Names That Mean Great

Magni is a powerful name from Norse mythology: he’s the son of Thor and the giant Járnsaxa. A more modern variant is Magne, which is currently climbing fast in Denmark.

An energetic Igbo name belonging to several sports stars, notably American basketball player Emeka Okafor. It can also be short for Chukwuemeka.

Volodymyr, once a name unknown to most Americans, is now on everyone's lips due to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy bears a common Ukrainian name for his generation. Currently in Ukraine, the most popular baby names for boys are Maksym (Максим), Ivan (Іван), and Matviy (Матвій). The more fashionable Vlad- name for babies is Vladyslav, although President Zelenskyy may soon be a namesake for an influx of infants named in honor of his heroism.

Despite appearances, Ismenia does not seem to be related to Greek Ismene ("knowledge"). Instead, one possible derivation is from Celtic elements meaning "excellent" and "treasure".

An adjective name that probably won't be used for a baby born in the UK. Short-form Brit is reminiscent of the late 20th-century favorite, Brittany.

Rosmerta is a Gallo-Roman goddess of fertility, abundance, and prosperity, often depicted holding a cornucopia. In the Harry Potter books, Madame Rosmerta is the landlady of the Three Broomsticks pub in the wizarding village of Hogsmeade.

Alternative form of Emony

A big name to bestow upon a baby, but in line with word names that are becoming increasingly fashionable, such as Legend, Miracle, and Royal.

Often shortened to Emeka, as in basketball player Emeka Okafor.

A classic Gaelic name, but too hoary to be a hit here.

An energetic Japanese name that would make for an on-trend choice in the English-speaking world. Especially appropriate for a first-born son.

A joyful meaning and an appealing international name.

The name of a High Priest in the Hebrew Bible.

A name from ancient legend: Amlodd (also spelled Amlawdd) Wledig is recorded as being an early British chieftain. Some sources name him as the father of Igraine, the mother of King Arthur. It has been co-opted as a suitable fantasy-sounding name into the online game Runescape.

Diminutive of Welsh Maredudd, the original (masculine) form of Meredith.

The Turkish transcription of Kubra, most often used on baby girls in the Muslim community.

Might be asking for trouble, especially when your son reaches the Terrible Twos.