Names with Inspirational Meanings

Frenchified name rarely used in France. And perhaps even more rarely used in the US -- there were NO baby girls given the name on the official records of 2021.

Fane, used as a nickname in the Middle Ages for someone with a cheerful disposition, is one of the more offbeat members of the Zane-Kane family.

Interesting Old Testament name that embraces many traditional female attributes; also name of a place in the Jordan Valley. In the Bible, a daughter of King Ammon and wife of Solomon.

In Buddhism, Dharma embodies the basic principles of cosmic existence--making it a fitting name for the hippyish character on the sitcom Dharma and Greg, whose middle name was Freedom.

The association with the Cuban leader Castro is still strong, but he's by no means the only Fidel. This name was in the Top 1000 for over 80 years, from 1919 to 2005. From the late Latin name Fidelis, meaning "faithful", at its heart it has an uplifting meaning.

Several artistic Hiroshis make this one of the more plausible Japanese imports.

Katana is a male name in Old Persian and a well-used word in Japanese, but as a girls' name is these days found more often as Kitana, the name of a princess in the video game Mortal Kombat II.

Keilani is among the fastest rising girls' names in some US states, a once-unusual name perhaps popularized by its similarity to both Leilani and Kayla. Its rhythmic appeal cannot be denied.

Arav (sometimes spelled Aarav) is a name popular in India and Pakistan. Jaipur-born actor Arav Choudhary is a well-known Indian personality. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar chose Aarav for his son's name.

Rarely used independently, it's more often the start of a multisyllabic German mouthful.

Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.

Kiaria is pretty but sure to prove confusing given all the more familiar Kiara and Keira variations out there.

Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.

Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.

Malu is a charming Hawaiian name chosen by ex-Talking Head David Byrne for his daughter. Malu might also be an abbreviated form of Malou, which is an abbreviated form of Mary Louise. Malu or Malou might be a retro-chic nickname for a child given the family names of Mary and/or Louise.

Putting the emphasis on the "elle" softens a name that seems at once futuristic and medieval.

Takes Edwin one step -- make that ten steps -- too far.

Often heard in India, this is the name of the Hindu goddess of abundance, beauty, and prosperity, the embodiment of grace and charm --lucky omens indeed. The goddess Lakshmi is worshiped daily in Hindu homes, and has festivals held in her honor.

Among the children named Heaven are the daughters of TV personality Brooke Burke and rap singer Lil' Mo, who also has a daughter named God'iss Love. Some parents have taken to using Nevaeh instead—Heaven spelled backwards.

The mononymous Colombian-born singer inspired a popularity blip in the 90s and early 00s.