Dog Names That Mean Miracle

A nice meaning -- congruent with the recent vogue for names like Blessing -- helps offset this Hawaiian name's proximity to overused Makayla and McKenzie.

The power of the popular ella sound is sapped in this cross-cultural choice.

Izya is a unisex Russian nickname. For boys, it's a short form for Isaak and Isidor, the variations of Isaac and Isidore used in Russia. The A ending will make Izya read as a feminine name to English speakers.

Feodora is an interesting choice for the intrepid name giver, especially with its dynamic nickname, Feo (pronounced FAY-oh).

A pretty name with that fashionable V intitial, little known outside of Latvia.

Armenian variation of Theodore.

Although it's a traditional male name in the Middle East, Ata has a more feminine read in the US.

Addai is derived from Thaddai, the original Aramaic form of Thaddeus. We prefer this derivative to Thad, which is twice as common.

Thoroughly masculine in Central Europe, although it may be misconstrued as a feminine name in English-speaking countries.

This Arabic name, which can be used for either boys or girls, can also mean "wide-eyed" in the sense of someone who is studious and perceptive. Ayaan is most familiar to people in the West from its connection to Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali women's right activist.

Diminutive of Matthijs, the Dutch form of Matthew.

Derived from the Hebrew words shai, meaning "gift," and li, "mine." The Shaily variation is more common in Israel and the US.

One of the most unusual of the "iah" names, it comes with the appealing and usable nickname Zev.

The most popular variation of this Biblical name is Mateo, which has now surpassed the classic Matthew. Matteo is not far behind, and other variations are rising fast as well. Mateos is a variation used throughout Ethiopia that has yet to make it to the Western world, despite its super cool sound and wide appeal.

Somali and East African form of Hiba.

Commonly found in France — you're more likely to meet a Matthias in the US.

Marvel is rising for both sexes, and this cheerful, melodic variation could appeal too.