Model Names

  1. Irina
    • Origin:

      Russian from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      Irina is a Russian ballet-inflected classic, one of the Three Sisters in the Chekhov play. While some Americans will pronounce this like Irene with three syllables, the pronunciation used throughout Europe, where it's widely used, starts with a short i as in it or if and a strong emphasis on the second syllable.
  2. Kendra
    • Origin:

      Feminization of Kenneth or English
    • Meaning:

      "handsome or knowing"
    • Description:

      Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth -- but it's now firmly established as a standalone. American parents can't seem to make up their mind about it though: it was one of 2013's fastest-rising names, entering the Top 200 for the first time since 2000, but then it tumbled again.
  3. Moss
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Moses"
    • Description:

      This evocative green nature name, heard much more frequently as a surname, is associated with playwright Moss Hart (born Robert), who co-wrote (with George S. Kaufman) such enduring Broadway comedies as The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take it With You.
  4. Ward
    • Origin:

      English occupational name
    • Meaning:

      "guard, watchman"
    • Description:

      Until recently Ward was, like Wally, a Cleaver name, but today's parents are seeing it as a cooler nickname for Edward than Eddie, and are also beginning to use it on its own.
  5. Kinga
    • Origin:

      Hungarian, Polish
    • Meaning:

      "brave"
    • Description:

      Though the name Kinga has penetrated the international consciousness via the Slovakian model Kinga Rajzak, it's a rare choice for American baby girls: Only six were named Kinga last year. Is that because Kinga sounds like pseudo-royalty, ala Princessa? Though with names such as Reign and Royal rising through the ranks, the time-honored Kinga may see more widespread usage.
  6. Shalom
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      Supermodel Shalom Harlow glamorized this name, which is heard as a greeting every day in Israel.
  7. Tyra
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European god
    • Description:

      High profile supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has put this name in the spotlight, endowing it with her confident, superattractive image.
  8. Iman
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "faith"
    • Description:

      One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
  9. Chanel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the canal"
    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
  10. Doutzen
    • Origin:

      Dutch, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its bearer.
  11. Gisele
    • Description:

      The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
  12. Bar
    • Description:

      Bar is a feminine name with multicultural roots and concise elegance. In Hebrew, it means 'pure' or 'grain,' and holds significance in Israeli culture where it's used for both genders, though more commonly for girls. The name also appears in various cultures with different meanings: in Celtic traditions, it relates to 'height' or 'summit,' while in Turkish it can mean 'existence.' Bar's simplicity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal that works well internationally. In Israel, notable namesakes include actress Bar Refaeli, which has increased its recognition globally. Despite its brevity, Bar carries cultural depth and spiritual significance. The name remains uncommon in Western countries but has seen steady usage in Israel. Its short form enables easy pronunciation across languages while maintaining its distinctive character.

  13. Snejana
    • Origin:

      Bulgarian
    • Meaning:

      "snowy"
    • Description:

      This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.
  14. Karolina
    • Description:

      Karolina is a feminine name of Germanic origin, being a variant of Caroline or Carolina, ultimately derived from the masculine name Karl or Charles, meaning 'free man' or 'strong.' This elegant name is particularly popular in Eastern European countries including Poland, Croatia, Slovakia, and Lithuania, as well as in Scandinavian nations. Karolina has a melodic quality with its four syllables and soft ending. The name carries an international appeal while maintaining connections to traditional naming practices. Throughout history, various royal figures have borne related forms of this name. Karolina projects an image of feminine strength combined with grace. The name allows for multiple nickname options including Kara, Lina, or Karo. Its classic roots give it enduring appeal while its specific spelling offers a distinctive touch.

  15. Deyn
    • Description:

      Deyn is a concise, modern masculine name with uncertain origins, possibly deriving from surnames or representing a streamlined variation of names like Dean or Deon. With its simple four-letter structure and distinctive spelling, Deyn exemplifies the contemporary trend toward brief, punchy names with unusual letter combinations. The 'y' gives this name a contemporary edge while maintaining pronounceability. Deyn has a minimalist, somewhat androgynous quality that appeals to parents seeking names outside traditional conventions. While rare in usage statistics, it fits well with current naming trends that favor short, striking names. The name's brevity makes it versatile across various cultural contexts, though its unconventional spelling may require occasional clarification.

  16. Du
    • Description:

      Du is an extremely rare feminine given name in English-speaking contexts, though it functions more commonly as a surname of Chinese, Vietnamese, or French origin. As a Chinese surname (杜), it ranks among the common family names and means "elm tree." In Vietnamese contexts, the surname Dư has distinct cultural meanings. The brevity of Du as a given name gives it a minimalist, modern quality that might appeal to parents seeking extreme simplicity. Its pronunciation is straightforward but could invite questions due to its uncommon nature as a first name. In Western contexts, Du might be used as a nickname or short form for longer names like Duane or duplicity-related names, though its standalone usage as a feminine name remains exceptionally uncommon.

  17. Maryna
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"
    • Description:

      Variant of Marina
  18. Stam
    • Description:

      The last name of supermodel Jessica makes a very difficult first.
  19. Katlin
    • Description:

      Katlin is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Caitlin, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caitlín, derived from the Greek 'Aikaterine' (Katherine). This variant spelling maintains the same pronunciation while offering a slightly more streamlined appearance. Katlin gained some popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when similar names like Kaitlyn and Caitlyn were trending. The name carries connotations of purity and clarity from its ultimate Katherine origins, which mean 'pure.' Katlin balances familiarity with distinctiveness, making it recognizable yet not overly common. It offers a contemporary feel while still connecting to its traditional Irish and Greek heritage.

  20. Agyness
    • Origin:

      Invented variation of Agnes, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "pure, virginal"
    • Description:

      When British beauty Laura Hollin morphed into supermodel Agyness Deyn, she created a name few others would want to adopt.