Names That Mean Beloved

Star Wars fans may know the lore behind the origin of the word and the concept Jedi well enough to confidently choose their name for their child. It has to do with balancing the forces of the universe.

Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.

Maori form of Mary

This traditional Arabic name, found throughout several other Middle Eastern and African languages and cultures, is one of the 99 names of Allah. Colorful and energetic, it was brought into the realm of crossover possibility via the lively personality of Aziz Ansari, stand-up comic and star of "Master of None" as well as a featured actor on "Parks and Recreation," playing cocky Tom Haverford (born Darwish Sabir Ismael Gani).

Variant of Mariella

A pretty and little-known Spanish smoosh name, combining Maria with Celia.

Russian, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian form of the classic Maria sure to cause a lifetime of spelling questions and pronunciation mistakes.

Frilly but undeniably beautiful. The meaning of Mary is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Taffy, in addition to being a diminutive of Dafydd, is a slang term for Welsh people in general – probably from the River Taff. Too candy-like to be used in the US.

Variant of Annemarie

An intriguing variation of classic Mary that could act as a more inherently feminine alternative to the rising unisex Micah.

Dariel is one of many similar forms and variations of different names—Dara, Dariela, Daria and Darya—that are all unusual and pretty if not quite authentic-feeling.

Armas is an antiquated Finnish word with a loving meaning and a straightforward spelling and pronunciation. A rare name with potential.

Variant of Marybeth

Adds a modern spin to old-fashioned Mary.

Modern Hebrew spelling (and pronunciation) of the biblical Jedidiah, another name of King Solomon.

A captivating and sprightly name brought into the limelight by actress Thandiwe Newton.

Marilee is one of the cheeriest – if least substantial – combinations of Mary with another name.

Variant of Maribel

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