User-created list
By KBiz · Updated February 2023
Across 25 pages
of 25
French variation of Zephyr
"west wind"
This name feels warmer and more human-appropriate in its longer version, but still retains that breezy feel. Trivia tidbit: Zephyrinus was a Jewish pope.
African, Ashanti
"chubby baby"
Kessie is cute but slight.
Irish, Anglicization of Diarmaid
"free from envy"
Dermot is an appealing, relatively undiscovered Irish mythological hero's name long popular in the Old Country, and imported into the American consciousness by actor Dermot Mulroney. We see it in the…
Welsh, river name
The striking name of a Welsh river, Eleri feels as mystical as it does modern. A recent year saw it feature in the England and Wales Top 1000, with 49 babies given the name: of them, 29 were born in…
Irish
"freckled, speckled"
This Irish name of a saint from the Isle of Aran also appears in myth and fantasy fiction, giving it an intriguing, mystical air. Some modern parents are attempting to update the spelling, as in the…
Italian, elaboration of Serena
"serene"
Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?
Polish variation of Catherine
"pure"
Countless notable figures from Polish history, and one America's Next Top Model contestant, have used this version of Catherine, made extra spicy by that "zy." Those interested in honoring a relative…
Welsh; Japanese
"beloved; great"
A cross-cultural name that can be a nickname for David, as is common in Wales, pronounced "dye".
Arabic
"great"
Simple plus unusual is a winning combination.
Latin, female variation of Nicasio
"victorious"
An interesting and unusual member of the "Nic" family--far more distinctive than NICOLE or NICOLA.
Damaris is traditionally a feminine name of Greek origin appearing in the New Testament as a woman who converted to Christianity after hearing St. Paul speak in Athens. Despite being listed as…
French
"goddess"
This French name meaning goddess is a possible Gallic import in the Celine mode.
English, French, German
"elf ruler, bright elf; noble bear"
Rarely heard in the US, Auberon has a gentle autumnal feel rare in a male name. A Shakespeare-adjacent choice, Auberon started out as as a pet form of Auberi, the French form of German Alberich.…
Saveon appears to be a modern constructed name that emerged in the United States in the late 20th century. It may combine elements of names like Savion, Savon, or traditional names like Sean with…
Arcadie is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from Arcadia, the mountainous region in Greece that was considered an idyllic pastoral paradise in ancient mythology. The name evokes images of…
Varina is an elegant feminine name with historical connections to the American South. Most notably, it was the name of Varina Davis, wife of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States…
"little queen"
Reinette was the childhood nickname of Madame La Pompadour, perhaps a cute short form for Regina or Reina but hardly worthy of the full name on the birth certificate today.
Parthena is a distinctive feminine name derived from Greek mythology, specifically connected to Parthenos ('virgin'), an epithet of the goddess Athena. The name directly relates to the Parthenon, the…
