Names That Mean Water

Popular Spanish name that relates to the patron saint of Mexico. It could conceivably, like Soledad and Consuelo, cross the border into multicultural territory, but the name's decline since the nineties would seem to make that less likely.

Many Americans will misunderstand it as Maya, but Maayan (also stylized as Ma'ayan) is a popular Israeli name used for both sexes.

Sprightly.

Stiff and formal surname. Try Roone instead.

Dark.

This popular Indian name is heard in the US. Bollywood actor Akshay Khanna has a son named Arnav.

In the Bible, daughter of King Saul and wife of King David.

One of the new color names that is catching on, invoking a calm, blue-green-sea feeling.

Cool, serene name of the Egyptian river can make a fresh choice for a girl. The origin of river name Nile relates to the Arabic and ancient Hebrew word for dark blue or indigo; in ancient Egyptian, its literal meaning is river.

Swam into style and quickly out again, on Chad's fish- er, coat-tails.

An offbeat way to get to Gwen.

This Hawaiian name gracefully celebrates the force of nature, paying tribute to the ocean. If you're looking for unique names that mean ocean, this should be on your short list.

Most closely associated with famed English novelist George Orwell (whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair), this English surname is now occasionally sported as a literary first name. Given its meaning, Orwell could also be used by those looking for a more subtle alternative to River.

Traditionally a male name, Leith now can make a highly unusual, strong but soft, and intriguing girls' possibility.

Duna refers the Hungarian word for the Danube River or to the Icelandic term for the down of a duck. Duna also bears a resemblance to both Dune and Djuna. In this era of word names and invented names, Duna may have a bright future.

River is rising as a new favorite name, and names of rivers are also increasingly used for our child.

A male character in The Chronicles of Narnia, but could conceivably be used for a girl.

This Indian name would make the perfect choice for those looking for a strong water-based name. A variation which may seem more immediately masculine to the English-speaking ear is Varun. The feminine version is Varuni, who was Varuna's consort.

Zenebe is an appealing name well-used in Ethiopia but rarely heard outside its native land. But it translates easily into English and Zen makes for a cool and attractive nickname. A winning choice for those looking for an African boys' names that bridges cultures.

A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.