Names That Mean Meaning

Short but punchy — Ayyo would make a cool and unusual choice as -o ending boy names become more and more stylish.

St Briac was an Irish saint who arrived in Northern France in the 6th century and gave his name to the small commune of Saint-Briac-sur-Mer in Brittany. The name is thought to be related to Brian, though it may be a completely separate name stemming from the Celtic word "bruaich" meaning "steep hill". Briac definitely brings a fresh continental feel and would be a good choice for those who would like a name with both French and Irish connections

Dutch model Iekeliene Stange is a famous bearer of this one-of-a-kind name. Its meaning is unknown, but it may be a combo name formed from Ieke + the common suffix -liene.

A name from medieval romance. Amlyn ac Amig is the Welsh version of Amis et Amiles, a French moral tale of friends in Charlemagne's court. The name itself is gentle and straightforward, although the "lyn" ending may feel more feminine to current tastes.

A deity in Berber (North African) and Greek mythology, Tinja or Tinjis was a Libyan queen and wife of King Antaeus.

An obscure medieval saint's name with a smooth liquid sound. The Latin version is Andeolus.

A rare, but certainly usable, Japanese name from the manga series Vampire Knight.

It is speculated that this name may derive from Esperanza.

The name of a high-born ancient Roman matrona who led a dramatic life--she was said to have had an affair with Julius Caesar--is similar to LUCIA, but not as attractive.

In Cornish legend, Beryan was a princess who could heal the sick. There is also a Cornish village on the coast called Veryan.

Hiam is best known as the name of Hiam Abbass — a Palestinian actress and director currently in Succession.

One supermodel name--that of the Lithuanian Egle Tvirbutaite--which is far from as beautiful to American ears as she is.

A surname-sounding Armenian name that might not make a very smooth transition into American culture.

Common in the German-speaking region of Switzerland

An attractive one-of-a-kind option for a girl — Zinara has never been given to more than four American baby girls in a single year.

Jinthe is a Frisian name common in the Netherlands, but rarely seen beyond its borders.

Modwenna is the name of a medieval Irish saint who, according to legend, founded Burton Abbey on the River Trent, site of many miracles. Saint Modwenna, also called Modwen, made a pilgrimage to Rome with fellow well-named nuns Lazar and Althea, and died in Scotland at the reported age of 130. As if that wasn't enough, Modwenna raised another saint with another interesting name, Osyth