Names with Inspirational Meanings

In the language of the Ngurelban people, 'Yera-o' is said to mean "joyful". This Anglicization is reminiscent of other feminine nameslike Eulalia and could work well for those looking for a less familiar choice.

Despite its virtuous meaning, Fergall - along with the more standard spellings Fergal, Ferghal and Fearghal - has never made it across the ocean. In the States, Fergall is a rare yet pronounceable name with strong ties to Ireland. In its native land, it's been worn for over a thousand years by everyone from chieftains to poets to sportsmen, and still appears steadily in birth records.

Gay, nearly giddy, gee-whiz feel; also too reminscent of a gila monster.

A name with considerable history, as the celebrated sultan of Egypt and Syria in the time of the Crusades.

Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.

Has a petite, dainty charm.

The name of the Prophet Muhammad's childhood nurse carries special resonance for Muslim parents.

Conceivable middle name choice for admirers of flyer Amelia.

This one's cutting right to the chase, but with such names as Justice and Peace on the rise, why not? And we guarantee your seven-year-old son will love it, though your 17-year-old, maybe not so much. Could be used as a middle name, as Talisa Soto and Benjamin Bratt did.

Spaniards use Pax and Paz, Hebrew speakers Shalom, for Greeks it's Irene, so why can't we make the English word Peace a name? Peace Adzo Medie is the author of the novel His Only Wife.

A lovely meaning and sound -- if you're fluent in Dutch.

Udoka is an Igbo-Nigerian name derived from the word Udo, meaning peace.

Rangimarie is the Maori words for peace, and is occasionally used as a feminine name. Dr Rangimarie Pere is a prominent New Zealander with this name.

Mirko is a diminutive version of Miroslav but is now given as a full name.

This Celtic saint's name is the most offbeat Jen name of all.

Fursey is an ancient Irish saint's name little-used in modern times. St. Fursey was born in the seventh century a noble in Ireland but traveled to England and France to found monasteries and spread Christianity. He is buried in France.

Paciano is an appealing twist on all the newly fashionable names that suggest peace.

Rongo is a masculine Maori name stemming from both the name of a god and also the Maori word for peace, "rangimarie", which itself is occasionally used as a feminine name. Rongo was the name of the Maori god of cultivated food and of peace. In Maori culture the two ideas are closely linked - food can only be cultivated and plentiful when communities are at peace and working together. If Ringo, Rango and Rocco can get a look in, why not Rongo?

An old favorite in traditional Jewish families.