Subtly Witchy Names
- Dain
Origin:
Variation of Dane, Dean, or Dáinn, literary, NorseMeaning:
"from Denmark; valley; died"Description:
Dain might simply be considered an unusual spelling variation of the familiar Dane and Dean, however, it may also have its roots in Norse mythology, in which it belonged to a several different figures, including a dwarf and a stag. It also has two literary connections: it appears in Tolkien's work and in the more recent Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros. 2024 saw a slight increased in use of the name, perhaps because of its recent bookish link.
- Rui
Origin:
Portuguese diminutive of RodrigoMeaning:
"famous ruler"Description:
This charming mini name began life as a nickname for Rodrigo but has since taken on a life of its own, ranking as an independent name in Portugal, it’s country of origin. If you’re looking to honor a Rodrigo, Roger, or Roderick in your life, Rui is an appealing international option. Ruy is a spelling variation that is more commonly seen in Spain.
- Evora
Origin:
Portuguese place nameMeaning:
"yew tree"Description:
Evora is a city in Portugal known for its magnificent Roman aged ruins. It is occasionally seen as a female name, evoking some of the mystique of this region.
- Medora
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"mother's gift"Description:
Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.
- Rena
Origin:
Hebrew, Greek, Estonian, Scandinavian, German, PunjabiMeaning:
"joyous melody; peace; reborn; to remain"Description:
Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".
- Yona
Origin:
Cherokee or variation of Jonah, HebrewMeaning:
"bear; dove"Description:
A name with a double animal connection via two distinct origins, one Native American and the other Hebrew and Biblical. Yona is rare in the US but not unknown: It was given to a dozen baby girls in 2021.
- Odeya
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"I will thank God"Description:
Derived from a Hebrew phrase: ode "I will thank, praise" combined with yah "Yahweh". A famous bearer is Israeli-American actress Odeya Rush.
- Samsara
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"world, wandering, cyclic change"Description:
In Indian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, Samsara is the concept of rebirth and the cyclicality of life: in other words, a pretty fundamental principle. It has occasionally been used as a name, and its similarity to other English names like Sara and Samantha — as well as its spiritual meaning — make it an appealing choice.
- Elira
Description:
Elira is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Albanian culture, it derives from the word for 'free' or 'freedom,' making it a name with powerful symbolic significance. Alternatively, it may have evolved as a variation of names like Elvira or as a combination of popular elements like 'El' (meaning 'God' in Hebrew) and 'ira' (meaning 'watchful' in Sanskrit). The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft consonants and melodic rhythm. Elira remains relatively uncommon internationally but has seen some increased usage in Albania and among Albanian diaspora communities. The name carries an air of elegance and distinction while being straightforward to pronounce across different languages. Its cross-cultural potential and beautiful sound make it appealing to parents seeking something both unique and accessible.
- Aitana
Origin:
Spanish place-nameDescription:
Aitana is the name of a Spanish mountain used by the poet Rafael Alberti for his daughter. He reportedly chose it because the mountain was his last glimpse of Spain when he went into exile after the Spanish Civil War. The name was popularized by Aitana Alberti's goddaughter and namesake, actress Aitana Sanchez-Gijan. It became one of the fastest-rising girls names in 2016, after entering the US Top 1000 in 2015, and is among the most popular Spanish names for girls in its native Spain and beyond.
- Zelia
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"zealous, ardent"Description:
An appealing name almost unknown in our culture but with roots in several others; worldlier than cousins Celia and Delia.
- Ferran
Origin:
CatalanDescription:
Catalan variant of Ferdinand
- Ceris
Description:
Ceris is a feminine name with Welsh origins, often associated with the cherry tree or cherry fruit. This concise, two-syllable name (pronounced either as KEH-ris or SEH-ris) carries natural symbolism and beauty. In Welsh tradition, Ceris connects to sweetness, fertility, and the renewal of spring. Though relatively uncommon even in Wales, it represents a distinctive alternative to more popular nature-inspired names. Ceris has remained somewhat under the radar internationally but appeals to parents seeking a name with Celtic heritage that's both recognizable and unique. Its brevity and soft sound give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. The name's connection to cherries also links it to qualities of sweetness, vitality, and natural beauty.
- Lystra
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
Anatolian city visited by Paul in the Bible, though risks sounding a tad antiseptic.
- Addis
Origin:
Ethiopian, AmharicMeaning:
"new"Description:
This Ethiopian boy name looks like a shortening of popular Addison, but has separate roots. Nonetheless, with Addison's popularity, Addis would fit in while standing out as a boy's name in English-speaking countries. Addis means "new", as seen in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, meaning "new flower".
- Vanora
Description:
Vanora is an elegant feminine name with Celtic roots, particularly associated with Scottish and Irish heritage. Often considered a variant of Guinevere (King Arthur's queen), Vanora carries the meaning 'white wave' or 'fair phantom.' In medieval Scottish history, Vanora appears as an alternative name for Queen Guinevere in some Arthurian legends. The name possesses a lyrical quality with its flowing sounds and balanced syllables. Though uncommon in contemporary use, Vanora offers a distinctive alternative to more familiar Celtic names while maintaining authentic historical connections. Its melodic sound and romantic associations with Arthurian legend give it a timeless, slightly mystical quality that appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth and elegant sound.
- Orlin
Description:
Orlin is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Bulgaria where it derives from the word "orel" meaning "eagle." This connection gives the name associations with freedom, vision, and nobility. In some linguistic contexts, Orlin can also be related to words for "light" or "dawn." While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, the name has seen modest usage throughout Eastern Europe. Orlin has a sophisticated yet accessible sound with its crisp two-syllable structure. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and pronunciation ease, making it distinctive without being difficult to say or spell. For parents seeking a name with natural symbolism and international character that remains relatively undiscovered in Western contexts, Orlin offers an appealing option with positive connotations.
- Enos
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"mankind"Description:
A thundering biblical name - belonging to a grandson of Adam and Eve, also known as Enosh - that hasn't made as much of a comeback as similar Enoch. Enos is also a book in the Book of Mormon, and the name of the first chimpanzee to go into orbit. Caution: depending on your accent, it could have one or two unfortunate rhymes.
- Vaida
Origin:
LithuanianMeaning:
"to visit, to appear, to haunt"Description:
A Lithuanian short form of various Vaid- names often used on its own, or a spelling variant of Vada.