Names That Mean Beautiful

Anglicized spelling of the difficult-to-decipher Gaelic Aoibheann, the name of several Irish princesses, this name rhymes with Steven. Eavan Boland is a distinguished Irish poet who teaches at Stanford University.

This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat.

Blended name sometimes heard in the early decades of the twentieth century.

An eider is a sea duck with extra soft feathers as well as a Basque name with a lovely meaning. Eider is one of the fastest-rising boys' names below the Top 1000. Though theoretically unisex, no baby girls were given the name in 2023.

Alika is a multicultural choice that's far off the beaten track.

Related to Frida but with a softer sound, this name is Old Norse for "fair, beautiful"

Despite its Irish sound, this commonly used word name has usually been confined to Jewish families.

Aoibhinn and its twin name Aoibheann may be popular in Ireland but most English-speakers would find the spelling baffling and the pronunciation impossible to divine. It's ee-van, or se-vin, fitting with the Irish popularity of many names -- Aoife, Eabha, Ava -- with this similar sound.

The name of the character in Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" whom the poet intended as a representation of Queen Elizabeth I. While it will no doubt thrill your daughter's English professor, the addition of the "Bel" to already great Phoebe is on the fussy side.

Lacks the vintage charm of the original Arabella, but with the love for all names Bella, it might appeal to some.

Especially used in Bengal and Bangladesh, Sonali is nowadays considered to mean "golden". Bengali actress Sonali Chowdhury is a notable bearer of this name.

In Turkish, the name is transcribed as Nazlı, with a dotless I.

Any name that means handsome has something going for it, and Nohea may appeal especially due to its proximity to the popular Noah.

This beautiful and fresh name has a timeless meaning. Its popular -eth ending ensures it sits well with traditional names like Judith and Elizabeth, while its uncommon Y beginning makes it a good choice for parents looking for unique baby names. We think this name is a pretty alternative to the tired Yasmin/Yasmeen and the minimalist Yara.

Rhythmic and unusual.

Like Benita, had some popularity in the fifties.

Rupin is one of those names that is virtually unknown in the Western world and yet is easily translated because it feels so familiar -- parts Rupert, Robin, and Reuben. A handsome choice.

Has a decidedly middle-aged image.

Sultry name given added interest by that double 'a'.

In the Bible this was the name of a midwife who helped deliver Moses.