Calico Cat Names

In fashion limbo with Anita and Juanita.

Strong and simple Arabic name popular in the UK.

Rhythmic name with both religious and geographical ties, commonly heard in Latin countries.

An attractive name that's uncommon even in its native Finland. Onneli ja Anneli is a Finnish children's movie translated to English as Jill and Joy, although the names are unrelated.

Variation of Irune.

Unisex Japanese name used by the singer Thalia as her daughter Sabrina's middle.

Brimming over with a sense of good fortune. Could make a little girl feel very lucky.

There are several fine Ben-beginning boy's names, such as BENJAMIN and BENEDICT, but girls names like this and BENJAMINA don't fare as well.

A unique New Age possibility with a pleasing sound.

While Kamran is a common boys' name in Iran and Turkey, among other countries, if used in the US it will more likely be a respelling of Cameron, a unisex name which sounds exactly the same as Kamran. Due to cultural misunderstandings, we'd advise using the Kamran spelling only if you mean to select the Persian boys' name, not as a "creative" form of Cameron for either gender.

Pretty, zippy and almost unknown, this Italian name would suit a third child.

A sweet and simple nickname for Marie that could serve to freshen up the outdated full form.

Navy, Indigo, Sky, Ocean, and Sapphire already rank as current US favorites, and Demin is another shade of blue that's on the rise. With the stylish, sturdy, and versatile feel of the fabric it denotes, Denim could be an unexpected route to nickname Demi, or a surprising color name that strands out from Scarlett or Hazel.

A unisex name used among the Urhobo people of Southern Nigeria.

Edmee is an antiquated name easily mistaken for the more popular Esme, but it is in fact a separate name, related to Edmé, a French diminutive of Edmund. In the classic French novel by Colette,Cheri, Edmee is the name of the young women Cheri (who is a male) marries. In French, it would typically be spelled Edmée and was popular in the early 20th century.

Not to be confused with Euphoria, Euporia was the Greek goddess of abundance.

Woody Allen introduced us to the name Zelig as the ever-morphing title character of his 1983 film. Zelig does have an upbeat meaning, and nickname Zelie makes it accessible for a girl, though it's an undeniably quirky choice for either gender.

Most likely to be borne by a spotted cat or dog.

Richenza is a medieval European name borne by a number of Polish and Swedish royals throughout history. The variation Richeza was used with similar frequency. Rixa was a common short form. Richenza is derived from the same Germanic root as Richard and could be used to honor one in your life.