User-created list
The Names on This Site I Like
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Bluma
Yiddish
"flower"
This floral name, related to bloom and Blossom, is common in the Jewish community, but not often heard outside it. Other Yiddish nature names are Ita (star), Masha (rising water), and Mayim (water).
Dunstan
English
"dark stone"
A two-syllable surname feel puts this name of an important English saint in the running -- though it could sound like a confused cross between Duncan and Dustin.
Elsa
German diminutive of Elisabeth
"pledged to God"
Lost in limbo for decades and decades, Elsa now stands a good chance of following along in the progression from Emma to Ella to Etta, thanks to the ice queen heroine who "Let It Go" in the wildly…
Falk
Falk is a masculine name of Germanic origin that means "falcon." This concise, strong name has roots as both a given name and surname across Northern European countries, particularly in Germany,…
Geoffrey
Anglo-Saxon from French
"pledge of peace"
In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey…
Hildegarde
French from German
"comrade in arms"
French form of Hildegard
Iolo
Welsh
"weathy lord"
Rhythmic Welsh nickname name, derived from the Welsh royal name Iorwerth, which has sometimes been anglicized as Edward.
Kiyoko
Japanese
"clear, pure child; holy child; rejoice child"
A bright sounding Japanese name, Kiyoko is notably borne by singer and actress Hayley Kiyoko (Alcroft). It ranked briefly in the US Top 1000 during the 1920s, perhaps influenced by the birth of…
Lenore
German variation of Leonora, Italian derivative of Eleonora, meaning unknown
A "modernization" of Leonora that has suddenly come back on the radar along with the many other Leo names--both male and female. With literary cred via a famous eponymous poem by Edgar Allan Poe (and…
Marino
Latin
"of the sea"
Marino is an Italian first and surname with distinct crossover possibilities, having pleasant seaside undertones, and is far more unusual in the U.S. than sister Marina. Marino Marini was an Italian…
Nate
Diminutive of Nathan or Nathaniel, Hebrew
"given"
Six Feet Under transformed Nate's image from crusty uncle to cool guy. Nate is one of a new generation of nicknames that go directly on the birth certificate. Other similar names: Sam, Jack, Mack.…
Oak
English tree name
"tree from the genus Quercus"
Oak, a symbol of solidity, strength, and longevity, is joining Cedar and Pine as a viable name, one that would work especially well in the middle. If you'd prefer to take the longer route to the…
Rosette
Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon…
Solange
French
"solemn"
This is a soft, soignée French girls' name that has become familiar here via singer Solange Knowles, younger sister of Beyonce. It is also the name of a martyred ninth century saint, a poor…
Tane
Maori, Tahitian
"man, male"
In Maori mythology Tāne (also called Tāne Mahuta) was the god of forests and birds, son of the sky god Rangi and the earth goddess Papa. Tāne was the one who pushed his powerful parents apart to…
Varda
Hebrew
"rose, pink"
Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.
Yefrem
Yefrem is a masculine name of Russian origin, derived from the Hebrew name Ephraim, which means 'fruitful' or 'fertile.' In the Bible, Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and the founder of one of…
Antoine
French variation of Anthony
"priceless one"
Antoine is a venerable French name that is still stylish in its native habitat, where it is in the Top 30. In the US, it was most popular in the 1970s and '80s, reaching Number 262 in 1985. There…
Chantal
French
"stone, boulder"
Though associated with a French saint noted for her holiness and strength of character, this name is somewhat dated and it might be better to look to one of the more modern names popular for little…
Dov
Hebrew
"bear"
Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.