallon, relating to beauty or nobility. The name has a strong, dignified sound with its emphasis on the first syllable and flowing double 'l.' Callon strikes a balance between being recognizable and uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name that isn't difficult to pronounce or spell. With its short, crisp format and masculine tone, the name fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor surnames and two-syllable names with strong consonants for boys.
- Luthien
Origin:
Literature, SindarinMeaning:
"daughter of flowers"Description:
An alternative name of the elf Tinúviel in The Lord of the Rings. Lúthien is an immortal elf maiden who chooses to make herself mortal to marry the human Beren. Their love story is told to Frodo by Aragorn, and the names Beren and Lúthien appear on the grave of Tolkien and his wife Edith.