Names That Mean Meaning

Very rarely used for girls, but New York socialite Kelly Bensimon and photographer Gilles Bensimon gave it to their youngest daughter in 2000.

The Islamic prophet Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca, now known as the holiest city in Islam. Officially called Makkah al-Mukarramah, or Makkah, it is located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Millions of Muslims from across the world make a pilgrimage there each year, while Non-Muslims are understandably not allowed inside the city.

Unusual name associated with gorgeous Swedish-Norwegian single-named model.

Singer Shania Twain is said to have chosen this name, pronounced as Asia, for her son to honor her father's Native-American culture.

A pretty and wearable option with traditional Choctaw roots.

An interesting single-syllable name pronounced brahsh.

The exact meaning of Yrsa has been lost to history, but theorists have come up with two possible explanations. The first, more likely option, is that Yrsa is a younger variant of the name Ýrr, meaning "mad" or "furious" or "wild". The other theory is based on Yrsa's similarities to Ursa, Latin for "bear", and suggests Yrsa comes from an Old Norse word that means "she-bear".

This cousin of the male Murray is one of the best-used modern In all its forms, one of the most classic Scottish names for girls, as is the somewhat similar Mirran.

A beautiful African name which can also lead to the always-wearable "Addy" nickname.

The Polynesian place name Tahiti was given to the island by its natives, although the origins of this name have been lost to history. Tahiti was once a Polynesian kingdom, but today is a part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

A popular name in India, several famous Indian women carry this sweet sounding name.

Djimon has become a familiar African name via powerful Benin-born, Oscar-nominated actor Djimon Hounsou.

Menna is used regularly in Wales in modern times. Its origins are uncertain: perhaps created by a poet, or possibly connected with the Menai Strait that separates the island of Anglesey from mainland Wales. Either way, it's pretty, straightforward, and honor Welsh heritage without screaming it.

Male name in Choctaw culture.

The exact etymology of Nevo is unknown, but it is the name of a mountain in Jordan — the one where Moses looked upon the promised land for the first time and the last place he saw before his death.

A name found in 16th century marriage records, but still manages to sound like a modern, made-up elaboration of MERRY.

Feminine name consistently popular in the Latino community.

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. The name is usually used for girls.

An ancient Roman name, lost to time.

A traditional female name in the Choctaw tradition.