Model Names
- Moss
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Cindy
Origin:
English diminutive of Cynthia, Greek, or Lucinda, Spanish and PortugueseMeaning:
"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.
- Kendra
Origin:
Feminization of Kenneth or EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Ward
Origin:
English occupational nameMeaning:
"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.
- Kinga
Origin:
Hungarian, PolishMeaning:
"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.
- Doutzen
Origin:
Dutch, meaning unknownDescription:
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.
- 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.
- Chanel
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"dweller near the canal"Description:
Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.
- Gisele
Description:
The French variation of Giselle was made famous by the spectacular Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.
- Iman
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"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.
- Shalom
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Supermodel Shalom Harlow glamorized this name, which is heard as a greeting every day in Israel.
- 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.
- 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.
- Snejana
Origin:
BulgarianMeaning:
"snowy"Description:
This name of a supermodel from Ukraine is not one of those Eastern European choices that translate easily or attractively.
- Tyra
Origin:
Scandinavian, feminine variation of Tyr, an ancient Indo-European godDescription:
High profile supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has put this name in the spotlight, endowing it with her confident, superattractive image.
- 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.
- Stam
Description:
The last name of supermodel Jessica makes a very difficult first.
- Lakshmi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
