Dog Names That Mean Loyal Friend

Oprah's almost mononymic first name is too closely tied to her personality (and brand) for us to recommend it as a baby name in good faith. Her surname, however, is definitely name-worthy. Winfrey works as a modern update to Whitney, with the added bonus of being associated with one of the most influential women of our time.

The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.

This name of a subtribe in the Great Sioux Nation could make an inventive twist on the overused Dakota.

Faunia is more often rendered as Fauna, who was a Roman goddess of fertility, women and healing. Faunia was the downtrodden yet loving heroine of Philip Roth's Human Stain. Faunia and Fauna have more gravitas than the doe-like Fawn.

This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.

Singer-actress Queen Latifah -- born Dana Owens -- makes this North African Muslim name sing.

In ancient Mesopotamia, Dumuzid was the god of shepherds and fertility and husband of the goddess Inanna. Tammuz, the Semitic transcription of the name, is more likely to be used today.

Friendly option: has also been defined as "drinking companion".

Definitely a far stretch for any child.

Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.

Loyal has history as a boy name—most popular in the late 19th century, later falling off the charts in 1948. This was back when loyalty suggested faithfulness to one's country, rather than fidelity to others. Today it would likely be interpreted as the latter.

Modern virtue names are rapidly rising in popularity—could Loyal be the next True?

In Greek Mythology, Herophile was Aphrodite and Poseidon's daughter and a sibyl who predicted the fall of Troy.

Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.

Affirmative adjective occasionally used as a name.