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. Alessandra
    • Origin:

      Italian and Portuguese variation of Alexandra
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      This Italian and Portuguese variant of the classic Alexandra softens the classic name, while still maintaining its strength and dignity. Currently in the US Top 500, it also ranks in Brazil and Italy. Instead of Lexi, this form could get you to nicknames Essie or Alessa.
  3. 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.
  4. Gisele
    • Description:

      The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
  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. Chanel
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the canal"
    • Description:

      Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Cindy
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Lucinda, Spanish and Portuguese
    • Meaning:

      "moon goddess, woman from Kynthos; "
    • Description:

      Cindy as a name in its own right made it into the Top 20 in 1957 and remained a Top 200 girls' name until the end of the 20th century. Although it's fallen precipitously since then and left the Top 1000 completely in 2015, Cindy remains a name commonly heard in the US. Today, though, it would more likely be attached to moms or grandmas than to babies.
  11. Shalom
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      Supermodel Shalom Harlow glamorized this name, which is heard as a greeting every day in Israel.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.

  15. Maryna
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"
    • Description:

      Variant of Marina
  16. Lakshmi
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "a lucky omen"
    • Description:

      Often heard in India, this is the name of the Hindu goddess of abundance, beauty, and prosperity, the embodiment of grace and charm --lucky omens indeed. The goddess Lakshmi is worshiped daily in Hindu homes, and has festivals held in her honor.
  17. Anabela
    • Description:

      Anabela is a feminine name with Portuguese and Spanish origins, representing a variation of Annabella or Anabel. These names combine the Hebrew 'Hannah' meaning 'grace' with the Latin 'bella' meaning 'beautiful,' creating the lovely meaning of 'gracefully beautiful.' Particularly popular in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Portugal, Anabela carries a melodic, romantic quality with its flowing syllables. The name has historical usage throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic appeal. Anabela offers a slight variation from the more familiar Annabelle while maintaining its essential charm. The name evokes images of elegance and femininity while providing a connection to Latin cultural heritage. Parents might choose Anabela for its beautiful sound, meaningful etymology, and distinctive international flair.

  18. Jourdan
    • Description:

      Jourdan is a name of French origin, traditionally masculine but increasingly used for girls, especially with this spelling variation. Derived from the River Jordan of biblical significance, the name means 'flowing down' or 'descender.' The French spelling with 'ou' instead of 'o' and the final 'an' instead of 'an' gives the name a sophisticated, international flair. For girls, Jourdan emerged as part of the trend toward using surnames and traditionally male names for females. It gained modest popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, possibly influenced by supermodel Jourdan Dunn. The name blends strength with elegance and carries subtle biblical associations without being overtly religious. Its unisex quality makes it appeal to parents seeking gender-neutral options with distinctive spelling.
  19. 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.
  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.