Names from Books written by POC authors

Ife

Yoruba

"love"

Short but impactful, Ife is a meaningful Yoruba name, taken from the word ífé meaning "love". Predominantly used in Nigeria or among Nigerian families, it may also be used in as an element in longer…

Isobel

Scottish variation of Isabel

"pledged to God"

The Scottish spelling of Isabel has a definite character of her own, the 'o' giving her an extra infusion of strength but also an element of confusion. How do you pronounce that? Answer: Exactly like…

Justina

Latin, feminine variation of Justin

Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in…

Kehinde

Yoruba

"second-born of twins or one who falls behind"

Although the best-known Kehinde is the male painter Kehinde Wiley, this name is used for both genders in its native Nigeria and can be just as attractive for a girl.

Kirah

Kirah is a melodious feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Kira, which has roots in several cultures including Persian (meaning 'sun'), Russian (a feminine…

Kore

Greek

"maiden"

Kore is the original Greek form of the modern Cora, a name that's heading straight for the top of the charts in the English-speaking world. Kore was an alternate name for Persephone, goddess of the…

Lorraine

French

"from the province of Lorraine"

Sweet Lorraine might just be old enough to be ripe for reconsideration. This French place name has moved in and out of fashion in the few hundred years it's been used as a girls' first name, somewhat…

Oma

Oma is a feminine name with Germanic origins, literally meaning 'grandmother' in German and Dutch. The name carries warm associations of maternal wisdom and familial nurturing. While primarily known…

Rianne

Dutch

"bitter; beloved; drop of the sea + grace"

Popular Dutch name derived from a combination of Maria (Ria) + Anne, or as a short form of Marianne.