Valentine's Day Names

In Hindu mythology, Urvashi is the name of a powerful and beautiful nymph. It's a popular name borne by both Indian actresses (Urvashi Rautela) and archivists (Urvashi Vaidi).

One of the few Czech names that seems accessible here.

An alternative to the more familiar Aviva.

An Arabic name that can easily cross cultures. Janan might make a distinctive honor name for an ancestral Jan, Jane, or John.

This attractive Indian unisex name has a number of interesting variations with equally appealing meanings, including Manjula and Manjusha.

Carita may feel like an endearing nickname but it's a name in its own right, used throughout Scandinavia in this form and as Karita, Caritas, and Karitas as a variation on Charity.

This feminine version of the Welsh name Carwyn could be a good choice for parents looking for something fresher than Bronwen.

Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.

A soft and lovely Hebrew name with an equally lovely meaning. Variations include Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva and Ahuvah.

An unusual spin on Mila and Milena.

Desiderio was the full name of the Cuban bandleader who famously Loved Lucy. There was also a Saint Desiderio. Major attraction: the great nickname Desi.

You can just hear some sassy dame in a 1930s movie using this name. We prefer the original -- or even its original, Amabel.

Lively sounding Hebrew choice.

Where as a serenade is an evening love song, an aubade is sung first thing in the morning.

Dariel is an update to Darren, influenced by names like Gabriel.

A shimmery name with a wonderful meaning; another intriguing variation is Siroun.

As the French Esme becomes more popular, it will inevitably spawn spelling variations. This one, like Zoey or Layla, clarifies pronunciation, so while we prefer the original, that's not a bad thing.

The name of a saint in the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek version of the more familiar Amadea / Amadeus. Philothea could make for a lovely, unusual way to get to stylish Thea. Bottom line: Philothea is one of those unique baby names that deserves to be discovered.

Multisyllabic New Testament relic dimly recalled from the Thornton Wilder novel Theophilus North.

Agapi has a sweet meaning of love and affection, but though this name is used in modern Greece, it's one of the Greek names for girls that has not yet emigrated to the US along with so many of her sisters.