Names That Mean Friend or Friendly

Oprah's almost mononymic first name is too closely tied to her personality (and brand) for us to recommend it as a baby name in good faith. Her surname, however, is definitely name-worthy. Winfrey works as a modern update to Whitney, with the added bonus of being associated with one of the most influential women of our time.

The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.

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

Faunia is more often rendered as Fauna, who was a Roman goddess of fertility, women and healing. Faunia was the downtrodden yet loving heroine of Philip Roth's Human Stain. Faunia and Fauna have more gravitas than the doe-like Fawn.

This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.

Friendly option: has also been defined as "drinking companion".

Definitely a far stretch for any child.

In Greek Mythology, Herophile was Aphrodite and Poseidon's daughter and a sibyl who predicted the fall of Troy.

Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.

Amice is a name that was used in the Middle Ages but has fallen out of use now. It seems completely suited for modern life, though, with a pronunciation that's like Alice wth an m.