User-created list
By Vana · Updated October 2015
Across 19 pages
of 19
Georgian, Russian, Bulgarian, and Belarusian variation of Elijah
"Yahweh is God"
This international variation of the popular Elijah might also be written as Iliya, Ilya, Ilja, and Ilija. It is currently a unisex option in the US.
Sanskrit
"noble"
A venerable boys' name in Persian and South Asian cultures that is increasingly used for girls in most parts of the world, thanks largely to the popularity of Game of Thrones character Arya Stark. In…
Japanese
"bright, intelligent"
Akira is a popular Japanese name for both sexes that's migrated to the West because of its appearance in manga and video games. Akiro is a related name popular for boys.
Esa is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Finnish, it's a traditional name meaning 'God is my salvation' or 'God helps,' equivalent to the biblical name Isaiah. In Arabic cultures, Esa…
Irish, Persian, Punjabi, Khmer
"oak tree, fruitful; wealthy; leader; star"
Though Dara in the U.S. would be considered mainly a girls' name – the most recent count is 10 times as many girls given the name last year than boys – it's a boys' name in Ireland, where it's in the…
Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
"Jehovah is God"
A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
Russian variation of Elijah
"the Lord is my God"
A rare example of an a-ending boy's name that sounds masculine, Ilya has a large measure of creative Slavic charm. >p>Ilya Ilyich Oblomov is the central character in Goncharov's novel "Oblomov."…
Finnish short form of Mikael
"who is like God"
This short form of Mikael, a variation of Michael, may originate in Finland but it's most popular in Germany and The Netherlands. Mika can make a cute and original way to honor a Michael in the…
English, Slavic, Persian Arabic
"from Denmark, gift, or wise"
Baby girl Danas outnumber baby boys with the name nearly ten to one. But Dana is an attractive, sleek name that can certain work for babies of either gender.
Italian variation of Matthew
"gift of God"
As parents go searching for alternatives to the unstoppable Mateo/Matteo duo, Mattia stands out as a worthy option. Same handsome, alluring feel, for a fraction of the popularity. Buy now!
Short form of Michal
Mica is not the same name -- though it sounds the same -- as Micah, but the h makes it feel more masculine.
Variation of Micah
The many names connected more by letter and sound than by root -- Micha, Micah, Mica, Misha, Mischa, Michal, and of course Michael -- can get very confusion, and this variation is sure to cause…
Arabic
"powerful"
Aza's similarity to the biblical name Asa makes it ripe for adaptation. If you want something more elaborate, you might consider Azariah. Something simpler? It doesn't get much simpler and that is…
Italian variation of Andrew, Greek
"strong and manly"
Andrea may be a gender neutral name in its native Italy and other European countries, but in the US it's 98 percent a girls' name, with only about 20 males to more than 1800 baby girl given that name…
Ghanaian, Akan, Twi
"Born on a Tuesday"
The Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. Most Ghanaians have a name using this…
Turkish
"sea"
A super popular nature name in its native Turkey, currently Top 50 for both boys and girls there.
Hungarian
"little father"
English speaking countries may only associate this with the fifth-century Hun, but the name is still well-used in contemporary Hungary, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. Usually said to derive from the Gothic…
Hebrew
"father"
Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.
Abdulla is a masculine name of Arabic origin, a variant spelling of Abdullah, which means 'servant of Allah' or 'servant of God.' This name holds profound religious significance in Islamic tradition,…
Russian, diminutive of Mikhail
Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.
