Red Hot And Fiery Names

A vocabulary word used as a name in many Slavic countries, Iskra means "spark" or "sparkle". It was the name of a revolutionary communist newspaper founded by Lenin in 1900. A famous modern bearer is English model Iskra Lawrence.

An unusual Biblical name with modern appeal, borne by the father of Gideon, a king of Judah, and a son of King Ahab of Israel.

Kakyuu was adapted to a name for the character Princess Kakyuu of the Sailor Moon franchise. Kakyuu translates to "fireball," and is not a given name in Japan.

Kalama is a rare-yet-accessible Hawaiian name you may want to consider. Since President Obama put the spotlight on Hawaii and Hawaiian names such as that of his daughter Malia, a choice such as Kalama -- unusual, rhythmic, yet easy-to-apprehend -- seems more possible for the world at large.

This lovely, rhythmic Hindu nature name relates to the mythical Kalinda Mountains, from which a sacred river flows.

A Japanese name with real firepower, Kasai could be a name that's going places. It's a well-kept secret — for now — but Kasai is on the rise as parents search for alternatives to names like Kai and co.

Hawaiian names are having a moment, and this one, despite its strong meaning, is relatively undiscovered. The pronunciation may not be immediately obvious, but it didn't hurt Keanu Reeves.

In many minds this one belongs to Barbie, but with such positive meanings and international connections, can Ken make the transition to usability again?

Kenneth may have lost much of its luster now, but Kenneth has had its moments of glory. The first king of Scotland was Kenneth, and Sir Kenneth, a Christian crusader, was the hero of the Sir Walter Scott novel The Talisman.

Kindle is riding on the coattails of Kendall and co with its on-trend sounds. As a word, it has an inspirational meaning, but its secondary modern-day meaning — as an Amazon brand of tablets — gives it a branded quality.

Though it sounds like a modern invention, Kiran is a traditional Hindu name from India; chosen for her son by actress Kelli Williams. Author Kiran Desai is a woman and this name, which bears a resemblance to both the Irish (male) Kieran and the fifties favorite Karen, certainly works as well for a girl.

In Nepal, India and Pakistan, Kiran is used for both boys and girls - as can be seen from internationally acclaimed (female) author Kiran Desai and (male) Nepali soccer player Kiran Chemjong. Nepali-American Fox news anchor Kiran Chetry is another famous, female bearer of this name. With its light-filled meaning, and similarity to names such as Kieran and Karen, this name works well outside Asia.

Lainie is a nickname for Elaine that has been in the public eye via Lainie Kazan (that was her full given name), who was a popular singer in the 1960s and 1970s (she was Barbra Streisand's understudy in "Funny Girl"), and then became a motherly character actress. We still find Lainie a bit flimsy for a full first name.

A rare Finnish word name with a fiery meaning.

Derived from the Irish M'Aodh Óg, making it a relative of Aidan. Saint Máedóc (also known as Áedán) of Ferns was a 7th-century Irish bishop.

An elegant and fluid Arabic name that casts a brilliant light. Mashal is most commonly used among Muslim families in countries such as Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but has hopped in and out of the US charts since 1990. At peak usage, Mashal was given to 12 American baby girls in 1995.

One of numerous usable Irish and Scottish surnames starting with Mac and Mc, this is the real McCoy. McCoy Tyner, the well-known jazz pianist, is one of the few to use this very cool name. Bonus: Nickname Mac.

English speakers might want to pronounce this lovely name like the familiar Mary or Merry, but the correct Persian pronunciation includes the h -- meh-ree.

This popular name in various Slavic countries and in Italy holds considerable Continental appeal. It is the full name of Ukranian-born actress Mila Kunis, most noted for her award-winning role in the film Black Swan. Another actress bearing the name is Milena Govitch, of Law & Order.