Word Names 2

A list of all words that I think could be names. Some will be known, a lot won't.
  1. Abacus
    • Origin:

      Greek word name
    • Description:

      A mathematical possibility, but the odds are against it.
  2. Aalto
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "wave"
    • Description:

      The last name of Finnish moderne designer/architect makes an original, creative choice with an unexpected water-related meaning.
  3. Earnest
    • Description:

      Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.

  4. Ardent
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "burning; enthusiastic, passionate"
  5. Alvar
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "elf warrior"
    • Description:

      This name woould be hard to picture in a contemporary kindergarten, though it does have some cultural cred via Finnish architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto. Aalto would actually make a more interesting choice.
  6. Radiant
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "shining or glowing brightly"
    • Description:

      A big name to bestow upon a baby, but in line with word names that are becoming increasingly fashionable, such as Legend and Royal.
  7. Splendid
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "magnificent"
    • Description:

      As unique word names pop up more and more in the media by way of celebrity babies, the door is opened for all sorts of adjectives as names. Splendid would make for an unexpected and unusual virtue name for either a boy or a girl.
  8. Keen
    • Origin:

      English, Irish
    • Meaning:

      "bold, brave; battle"
    • Description:

      Actor Mark Ruffalo honed this surname down to its basics when he chose it for his son. A more usable expansion might be the Irish surname Keenan/Keenen.
  9. Glorious
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "having, worthy of, or bringing fame or admiration"
    • Description:

      Despite fitting in with the modern word name trend, Glorious has been in use since 1925, when it first appeared on the charts for girls. At peak usage, it was given to 15 baby girls in 1948, although we expect this could rise now that model Jessica Hart used it for her son.
  10. Flame
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      There are many fire-related names, from Aidan to Fiammetta, but the Flame isn't one that's often found on birth certificates. It's a highly symbolic word: flames can represent faith, passion and cleansing, for example, as well as straightforward heat and light.
  11. Radiant
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "shining or glowing brightly"
    • Description:

      A big name to bestow upon a baby, but in line with word names that are becoming increasingly fashionable, such as Legend, Miracle, and Royal.
  12. Jovial
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, jolly"
  13. Aba
    • Description:

      Aba is a concise masculine name with rich multicultural origins. In Ghana, particularly among the Akan people, Aba is traditionally a male name given to a boy born on Thursday, following their day-naming tradition. However, in other African cultures, it may be used as a female name. Aba also appears in Hebrew, where it relates to 'father' or 'daddy,' connecting to the Aramaic word 'abba.' In Nigerian Igbo culture, similar names carry meanings related to wealth or greatness. The name's brevity gives it strength and memorability, while its cross-cultural presence provides versatility. Though uncommon in Western countries, Aba's simplicity makes it easily pronounced and spelled across languages. The name carries a sense of cultural heritage and ancestral connection, making it meaningful for families seeking to honor African or Middle Eastern roots.
  14. Vivid
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright, bold"
  15. Flame
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Beware: Flame is the kind of name used by women named Fran when engaging in endeavors they'd just as soon their parents weren't aware of.
  16. Jovial
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, jolly"
    • Description:

      A new way to get to the fashionable nickname Jovie.
  17. Radiance
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "glow"
    • Description:

      Beaming, lustrous word name that comes with the nickname Rae.
  18. Ardent
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "burning; enthusiastic, passionate"
  19. Vivid
    • Origin:

      English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bright, bold"
  20. Brilliance
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "brightness of light; exceptional intelligence"
    • Description:

      With its word name style and two equally lovely meanings, Brilliance could be one to watch.

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