For a girl with Egyptian, Indian & Welsh heritage - my shortlist
- Darya
Origin:
Russian or Persian, variation of Daria or feminine form of DariusMeaning:
"kingly; possessing goodness; the sea"Description:
The beguiling Darya is the name of a character in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. As a Russian name, it's a spelling variation of Daria, while in Iran, it's a girl's name that means "the sea".
- Zayna
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beauty, grace"Description:
Zayna is a simplified spelling of Zaynab, the name of the eldest daughter of Muhammad, and also the feminine version of Zayn. Zaina is a widely-used spelling variation. Zainabu is another form of the name, also found in Swahili.
- Roxana
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"dawn; or, little star"Description:
The name of the wife of Alexander the Great, more attractive than the better-known Roxanne. Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe's novel Roxana, published in 1724. An underused and attractive possibility and perfect if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings.
- Kiana
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps thanks to its resemblance to the popular Keanu.
- Angel
Origin:
Spanish and EnglishMeaning:
"angel, messenger"Description:
Angel is one of those names that has a very different trajectory for girls and boys. As a female name, it was most popular in the US from the 1970s until the turn of this century, almost breaking into the Top 100 at its peak in 2001 but then beginning a long slide down the list.
- Sunshine
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Sunshine was seen as a quintessential hippie name of the 70s, reaching as high as Number 536 in 1975. Now such names are making a bit of a retro comeback, seen, for example, as a character on Glee.
- Lotus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lotus flower"Description:
A flower name containing both beauty and power, Lotus has significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism, symbolizing purity, grace and spiritual growth — not to mention a familiar yoga position.
- Ocean
Origin:
English, nature nameDescription:
Ocean is a nature name that comes right out and states its meaning and association. Full of power and depth, Ocean is one of the fastest-rising baby names for both girls and boys, making the US Top 1000 for both genders in 2021. Oceane, the version that's trendy in France, was used for only 11 baby girls in the US in the same year. Ocean-lovers who want to be less obvious can choose such subtler names that mean ocean as Jennifer or Marissa, but coming right out and using Ocean is a perfectly valid way to go.
- Anjali
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"gift"Description:
This Indian name meaning gift or offering feels familiar via sound-alikes Angela or Angelina, and made a brief appearance on the U.S. Top 1000. Anjali is a pretty route to a name that's at once easy to understand and uncommon.
- Nuri
Origin:
Short form of Nuria or HebrewMeaning:
"my fire"Description:
Nuri might be a nickname for the place name Nuria, popular in Spain and Portugal as a honorific for the Virgin Mary. Nuri is also a usually-masculine name heard in the Middle East, but to the Western ear it might work for girls or boys.
- Jaya
Origin:
Hindi-SanskritMeaning:
"victory"Description:
This name of a Buddhist goddess, a possible alternative to the trendy Maya, was chosen for their daughter by Laura Dern and Ben Harper. Jaya is simple yet unusual, a winning combination, and one of the out-of-the-box goddess names as well as one of the most easily translated Hindi names for girls.
- Habiba
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"beloved, sweetheart"Description:
A name whose sweet sound matches with its meaning, Habiba is popular in Somalia and North Africa. It comes from the Arabic habib meaning "dear, beloved", making it a bright and endearing choice.
- Pascale
Origin:
French from HebrewMeaning:
"Passover"Description:
Sophisticated, stylish feminine form of Pascal especially appropriate for girls born around Easter or Passover.
- Shakti
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"power"Description:
Shakti is the female equivalent of the god Shiva in Hinduism. A sacred name sometimes used in a secular way.
- Shanti
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"peace"Description:
This Hindi word which is used in prayer is one of the prime names that mean peace, always a nice message to impart to a child. Nick Nolte used it for his daughter.
- Silver
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
" a metallic chemical element with atomic number 47"Description:
Among the first wave of word names used in the hippie era, it actually is a legitimate girl's name with a lot of luster.
- Fairuza
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"turquoise"Description:
Instead of the more obvious Aqua, Turquoise, or Blue, consider this offbeat Arabic name, brought into the American name pool by actress Fairuza Balk (named by her father for the color of her eyes). Since turquoise is the birthstone for December, Fairuza is one of the perfect names for December babies.
- Nura
Description:
Nura is a beautiful feminine name with multicultural roots. In Arabic, it means 'light' or 'illumination,' symbolizing brightness and guidance. The name also appears in Aboriginal Australian languages, where it can mean 'place' or 'country.' In Hebrew contexts, it's related to the word for 'fire.' Nura has gained popularity in diverse communities worldwide for its melodic sound and positive connotations. It's particularly cherished in Muslim families but crosses cultural boundaries with ease. The name's brevity and flowing pronunciation make it both distinctive and accessible. Nura conveys qualities of radiance, warmth, and spiritual illumination, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name that embodies enlightenment and beauty.
- Farida
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"unique, precious pearl"Description:
Farida is a Muslim name more distinctive than the Americanized Farah/Farrah.
- Freedom
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"the quality or state of being free"Description:
Name that makes a strong philosophical statement -- but might ironically be a lot for a child to carry.