Names That Mean Wise, Intelligent, and Smart

Move over Maia, Mia and Mara - there's a new melodious M name on the block! Maiara has a great meaning and a soft flowing sound which fits in with current trends.

Interesting Native-American choice that could be taken for Greek.

This name of a famous ancient Roman jurist is sometimes heard in the Hispanic community.

Truly offbeat, but just on the brink of outré.

The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.

Part of the next generation of preppy H-beginning surnames. Once Harrison, Hudson, and Holden are no longer fresh, expect to hear more little boys being called Hughes, Hutch, and Henderson on the playground.

Aatos is currently popular among baby boys in Finland.

Years ago we might have said that this name was unthinkable, but with old-fashioned names being so popular right now (consider Atticus, Leonidas, Arthur, Jasper, Augustus etc) what's to stop Cuthbert from becoming more wearable? Bertie is a cute (and very fashionable) nickname option for this grand old name.

Literary Indian choice, best known here via acclaimed writer Ved Mehta, who lost his sight at the age of four.

A li'l hell-raiser name in the Ryder-Rogue-Rebel vein.

Almost unknown in the western world, Gyan comes from a Sanskrit word for knowledge. It may appeal to parents looking for a name influenced by eastern philosophy, like Bodhi or Zen.

Hugh plus.

A new, hyper-intelligent word name that first appeared on the charts in 2008.

Looking for a strong girls' name that is based on brains rather than looks? Consider Vidya, a name popular throughout Asia, which is connected to the Hindu goddess Sarasvati, who is thought to purify, empower, and uplift the individual. It looks like the name has some power - Vidya Balan is a noted Indian actress who through her portrayal of strong female characters is considered to be an important catalyst for changing the way that women are represented in Indian film.

This name belongs to the eponymous heroine of Rossini's opera; 'Zelmira' (1822) about a (fictional) princess of Lesbos who saves her father and husband and her kingdom.

Seanan and its more-popular variation Senan are connected to the Latin word "senator" and are ancient saints' names, but may also be thought of as diminutives of Sean, the Irish form of John, given that the suffix "an" is an Irish diminutive meaning "little". Virtually unknown in the US, it might appeal as an update for the no-longer-stylish Sean.

Unusual alternative to Roman, chosen for his son by Matthew Modine.

One of the 99 names of Allah, according to Islamic tradition.

As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.