Names That Mean New and New Beginnings

  1. Newton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "new town"
    • Description:

      Named after Isaac. Or Wayne.
  2. Aroa
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "era, time"
    • Description:

      Part of a group of lovely A-starting names popular in Spain, along with Ainhoa and Aitana. Spanish actress Aroa Gimeno introduced this one.
  3. Phyllida
    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Phyllis
    • Meaning:

      "green bough"
    • Description:

      Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.
  4. Verdi
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "green"
    • Description:

      This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.
  5. Gen
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "spring"
    • Description:

      Commonly used in Japan, and so much more distinguished than Jen.
  6. Tempo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "time"
    • Description:

      An offbeat word name referring to the speed of a piece of music.
  7. Asier
    • Origin:

      Basque
    • Meaning:

      "the beginning"
    • Description:

      This Basque name is quite popular in Spain, where it has long been in the Top 100 names. This is likely due to its pleasant meaning; the sound, dignified in Spanish and Basque, may not fare so well in English-speaking countries.
  8. Ulan
    • Origin:

      Filipino
    • Meaning:

      "rain"
    • Description:

      Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from uhlan meaning "cavalry, lancer".
  9. Odion
    • Origin:

      Esan
    • Meaning:

      "first born of twins"
    • Description:

      Strong name from the Esan language of Nigeria, with a satisfyingly specific meaning for a child's place in the family.
  10. Javiera
    • Origin:

      Spanish, feminine form of Javier, Spanish version of Xavier
    • Meaning:

      "new house, bright"
    • Description:

      Javiera, pronounced ha-vee-AIR-a, is not as well used as twin brother JAVIER, but makes an attractive Latina choice.
  11. Tempo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "time"
    • Description:

      An offbeat word name referring to the speed of a piece of music.
  12. Rabia
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "spring"
    • Description:

      Thought to be one of the ten angels who accompanies the sun on its daily course: a lovely image redolent of mythology. If you're looking for names that mean new beginnings, this makes an unusual and evocative choice.

  13. Newlyn
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "new pond"
    • Description:

      Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.
  14. Viridienne
    • Origin:

      Latin via French
    • Meaning:

      "green"
    • Description:

      This French version of Viridiana and Viridis lacks the charm of similar and more familiar French names like Vivienne and Adrienne.
  15. Idona
    • Origin:

      Variation of Idony, Norse
    • Meaning:

      "love again, renewal"
    • Description:

      Idony is the Norse goddess of springtime and eternal youth, and this variation is both rare and straightforward, a winning combination.
  16. Bahaar
    • Origin:

      Persian, Turkish, Kurdish
    • Meaning:

      "spring"
    • Description:

      This popular Muslim name would more easily translate to English-speaking cultures in its Bahar form.
  17. Primula
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "first rose"
    • Description:

      Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.
  18. Raanan
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "fresh, luxuriant"
    • Description:

      This strong name and its variations are well used in Israel.
  19. Svale
    • Origin:

      Norway
    • Meaning:

      "swallow (bird) or cool/fresh"
    • Description:

      In Norway, Svale is also used as a short form of the rare name Svalaug/Svanlaug, meaning "swan oath". Svale is also a more modern form of Svali, meaning "cool, fresh".
  20. Rishona
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "first"
    • Description:

      A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.