Potential Character Surnames
- Suvi
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"summer"Description:
To the non-Scandinavian ear, a cute and unusual nickname name, used by Finnish supermodel Suvi Koponen. It has a zippy, yet sunny feel to it, and could make an interesting alternative to Susie.
- Iyra
Origin:
Arabic, Urdu or SanskritMeaning:
"respectable, awe-inspiring; or a name for the goddess Saraswati"Description:
Variant of Ayra
- Garrison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Garret"Description:
As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.
- Larkspur
Origin:
English botanical nameDescription:
A rarer-than-rare botanical name with a sting in the tail - makes an interesting masculine option that fits in with Aspen, Lark and Arthur.
- Ivalo
Origin:
GreenlandicMeaning:
"thread, sinew"Description:
This is a Greenlandic girls' name made royal when Prince Frederik and Princess Mary - now King and Queen - named their twin daughter Josephine Sophia Ivalo Mathilda.
- Kain
Description:
Kain is a masculine name that represents an alternative spelling of Cain, one of the most ancient names in Judeo-Christian tradition. In biblical accounts, Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve who famously killed his brother Abel. Despite these challenging associations, the name has persisted throughout history and across cultures. The spelling variant Kain offers a slight modernization that some parents prefer. The name derives from Hebrew origins, possibly meaning "acquired" or "possession." Beyond biblical connections, Kain has appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature, gaming, and music, giving it a multifaceted character. While never extremely common, the name has maintained a steady presence, appealing to parents seeking a short, strong-sounding name with historical depth and a touch of complexity.
- Kollyns
Origin:
Spelling variation of Collins, surname derived from Nicholas or ColinMeaning:
"people of victory or pup"Description:
Collins is a surname name that has made the girls' Top 300 thanks to its use for the daughter of the real-life Blind Side heroine. This derivation of the Greek Nicholas—which means "people of victory"—or the Irish and Scottish Colin—which may itself be a Nicholas derivation or an Anglicization of the word for pup—has a stylish feel made more so by that final s.
- Arman
Origin:
Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, TurkishMeaning:
"soldier; land of Armenia; wish, hope, purpose"Description:
One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.
- Decker
Origin:
German occupational nameMeaning:
"roofer"Description:
Brawny name chosen for his son by rocker Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.
- Iridian
Description:
Iridian is a feminine name inspired by 'iridescence,' referring to colors that appear to change when viewed from different angles, like those seen in opals, soap bubbles, or butterfly wings. This modern nature-inspired name evokes qualities of beauty, uniqueness, and transformation. Derived from Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iridian carries associations with colorful natural phenomena and celestial brilliance. While relatively uncommon, it has gained modest popularity among parents seeking distinctive names with positive meanings and natural connections. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining melodic elegance with its flowing syllables. Iridian appeals particularly to families drawn to uncommon names with scientific or nature-based origins that still sound feminine and accessible.
- Arisbeth
Origin:
Combination of Ariel and Elizabeth, HebrewMeaning:
"lion of God and pledged to God"Description:
Arisbeth is a name that feels poetic and fantastical like Arwen or Amoret, but equally familiar and sunny, like Marisol. It is in fact a name used primarily in Mexico and by Hispanic parents in the US, who've made it one of the hottest unique names.
- Amal
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"hope, inspiration"Description:
Amal is an attractive name with a wonderful meaning that has long been used in many Middle Eastern countries, especially Lebanon (and migrant communities). It is of course getting a lot more coverage now since the fame of international human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin Clooney, who's singlehandedly made this one of the best-known Arabic names for girls.
- Tuuli
Origin:
FinnishMeaning:
"wind"Description:
A sweet and intuitive Finnish word name. The double U's up the quirkiness, for English speakers at least. Also used in Estonia, notable bearers include actress Tuuli Narkle, cartoonist Tuuli Hypén, singer Tuuli Rand, and footballer Tuuli Tasa.
- Rylynn
Origin:
Irish, EnglishMeaning:
"rye clearing; rye land"Description:
Rylynn blends a number of modern trends: love for name Riley, the addition of the -lyn suffix, replacement of a vowel with a Y, a nature-connected meaning, and a slightly unisex, surname-inspired feel. The name peaked in 2019 when 209 girls were given the name, though recent years have seen if decline.
- Gibson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"Gilbert's son"Description:
An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.
- Mossie
Description:
Mossie is a feminine name with Irish origins, traditionally used as a nickname for Maurice (for males) or Maureen (for females). In Irish contexts, it's pronounced more like 'MOH-shee' and has been used as an independent given name for generations, particularly in rural communities. The name has a gentle, vintage quality reminiscent of simpler times. Outside Ireland, Mossie might evoke associations with moss—the soft green plant—lending nature-inspired overtones. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries today, it retains usage within Irish families honoring heritage. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and diminutive ending, making it feel simultaneously quaint and affectionate. Mossie represents a connection to Irish naming traditions while maintaining a distinctive character.
- Night
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
An ubercool and mysterious name, brought to you by director M. Night Shyamalan.
- Keon
Origin:
Modern invented name; Gaelic, variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Keon, a mashup of Kevin and Leon, has been in the Top 900 for a decade and a half, following in the wake of female cousin Kiana. Keon also has roots as a Gaelic variation of John.
- Amaro
Origin:
Portuguese, Spanish, GalicianMeaning:
"noble fame, or bitter"Description:
A saint who is especially popular in Galicia and Asturias in Spain, who is said to have sailed across the Atlantic to paradise. His name may derive from Germanic Adelmar, possibly influenced by Latin amarus "bitter".
- Calahan
Description:
Calahan is a masculine name of Irish origin, representing a variant spelling of Callahan or Callaghan. It derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallacháin,' meaning 'descendant of Ceallachán,' a personal name stemming from 'ceallach,' meaning 'strife' or 'contention.' The surname Callahan was transformed into a given name following the common pattern of Irish surnames becoming first names in American naming traditions. Calahan offers a strong, distinctly Irish identity while its alternative spelling gives it a contemporary touch. While less common than Callahan, this variant maintains the same robust, traditional feel with its three-syllable rhythm. The name evokes images of Irish heritage and carries a certain dignified strength.