Names That Mean Meaning

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.

An Ancient Greek name now common in Brazil in the Laís form. Two notable Ancient Greek courtesans were named Laïs, along with a first-century midwife.

Actor Henry Golding and his wife Liv Lo named their second daughter Florence Likan. She's named after Henry's mother, Margaret Likan Golding, who is of Iban ancestry. Likan likely has roots in Iban or Malay, although this is unconfirmed. Many sources also attribute Nepali origins to Likan.

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.

This name was brought to the fore by acclaimed Chinese-American novelist and short story writer Gish Jen, whose birth name was Lillian.

An obscure name from medieval Welsh literature (the surreal Arthurian tale The Dream of Rhonabwy). Like many Dyf- names, it may well come from a root meaning "water".

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

Rainara — and variations such as Raynara — is a uniquely Brazilian name with mysterious origins. It may derive from the Germanic name Reynard, meaning "powerful advice".

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

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

It is speculated that this name may derive from Esperanza.

Atia Balba Caesonia was a Roman noblewoman who was the mother of Emperor Augustus. As was the practice at the time, she had two sisters also named Atia, Atia Prima and Atia Tertia. The real-life Atia was reportedly a more worthy personage than the scheming Atia on HBO's "Rome."

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

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

A name of obscure origin, possibly meaning "flow down" or from edrydd, "narration, recital". If you're looking for an "Ed" name that's straighforward and accessible but virtually unknown, this is a contender.

Apronia was the name of a German saint from the 6th century that is virtually unheard of today.

Along with Keilianys, Keylianis is a name found only in Puerto Rico. They may be variations of the Hawaiian name Keilani, meaning "heaven" or "glorious chief."

The original form of the better-known Jocasta. In Greek mythology, Iokaste was the mother and wife of Oedipus.