Dog Names That Mean Freedom

An undiscovered Persian gem that's zippy, short and sweet. It is used in Iran and neighboring countries as a first name and a family name. The British actress Afshan Azad played Parvati Patil in the Harry Potter movies.

So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.

A pet form of Karl, the form of Carl used throughout Scandinavia.

An evocative ancient word that's used as a first name in the New Testament, among other places. It's also the name of an eagle-shaped constellation.

A sweet (literally) and rare nickname for Charlotte. Lollie would also work as a short form of other names with a strong L sound, such as Elizabeth, Lauren, Lola, Lorelei, and Louisa.

This would make an interesting South American heritage choice. One famous bearer was Quispe Sisa, an Inca princess in the 16th century. It is also a surname.

Cute diminutive of Francisca.

One of the most attractive and unusual spins on the "Fran" franchise.

The jazziest nickname for Charles.

That double a invests the old Arthur nickname with fresh life.

A surname name, most popularly associated with actor Heston, has a blue-blooded ring to it. Charlton is also a more unusual pathway to evergreen nickname Charlie.

Solemn but soaring name with patriotic symbolism.

Liber was the name of the Roman god of wine, freedom, and male fertility. It is etymologically linked to the word "libation," referring to the ritual practice of sharing drinks.

Properly spelled Özgür, this is a familiar unisex name and surname in Turkey, though little-known in the rest of the world. The pronunciation is not far removed from Oscar, which could be a helpful reference point or cause confusion.

Carleton has a great meaning behind it, and should really have more popularity than it has found to date. You can shorten it to Carl or keep it upscale and formal in the longer form. Baseball Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk lends the name some sporty credentials, while American artist Carleton Wiggins confirms this name's Victorian earnestness.

Cherokee name that honors the eagle, a sacred symbol in Native American culture.

Retro nickname for Charles that has the potential for revival, a la Hal, Ike, and Gus.

Old fashioned nickname that some girls just might be able to pull off. You'd just have to be sure your little Fancy was one of them.

In Roman mythology, Libera was the female equivalent of the god Liber. She would eventually become assimilated into the goddess Prosperina.

When Frankie meets Brooklyn, what happens? You get Franklin, a Presidential name used almost exclusively for boys up until now. But parents who want an out-of-the-box long form for popular nickname Frankie might consider this.