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Character Names

  1. Pandora

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "all gifted"

    • Description:

      Pandora has occasionally been used by the British gentry (for girls with brothers who might be called Peregrine) and is now starting to be heard in the US too: It was given to 34 baby girls last year.
  2. Briony

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Bryony, English, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "to sprout, to swell"

    • 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. Melodic and bright, it was once a Top 400 name in the UK back in the 90s but has since fallen out of favor, as has Bryony.
  3. Gail

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, short form of Abigail

    • Meaning:

      "my father rejoices"

    • Description:

      Gail was a mid-twentieth century favorite, which has been far surpassed by its original form, Abigail and nickname Abby. Spelling variations include Gale and Gayle, the latter represented by TV journalist and Oprah bestie Gayle King. Gail was most popular in the 1950s, when it was in the Top 40, and could rise again, possibly as a middle.
  4. Todd

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fox"

    • Description:

      A 1970s beach boy surfing buddy of Scott, Brad, and Chad, Todd is given to relatively few babies these days.
  5. Zipporah

    • Origin:

      Variation of Tziporah, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      There are many variations of this name, with or without the initial T and the final h, with one p or two. In the Bible she was the wife of Moses.
  6. Elani

    • Origin:

      Modern variation of Alani, Eleni, Ilana, or Eliana, Hawaiian, Greek, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "orange tree; shining light, torch; tree; my God has answered"

    • Description:

      Melodic and stylish, Elani blends the lani ending of Hawaiian names like Alani, Kalani and Leilani, with the sounds and beginning of choices like the Hebrew Eliana, the Greek Eleni, and the classic Eleanor.

      The name entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2024, coming in at #989. Given to 260 girls, it might be one to watch out for.
  7. Zebulon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "exaltation or little dwelling"

    • Description:

      An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb.
  8. Nerina

    • Description:

      Nerina is a feminine name of Italian origin derived from Nereus, the ancient Greek sea god known as the "Old Man of the Sea." The name literally means "from the sea" or "sea nymph," evoking images of water, mystery, and natural beauty. In Italian poetry, particularly works by Jacopo Sannazaro, Nerina appeared as a poetic name for a shepherdess, adding literary and pastoral associations. The name has maintained steady popularity in Italy and has gained modest international recognition. Nerina features a melodious sound pattern typical of Italian names, with its flowing rhythm and soft ending. The aquatic meaning appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names, while its Italian roots give it a touch of Mediterranean elegance and sophistication.
  9. Esteban

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Stephen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"

    • Description:

      One of several Latino favorites on U. S. popularity list, Esteban sounds solid and strong. Esteban has ranked among the US Top 500 names for boys for half a century now, making it a familiar name that successfully crosses cultures.
  10. Kyrie

    • Origin:

      Short form of Kyra or Greek

    • Meaning:

      "Lord"

    • Description:

      Kyrie elieson is one of the oldest religious refrains, meaning Lord, have mercy. As a first name, though, Kyrie is less a name of God and more a nickname-name that might be short for Kyra or a diminutive that stands on its own, a la Kylie. The best-known Kyrie is the male basketball player Kyrie Irving, who pronounces the first syllable to rhyme with my rather than fear. He has inspired more than 1000 baby boys to be given this name one recent year in the US, while it was given to 178 baby girls. Impressive numbers.
  11. Trenton

    • Origin:

      English, place-name

    • Meaning:

      "Trent's town"

    • Description:

      There's only one Trenton, New Jersey, but it's a widely used name, more for its fashionable -on ending than the reference to the city. Since 2007, however, Trenton has been on a steady decline. Trenten is another popular spelling.
  12. Francisca

    • Origin:

      Spanish, Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Spanish and Portuguese form of Frances or Francesca
  13. Flavian

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "yellow hair"

    • Description:

      A Latin clan name that may rise again along with other things Roman.
  14. Astrea

    • Description:

      Astrea derives from Greek mythology, where Astraea was the goddess of justice, purity, and innocence. The name means 'star-maiden' or 'starry one' in Greek, reflecting its celestial origins. It embodies qualities of righteousness and divine justice. While never extremely common, Astrea has attracted parents seeking a distinctive celestial name with mythological depth. The name has maintained a steady, if rare, presence in the English-speaking world, appealing to those who appreciate its classical heritage and ethereal quality. As astronomical and mythological names have grown in popularity, Astrea offers a sophisticated alternative to more common celestial names.
  15. Ajamu

    • Origin:

      Nigerian, Yoruban

    • Meaning:

      "he fights for his desires"

    • Description:

      Rhythmic name sometimes associated with calypso singer King Ajamu.
  16. Quentyn

    • Description:

      Quentyn is a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of Quentin, which derives from the Latin name Quintinus, meaning 'fifth.' This alternative spelling adds distinctiveness to the traditional name while maintaining its historical connections. The 'y' substitution follows a trend in contemporary naming that seeks to personalize classic names with unique orthography. Quentyn has gained some recognition through its use in popular culture, notably as a character name in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. While less common than the standard Quentin spelling, Quentyn appeals to parents seeking a name with historical depth but a more modern presentation. The name conveys strength and individuality, with a slight medieval or fantasy-literature quality that sets it apart from more conventional names.
  17. Rebecka

    • Description:

      Rebecka is a Scandinavian and Eastern European variant spelling of Rebecca, a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' This spelling is particularly common in Sweden, Poland, and other northern European countries, where the 'ck' combination better represents the pronunciation in those languages. The biblical Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. While the traditional 'Rebecca' spelling remains more common in English-speaking countries, Rebecka offers a subtle European flair. The name has maintained steady popularity throughout the centuries, appreciated for its combination of historical significance, pleasant sound, and feminine qualities. Rebecka conveys an image of beauty, wisdom, and strength with a touch of international character.

  18. Kayleen

    • Description:

      Kayleen is a feminine name with Irish and American origins, created as a modern variation of Kathleen or a combination of the popular Kay and the suffix -leen. The name carries the meaning 'pure' or 'slim and fair' from its Kathleen roots. Emerging in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, Kayleen exemplifies the trend toward creating unique variations of traditional names. The name has a melodic quality with its long 'ay' sound followed by the soft ending. While never reaching top ranking status, Kayleen appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive, offering a more elaborate alternative to Kay while maintaining its friendly, approachable quality.

  19. Aloysia

    • Description:

      Aloysia is a feminine name with Latin roots, serving as the female form of Aloysius, which derived from the Old German name Chlodovech (modern Ludwig or Louis), meaning 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' With a rich European heritage, Aloysia has been used particularly in Catholic communities, owing to the veneration of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga. The name carries an elegant, classical quality with its flowing vowels and distinctive sound. While never among the most common names in English-speaking countries, it has maintained consistent usage, especially in families with German, Italian, or Spanish heritage. Aloysia offers the appealing nickname options of Loy, Loysi, or Isa.
  20. Halyn