Names of horses

Saskia

Dutch

"Saxon"

From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming…

Savanna

Variation of Savannah

Savanna has lost ground in recent years. It remains eclipsed by its more traditionally spelled cousin Savannah.

Spark

English word name

"glowing particle"

A nonbinary word name that could work perfectly in the middle, especially for a child born under a fire sign.

Sparrow

Nature name

"sparrow, a bird"

With related choices such as Lark and Phoenix gaining popularity, why not Sparrow? Though it's usually thought of as a female name, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden chose it for their son.

Sylva

Czech form of Silvia

"from the woods"

Sleek and sharp Sylva is the Czech variation of Silvia. It could equally double up as a word-adjacent name in English, thanks to its similarity to the metal Silver.

Symphony

Word name

Name that makes a dramatic musical statement.

Tanya

Russian diminutive of Tatiana

Long integrated into the U. S. name pool but still retaining some Slavic flavor, Tanya feels a bit tired; it's ready for replacement by cooler Russian choices like Sasha, Mischa, or parent name…

Tina

Diminutive of Christina et al

Tina, despite its petite and tinkly image, is apt these days to be replaced by the more elegant originals, Christina and Martina.It does have some strong namesakes, though, in Tina Turner (born Anna…

Twyla

English

"woven with a double thread; twilight; star"

Mystical and intriguing, this vintage name has an unexpectedly modern feel. Conjuring up imagery of glowing evening light, Twyla could appeal as as alternative to Lila, as a nature-inspired option,…

Varda

Hebrew

"rose, pink"

Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.

Venus

Latin

"love, desire"

The name of a heavenly planet and the Roman goddess of beauty and love was an intimidating no-no until tennis champ Venus Williams put an athletic, modern spin on it. Associated with the Greek…

Zephira

Zephira is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'Zephyr' or 'Zephyrus,' the Greek god of the west wind. The name literally means 'west wind' or 'gentle breeze,' evoking images of softness…