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Names I love

MBartelds
By MBartelds
Updated Wed May 10 2023
  1. Alexander

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree.
  2. Ane

    • Description:

      Ane is a feminine name of Nordic origin, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. It is a variation of Anna, which derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In Scandinavian countries, Ane has been used for centuries, often appearing in historical records dating back to medieval times. The name has a simple, elegant quality with its short pronunciation and has maintained steady usage without becoming overly popular. In modern times, Ane appeals to parents looking for a traditional name with Nordic roots that is brief and easy to pronounce across languages.
  3. Angus

    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Aonghus, Aonghas, Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "one strength"

    • Description:

      Angus is a traditional yet stylish choice in the UK, especially in Scotland. And it's a cool choice for US parents too, particularly those whose roots go back to Glasgow. The ancient Celtic form Oenghus has important historical overtones in Scotland, and the Gaelic form Aonghas is associated with two distinguished modern poets. In Irish folklore, Angus Og is a chieftain-lord who used his magical powers for the pleasure and prosperity of mankind--and in Irish myth, Aonghus was the god of love and youth.
  4. Beau

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "handsome"

    • Description:

      Beau suggests someone devilishly handsome, with a large measure of southern charm—a nice image to bestow on your boy. Often solely a nickname in the past, it's now standing firmly on its own. Beau has been on the Social Security list non-stop since 1969.
  5. Bell

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "ringer of the bell"

    • Description:

      These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.
  6. Belle

    • Origin:

      Short form of Isabelle or French

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful"

    • Description:

      Belle has nothing but positive associations, from "belle of the ball" to "Southern belle" to the heroine of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. As if this weren't enough good things, Belle is also one of the most familiar and usable names that mean beautiful. Though it has been overshadowed by the Twilight-influenced Bella and longer forms like Isabella and Annabella, Belle has its own Southern charm and would make a pretty choice as a first or middle name.
  7. Ben

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "son of"

    • Description:

      Ben, the diminutive of Benjamin or Benedict, can easily stand on its own as a simple, strong, nice-guy choice, though it's somewhat attenuated. Ben is this generation's Bob or Bill.
  8. Benja

    • Description:

      Benja is a masculine name with multiple cultural connections. It can function as a shortened form of Benjamin, which has Hebrew origins meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." In Finnish, Benja serves as a diminutive for Benjamin, while in some African cultures, particularly Swahili-speaking regions, it exists as an independent name. The name has a modern, concise quality while maintaining connections to the traditional Benjamin. Despite its appealing brevity and international versatility, Benja remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries. The name carries a friendly, approachable quality with its simple pronunciation and structure, making it an intriguing alternative for parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive.

  9. Bente

    • Origin:

      Danish feminine form of Benedict

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      Bente, pronounced ben-tah, is a popular girls' name in both The Netherlands and Denmark though largely unknown in the English-speaking world. It suffers by being a near-homonym of the English word bent, not the best dictionary equivalent for a first name. Still, if you're looking for a girls' name that equates to Ben or Benjamin or Benedict, this may be one of your best bets.
  10. Bess

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Although she declared her independence as far back as the reign of Elizabeth I--Good Queen Bess, Bess now sounds less passé than Beth or Betsy.
  11. Daan

    • Origin:

      Scandinavian & Dutch variation of Daniel

    • Meaning:

      "God is my judge"

    • Description:

      Dan with a little something extra.
  12. David

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      David is an enduring worldwide classic, used from ancient times to the present day.
  13. DOUWE
    • Elias

      • Origin:

        Greek variation of Elijah, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "Yahweh is God"

      • Description:

        Strong, charismatic, and sleek, Elias has followed in the footsteps of Elijah and Eli to become a popular choice among parents today.
    • Fleur

      • Origin:

        French

      • Meaning:

        "flower"

      • Description:

        Fleur is a generic, delicate flower name that emigrated into the English-speaking world when John Galsworthy bestowed it on one of the Forsytes in his celebrated saga. More recently, there was Fleur Delacour, a French witch and the Beauxbatons champion for the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter.
    • Florence

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "flourishing, prosperous"

      • Description:

        Florence is back, returning to the US Top 1000 girl names in 2017 after a nearly 40 year absence. Other English-speaking countries have been quicker to welcome Florence back into fashion.
    • GÉZA
      • HADEWYCH
        • Hester

          • Origin:

            Medieval variation of Esther, Persian

          • Meaning:

            "star"

          • Description:

            The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an eccentric aristocrat, much more accepted in the U.K. than she has been here.
        • Iwan

          • Description:

            Iwan is a masculine name that serves as the Welsh, Polish, and Belarusian variant of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This version maintains the original name's spiritual significance while offering a distinctive cultural flavor. Pronounced roughly as 'EE-vahn' (though this varies by culture), Iwan has been used for centuries across different parts of Europe. In Wales, it represents one of the traditional forms of John, while in Eastern European contexts it stands as a respected traditional name with deep historical roots. Though not frequently encountered in English-speaking countries outside of Welsh communities, Iwan offers a strong yet accessible option for parents seeking an international variation of a classic name with religious significance.