​
​
Advanced Search

My Ever-Growing Favorites Name List

Lunessence
By Lunessence
Updated Thu Dec 30 2021
I've been interested in names and naming ever since I was a little girl. Over the years, I've found and developed some favorites that have stuck with me. And now, because of Nameberry, I'm discovering a fun, new way to start collecting my favorites again, either made up by myself, friends or because of exploring this site.
  1. Aislin

    • Description:

      Aislin is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from 'aisling' meaning 'dream' or 'vision.' It's sometimes anglicized as Ashlyn, Ashlynn, or Aislinn. In Irish literary tradition, an aisling was a poetic genre featuring Ireland personified as a woman. The name gained popularity outside Ireland in the late 20th century as interest in Celtic names increased. Aislin combines melodic sounds with meaningful cultural connections, making it appealing to parents seeking names with both beauty and substance. While less common than some other Irish names like Erin or Shannon, it has maintained steady usage particularly in Irish diaspora communities and among those drawn to names with Celtic heritage.
  2. Alixia

    • Description:

      Alixia is a feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variation of Alexia, which derives from Greek origins meaning 'defender' or 'helper.' This alternative spelling gives the traditional name a distinctive, modern flair while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Alixia combines the strength of its Greek roots with a contemporary aesthetic. The name has a pleasing rhythm and exotic quality that sets it apart from more common feminine names. While not among the most popular names, Alixia has gained some usage in recent decades as parents seek names that are recognizable yet unique. The 'x' gives it a stylish, contemporary edge.

  3. Ashling

    • Description:

      Ashling (also spelled Aisling) is a feminine Irish name derived from the Gaelic word "aislinge," meaning "dream" or "vision." In Irish literary tradition, an aisling was a poetic genre involving dream-vision poems where Ireland appeared to the poet as a woman. The name emerged in popularity during the Irish cultural revival of the 20th century and has become increasingly popular among diaspora families seeking to connect with their Irish heritage. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland and Irish communities, Ashling offers a lyrical quality with its soft sounds and meaningful heritage. The name represents imagination, hope, and the mystical aspects of Irish cultural tradition.

  4. AURIONA
    • BRAUNSTON
      • Briony

        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Bryony

        • Meaning:

          "to sprout"

        • Description:

          Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Still unusual in the U.S., Briony is in the British Top 100 and may appeal to parents as a fresh spin on Briana or Brittany or an honorific for a Brian, though it bears no relationship to the male name.
      • Cadence

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "rhythm, beat"

        • Description:

          The musical word name Cadence, seemed to come out of nowhere to zoom up the charts; it rose over 700 spots between 2002 and 2004, and showed up in the Top 200 in 2007. It's gone down in the popular names list since then, though. Some might see it as a feminine relative of the popular Caden. Kadence and Kaydence are also rising.
      • Calder

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "rocky water"

        • Description:

          Artistic associations with the sculptor who invented the mobile make this one of the more creative surname choices.
      • Ember

        • Origin:

          French variation of Amber

        • Description:

          Unlike Amber, which is in decline, this name still has a bit of a glow left -- though confusions between the two will inevitably arise.
      • Everly

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "wild boar in woodland clearing"

        • Description:

          Sweet and stylish, with a sporty, energetic undertone, Everly is a name that ticks lots of boxes.
      • Greyson

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "son of the steward"

        • Description:

          Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child in The Nanny Diaries is Grayer, and actor Tyler Christopher opted for the unusual spelling of Greysun for his son. Some parents are considering Grayson -- or Gracen or Gracyn -- for girls as an androgynous spin on Grace.
      • Hazel

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "the hazelnut tree"

        • Description:

          Hazel has a pleasantly hazy, brownish-green-eyed, old-fashioned image that more and more parents are choosing to share. Former Old Lady name Hazel reentered the popularity lists in 1998 and now is near the top of the charts.
      • INKKA
        • Jordan

          • Origin:

            English from Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "flowing down"

          • Description:

            Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.
        • Karen

          • Origin:

            Danish variation of Katherine

          • Meaning:

            "pure"

          • Description:

            Karen is a Danish diminutive of Katherine, an English name derived from the Greek Aikaterine. The etymology of Aikaterine is contested, but generally considered to have arisen from the Greek root katharos, meaning "pure." Kaja is a related name, as it is another Danish variation of Katherine.
        • Keaton

          • Origin:

            English

          • Meaning:

            "shed town"

          • Description:

            Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Although rare as a first name, a young Keaton would fit right in with classmates Keenan and Kellen.
        • KELISE
          • Kira

            • Origin:

              Russian feminine variation of Cyrus

            • Meaning:

              "throne"

            • Description:

              Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
          • Kyler

            • Origin:

              Dutch

            • Meaning:

              "victory of the people"

            • Description:

              Kyler was once a creative solution for 90s parents who enjoyed the sounds of Kyle and Tyler but didn't want to use anything so popular. Now a well-established name on the US charts, it is given to more than 1000 babies every year.
          • Phaedra

            • Origin:

              Greek

            • Meaning:

              "bright"

            • Description:

              This name of a tragic figure in Greek mythology, the daughter of King Minos, sister of Ariadne and wife of Theseus, has a mysterious and intriguing appeal, and would make a dramatic choice.