Death Names

Aeesha is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Aisha or Ayesha, which has Arabic origins meaning 'alive' or 'prosperous.' The name carries significant cultural importance in Muslim communities as Aisha was the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives, who is highly respected in Islamic tradition for her wisdom and scholarship. The variant spelling with double 'e' gives the name a distinctive visual appearance while maintaining the traditional pronunciation. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Aeesha has seen occasional use as families seek to honor Islamic heritage while using slightly personalized spellings. The name conveys qualities of vitality, intelligence, and cultural richness.

Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.

Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.

Ambrogio is the Italian form of Ambrose, deriving from the Greek word 'ambrosios' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine'. In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food of the gods that conferred longevity or immortality. The name carries significant historical weight through Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century Bishop of Milan and one of the four original doctors of the Catholic Church. While Ambrogio remains in use in Italy, particularly in northern regions, it's quite rare in English-speaking countries. The name has a rich, melodious quality with its Italian pronunciation and conveys both classical sophistication and religious significance. For parents seeking an Italian name with historical depth, Ambrogio offers considerable cultural resonance.

Ambrosia combines some of the more whimsical qualities of more popular Aurora and Isabella, with a heavenly meaning.

Ambrosio is a masculine name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' which was the food or drink of the gods in Greek mythology, believed to confer immortality. The name essentially means 'immortal' or 'divine.' Ambrosio is the Spanish and Italian form of Ambrose, a name with significant historical presence through Saint Ambrose, a 4th-century bishop and doctor of the church. The name has maintained consistent usage particularly in Hispanic and Italian communities, though it has never been among the most common names. Ambrosio carries an air of classical dignity and religious significance while maintaining a melodious, romantic quality typical of Romance language names. The name suggests qualities of wisdom, spiritual depth, and timeless elegance, appealing to parents drawn to names with both historical weight and cross-cultural appeal.

Anastasia is the feminine form on Anastasius, a Greek name derived from the word anastasis, meaning "resurrection." It was a common name among early Christians, who often gave it to daughters born around Christmas or Easter. There are handful of saints named Anastasia, including the patron saint of weavers.

A Zulu name given to a child who is planned be the last born, literally meaning "enough, sufficient".

A Zulu name given to a child who is planned be the last born, literally meaning "enough, sufficient".

Astrid has been a Scandinavian royal name since the tenth century, and many people associated it with the Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren. Astrid is derived from the name Ástríðr, which is made up of the Old Norse elements that mean "god" and "beautiful."

Crisp and colorful, Autumn is the most popular season name now — the only one in the Top 100 in recent years — with Autumn's coolness only surpassed by Winter. Jennifer Love Hewitt named her daughter Autumn James.

Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.

Now that parents have picked virtually every name in the garden, from the common Rose to the captivating Zinnia, some are reconsidering the old, more generic names like Flora and Posy and Blossom — which was last in favor in the 1920s and still has a Floradora showgirl aura.

The Spanish Camila, pronounced ka-MEE-la, is the fastest rising version of this ancient Roman name, but recent royal Camilla may have helped promote the British brand. In Roman myth, Camilla was a swift-footed huntress so fast she could run over a field without bending a blade of grass.

While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar Ray Robinson — or composer Carmen Dragon.

Spanish and Italian forms Carmelo and Carmello are also quite popular in the US, with Carmelo ranking in the Top 1000.

Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.

Catherine is one of the oldest and most consistently well-used girls’ names, with endless variations and nicknames. The Catherine form feels more gently old-fashioned and feminine than the more popular K versions. Most stylish nickname for Catherine right now: Kate...or Cate, a la Blanchett.

Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily Parsley is a Beatrix Potter bunny, Cecily Cardew is a character in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the author of the Gossip Girl books is Cecily von Ziegesar.

Although now almost exclusively feminine in the English-speaking world, Celeste (or Céleste in France) is traditionally a unisex name in Italy and France. It Italy, it was more popular for males until around the middle of the 20th century.

Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally getting noticed.