The Names on This Site I Like
- Aatami
Description:
Aatami is the Finnish variation of Adam, one of the oldest known male names in human history. Adam comes from Hebrew origins, meaning 'man' or 'earth,' reflecting the biblical account of the first man being formed from the ground. The distinctive double 'a' beginning is characteristic of Finnish orthography and pronunciation. In Finland, Aatami has maintained a consistent presence, though it's considered traditional rather than trendy. The name connects Finnish cultural identity with ancient biblical heritage. Outside of Finland, Aatami remains quite rare, instantly signaling Finnish roots when encountered internationally. The name carries the gravitas of its biblical associations while offering a unique cultural twist that distinguishes it from the more universal Adam. Its pronunciation (AH-tah-mi) has a rhythmic, open quality typical of Finnish names.
- Abelone
Origin:
Danish form of ApolloniaMeaning:
"destroyer, strength, father of light"Description:
A Danish name relating back to the Greek Apollo.
- Abraham
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
- Acacia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"thorny"Description:
Acacia is an attractive, rarely used Greek flower name enhanced by its popular beginning-and-ending-with 'a'-construct, and is gradually beginning to catch on as a new member of the stylish girl names starting with A.
- Ada
Origin:
German or TurkishMeaning:
"noble, nobility, or island"Description:
Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
- Adam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"son of the red earth"Description:
Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.
- Adamo
Description:
Adamo is the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese form of Adam, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'man' or 'earth.' As the name of the first man in Biblical tradition, it carries significant religious and cultural weight across Judeo-Christian societies. The Adamo variant adds a romantic, Mediterranean flair to the classic name with its flowing vowel ending. While Adam remains more common in English-speaking countries, Adamo is embraced in Italian and Latin communities. The name combines historical depth with a musical quality characteristic of Romance languages. Parents might choose Adamo to honor Italian heritage, for its biblical connections, or simply for its distinctive yet recognizable quality that works well across cultural boundaries.
- Adelaide
Origin:
Variant of Adelheidis, GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
- Adelheid
Origin:
German and Dutch form of Adelheidis, GermanMeaning:
"noble, nobility"Description:
The ancient German name Adelheidis gave rise to both Adelaide and Adelheid. While Adelaide is more popular and better known internationally, Adelheid is still used occasionally in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia. The German pronunciation is not that different from Adelaide, with a soft h and a long I sound instead of a long A in the last syllable.
- Adria
Description:
Adria is a feminine name with multiple origins. It derives primarily from the Adriatic Sea, which was named after the ancient city of Adria in northern Italy. The name has Latin roots, connecting to 'Hadriaticus,' meaning 'dark' or 'from Hadria.' Adria is used across several European cultures, including Spanish, Catalan, Italian, and Slavic languages. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, it maintains consistent usage as an elegant alternative to more popular names like Adriana or Adrienne. The name has a graceful, Mediterranean quality and carries associations with the sea. Adria peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s but remains a relatively uncommon choice with timeless appeal.
- Adrian
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"man of Adria"Description:
Adrian is one of those names that’s easy to picture on all kinds of people. From an active and energetic five-year-old to your great grandpa, from the coolest, breeziest guy you know, to the quiet, serious one, it’s no wonder Adrian has always made the US Top 500 since the early 20th century.
- Adrienne
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of AdrianMeaning:
"man from Adria"Description:
A long-integrated French feminine form of Adrian, now overshadowed by the a-ending version, but still a valid option, with considerable substance and dignity—though these days more parents would probably choose Adriana.
- Aed
Description:
Aed is an ancient Irish masculine name pronounced roughly like 'aid' or 'ayd.' It derives from the Old Irish word meaning 'fire' and was borne by numerous kings and figures in Irish mythology. Most notably, Aed was the name of the god of the underworld in Celtic mythology, associated with fire and the sun. Throughout Irish history, several High Kings and regional rulers bore this name. While historically significant, Aed remains quite rare in modern usage, even in Ireland where shortened versions like Aodh have been more common. The name's brevity gives it a strong, distinctive quality while its mythological associations lend it depth and cultural significance for those with Irish heritage or interest in Celtic traditions.
- Aeronwen
Description:
Aeronwen is a feminine Welsh name combining 'aeron,' meaning 'fruits' or 'berries,' with 'gwen,' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' Sometimes spelled Aronwen, this traditional Welsh name celebrates nature's bounty and purity. The name reflects Wales' rich linguistic heritage and connection to the natural world. While widely recognized in Wales, Aeronwen remains relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, though interest in Celtic names has brought increased attention to such traditional Welsh names. The pronunciation (eye-RON-wen) may present challenges for non-Welsh speakers, but its distinctive character and meaningful etymology appeal to parents seeking a name with authentic cultural roots and natural symbolism.
- Afra
Origin:
Arabic; HebrewMeaning:
"color of earth; dust"Description:
Earthier version of the name of England's first female professional writer, Aphra Behn.
- Agatha
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agatha until recently summoned up visions of martyred saints, mauve silk dresses, and high lace collars, but now that some dauntless excavators have begun to resurrect it, we're sure more will follow their lead. Actor Thomas Gibson used it for his daughter in 2004.
- Agathe
Origin:
French variation of Agatha, GreekMeaning:
"good woman"Description:
Agathe is a hugely popular name in contemporary France, even if it's English-speaking counterparts have not yet warmed to the usual English version, Agatha. The French pronunciation is sure to trip up non-French speakers.
- Aggie
Origin:
English, diminutive of Agatha and AgnesDescription:
Mauve-tinted nickname with vintage charm that could just follow in the footsteps of ABBIE. More prominent now as the nickname for the Texas A&M sports teams.
- Agneta
Description:
Agneta is a feminine name of Swedish origin, representing a Scandinavian form of Agnes. It derives from the Greek word 'hagnos' meaning 'pure' or 'chaste.' Particularly popular in Sweden and other Nordic countries during the mid-20th century, Agneta carries an elegant, classical quality while maintaining a distinctly Scandinavian character. The name gained international recognition through Agneta Fältskog, the blonde vocalist of the renowned Swedish pop group ABBA. While its popularity has declined since its peak, Agneta continues to be appreciated for its melodious sound and cultural heritage. The name conveys refinement and simplicity, appealing to parents seeking names with both historical depth and Nordic connections.
- Aida
Origin:
Arabic; Italian; LithuanianMeaning:
"returning visitor; happy; echo"Description:
Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.