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The Names on This Site I Like
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Ruzena
Ruzena is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Czech and Slovak cultures. It derives from the word for "rose" (růže in Czech), symbolizing beauty and femininity. The name is…
Sanne
Dutch, diminutive of Susanne
"lily"
Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with…
Tadhg
Irish
"poet"
The name of several ancient kings and princes of Ireland, Tadhg became so common at one point that it was used to represent a kind of Irish Gaelic everyman, or man in the street, as Paddy and Mick…
Ulla
Scandinavian
"will, determination"
Ulla, the beautiful Swedish secretary in The Producers (played by Uma Thurman in the movie) who purrs, "Ven you got it, flaunt it," has changed the image of this name forever. Ulla may stand on its…
Wendy
English, Celtic, Welsh
"friend or white"
It is popularly claimed that the name Wendy was invented by Sir James Barrie in 1904 for the big sister character in his play Peter Pan , which was followed by the classic novel in 1911. Barrie…
Bilal
Arabic
"moist"
The name of a companion of the prophet Muhammad who became the first person to call Muslims to prayer. Bilal is well-used in the US.
Diane
French variation of Diana, Latin
"divine"
Like Joanne and Christine, middle-aged Diane has been overshadowed by the a-ending version of her name. Diane has a definite mid-century feel; it was a Top 20 name from 1946 to 1959. Though it has…
Emlyn
Welsh, Latin
"around the valley; rival"
Gentle and poetic and most often heard in Wales, Emlyn joins Emrys as soft, interesting alternatives to popular Em- names like Emmett and Emery. Sometimes viewed as a Welsh variation of Emiliano, it…
Fionnuala
Irish Gaelic
"white shoulders"
This lovely Gaelic name, very popular in the Emerald Isle, has inspired a whole host of diminutives (including Nuala and Nola) and variant spellings, from Finola to Finula to the Scottish and English…
Gwendolen
Welsh
"white ring, circle"
Gwendolen, an ancient Welsh favorite, retired decades ago in favor of the short form Gwen, but now, as in the case all across the naming board, the nickname has faded and the more distinguished…
Lior
Hebrew
"I have a light"
Lior is a unisex name frequently heard in Israel, capturing the popular light theme through its meaning. For English speakers, the one down side is possible pronunciation confusion with "liar,"…
Lavan
Lavan is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew tradition, it appears in the Bible as the name of Jacob's father-in-law, meaning 'white' or 'pure.' In Sanskrit and Hindi, Lavan…
Nurit
Nurit is a feminine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'buttercup' or 'small fire,' derived from 'ner' meaning 'light' or 'candle.' Popular in Israel, the name has strong connections to nature and light…
Pyramid
Word name
Spiritually resonant, but will definitely raise grandparents' eyebrows.
Saga
Swedish word name
"story; seeress"
Apt name for a little drama queen with a long future ahead of her. Saga is a Top 30 girls' name in Sweden. Saga was the Norse goddess of poetry, storytelling, and history. She was a prophetess — able…
Theophania
Greek
This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English…
Zuzanna
Slavic variation of Susannah
"lily"
Remember Zuzu, the adorable little girl you watch every Christmas in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Here's a direct path to that nickname, a lot more zesty than the more familiar Susannah.
Yulia
Russian, variation of Yuliya, cognate of Julia
"youth"
This is the Armenian version of the familia Julia, which has a rich and evocative sound. Other variations are Iuliya, and the diminitive Yulya.
Alexia
Diminutive of Alexandria, Greek
"defending men"
This diminutive, similar to Alex or Alexis, has been yo-yoing in popularity since the turn of the 21st century.
Barabal
Barabal is an unusual feminine name with possible Scottish Gaelic origins, potentially derived from or related to the name Barbara. In Scottish naming traditions, it may have served as a variant or…