Gold and Silver Names

A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.

This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.

Spelling variant of Arianwen. Note that in Welsh, the -wyn suffix is usually masculine.

Aurelia is an ancient Roman name that's become a surprise hit in the contemporary world. A top favorite on Nameberry, it reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 70-year absence and continues to climb.

A handsome alternative to Adrian or Dorian, derived from the Latin word aurum "gold".

Cressida is a pretty mythological and Shakespearean heroine name much better known in Britain than it is here — an imbalance the adventurous baby namer might want to correct.

A gilded name that calls to mind the legendary lost city of El Dorado, the promise of which drew conquistadors into the rainforests and mountains of South America. But the mythical city has never been found.

An unusual old school name which is made more modern by that fashionable El- beginning.

More Sadie than Sadie, this old canasta player--somewhat modernized and energized by Goldie Hawn--looks like it could be making a comeback. It was recently chosen for her daughter by Ione Skye and Ben Lee, as well as by shoemeister Steve Madden.

Feminine form of Ophir, a Biblical place name famed for its riches.

Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.

This stunning name originates from Cambodia with a radiant and luxurious meaning. Sovanna is distinct and certainly unique, but feels in line with popular choices like Sophia and Savannah.

Derived from Persian zarin "golden", Zarina is a strong and sparkling name used in multiple languages, including Kazakh, Urdu and Malay. It was the name of an ancient Scythian queen, and also sounds very close to the Russian tsarina or czarina – the pre-revolutionary term for an empress of Russia.