Names That Mean Friend

Goodwin — which is mostly seen as a last name — comes from the long-forgotten given name Godwine. Godwine was a relatively common name in medieval England. It later traveled to Germanic regions in the form of Godwin.

The name of one of the branches of the Great Sioux Nation has a very namelike sound, but is not used as a name by the Lakota people themselves, and could be seen as appropriative.

Diminutive of Alvina, and a cute boyish retro nickname we can see making its way back onto a few birth certificates today.

St Elwen is venerated in Cornwall and Brittany, and lent his name to several regional place names. It is also found as a surname, especially in Norfolk, England.

Sounds elven in every sense of the word.

Native-American feel via similarity to Winona.

Feminine name consistently popular in the Latino community.

One of several similar names well used in the Muslim community.

An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.

An Old French and English name thought to derive from the Germanic elements alah "sanctuary" and win "friend". Variant forms include Alcwin and Alawin.

Ro- names are on the rise — think Roman, Rory, and Rowan — but straightforward and streamlined Row (and Rowe, Roe, and Ro) takes this trend to the next level. The pared-down single syllable gives Row an ultra-cool edge.

Variant form of Khalil common in Turkey.

One step up from Irwin, and that's not nearly enough.

A twist on Darwin with the same friendly meaning. Its lovable-nerd feel is given a cool edge by several football players with the name.

The name of one of the branches of the Great Sioux Nation has a very namelike sound, but is not used as a name by the Lakota people themselves, and could be seen as appropriative.

Variation of Rowena.

Alvin, Melvin, Norvin -- most vin names, except maybe Kevin and Gavin -- are not vinners.

This name of a subtribe in the Great Sioux Nation could make an inventive twist on the overused Dakota.

Gives Corwin a Welsh appearance.