Guilty Pleasures

  1. Hadassah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "myrtle tree"
    • Description:

      This Hebrew name of Queen Esther is well used in Israel (especially for girls born around the holiday of Purim), and in the US is the name of a Zionist women's philanthropic organization. Formerly shunned as hyper-religious, this name entered the Top 1000 in 2007 and has since climbed into the Top 700. Nickname Haddie feels like a natural companion for Addie and Maddie.
  2. Karma
    • Origin:

      Hindi, Sanskrit "destiny, spiritual force; deed, fate"
    • Meaning:

      "destiny, spiritual force; deed, fate"
    • Description:

      Some parents are hoping to bestow good karma on their children with this name, derived from the Sanskrit word for "fate". Associated with the Hindu and Buddhist belief that someone's actions in this life (and their previous ones) decide their future existences, it is more informally used in the Western world to refer to good or bad luck.
  3. Kalila
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      The lilting name of a range of mythical mountains, with an extensive menu of spellings, and a more unusual way of fitting in with current favorites Lila and Lola.
  4. Dominika
    • Description:

      Dominika is the feminine form of Dominic, with Slavic origins particularly popular in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Latin "dominicus," meaning "of the Lord" or "belonging to God," reflecting its religious roots. Traditionally associated with Sunday (the Lord's day) or children born on Sunday, Dominika carries spiritual significance. The name gained popularity in Eastern Europe after Saint Dominic founded the Dominican Order in the 13th century. In the United States, Dominika remains uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, musical quality. The name conveys strength and femininity simultaneously, with nickname options including Nika, Mika, or Domi, offering versatility for different stages of life.
  5. Eliot
    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot
    • Meaning:

      "The Lord is my God"
    • Description:

      Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.
  6. Galila
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "rolling hills"
    • Description:

      Interesting alternative to Dalila, relates to the Biblical Galilee.