OC Possibilities
- March
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"month name"Description:
March has never been popular as a month name, possibly because of its slightly abrupt sound. But with all kinds of month (and season, day, and holiday) names, from January to December, Sunday to Easter, Winter to Midnight, coming to the fore, March is beginning to seem eminently baby-ready.
- Mariposa
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"butterfly"Description:
Mariposa is a rare, romantic choice with an intriguing meaning.
- Maurya
Origin:
Irish variation of Maura or MaryMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Unusual Mary variety with literary underpinnings, most famously as a character in J.M. Synge's Riders to the Sea. You may have to do constant explaining of the spelling and pronunciation, but if you're looking for a distinctive and attractive form of Mary, you've found it.
- Maxima
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of MaximusDescription:
Max names were one of the hottest trends for boys in the mid-2010s, and are still very popular. The girl versions haven't seen so much love, unfortunately. (Or fortunately, if you love them and want them to stay rare!) Maxima got some attention in 2015 when Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan used it for their daughter, but few parents have copied them.
- Mignonette
Origin:
Form of Mignon, FrenchMeaning:
"delicate, dainty"Description:
Mignonette is kind of a diminutive of a diminutive. Mignon is the French word for cute, so Mignonette is more or less cutie.
- Mirai
Origin:
Japanese or ShonaMeaning:
"future or wait"Description:
A modern Japanese name meaning "future", borne by figure skater Mirai Nagasu. The name is technically unisex, but more often given to girls. Mirai is also a Shona female given name, meaning "wait".
- Morwenna
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"maiden"Description:
Morwenna is an ancient Cornish name now being revived in Wales, deriving from a Celtic word meaning "maiden", although the Mor- syllable means that it's often associated with the sea. It's been heard in the British series Doc Martin and Poldark. Morwenna Banks is a British actress.
- Muire
Description:
Muire is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin, traditionally used as a form of Mary (Máire). In Irish, 'Muire' specifically refers to the Virgin Mary and derives from the Latin 'Maria.' The name carries deep religious significance in Irish Catholic heritage and has been used in Ireland for centuries. Unlike the more common Irish form Máire, Muire maintains a direct connection to religious contexts. The pronunciation is typically 'MWIR-uh' or 'MOOR-uh.' While uncommon outside of Ireland, it represents a rich cultural heritage and offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely-used Mary variations. The name embodies both spiritual significance and Celtic linguistic tradition.
- Nanou
Description:
Nanou is a delicate feminine name with French origins, often used as a nickname for names like Anne, Nanette, or Éleanor in French-speaking regions. This charming diminutive has taken on life as a given name in its own right, offering a sweet, modern sound with an international feel. The name has a melodic, sing-song quality that gives it a playful yet sophisticated character. Nanou remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it a distinctive choice. Its brevity and easy pronunciation make it appealing to parents seeking something short yet complete. The name carries a certain joie de vivre and elegance associated with French culture.
- Naretha
Origin:
AboriginalMeaning:
"a saltbush"Description:
As far-flung as the outback.
- Neith
Origin:
EgyptianMeaning:
"divine mother"Description:
One of the more unusual mythology names for girls, Neith is the name of the Egyptian goddess of home and femininity.
- Nerida
Origin:
Greek; AboriginialMeaning:
"sea nymph, mermaid; red waterlily"Description:
This is one of the more unusual examples of a group of Greek names connected to the sea, which makes sense for a nation of coastline and islands. The Nereids or water nymphs were the daughters of sea god Nereus.
- Niamh
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"bright"Description:
Niamh, derived from the Old Irish Niam, is an ancient Irish name that was originally a term for a goddess. In Irish myth, one who bore it was Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the sea god, who falls in love with Finn's son Oisin and takes him to the Land of Promise, where they stayed for three hundred years. Niamh can be Anglicized as Neve, Nieve, or Neave.
- Nyra
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"beauty of Saraswati"Description:
Indian actress Sameera Reddy chose this name for her daughter in 2019, sending it sharply up the charts. It is connected to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom, music, speech, art, and learning.
- Padriac
Description:
Padriac is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of Padraig or Patrick, which derives from the Latin 'Patricius,' meaning 'nobleman' or 'of noble birth.' This Irish-influenced version carries the rich heritage associated with Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While less common than Patrick or Padraig, Padriac maintains the cultural significance while offering a distinctive spelling. The name conveys a sense of dignity, heritage, and strength. Though relatively rare, it appeals to parents seeking an authentic Celtic-inspired name with historical depth. Padriac combines traditional values with a slightly unconventional spelling that stands out subtly.
- Pascale
Description:
Pascale is a masculine name of French origin, though it can also be used as a feminine name in some cultures. It derives from the Latin 'Paschalis,' meaning 'relating to Easter' or 'born at Passover time.' Pascale is the French variant of Pascal, which itself comes from the Hebrew word for Passover (Pesach). The name carries spiritual significance through its connection to these important religious observances. In France, it's pronounced 'pas-KAL,' with a subtle emphasis on the second syllable. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Pascale maintains modest popularity in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions, appreciated for its elegant sound and meaningful religious heritage.
- Pascha
Origin:
Greek from HebrewMeaning:
"Easter, pass over"Description:
The Greek name for Easter, derived from the same root as Pesach, the Hebrew word for Passover.
- Pasencia
Description:
Pasencia is a feminine name derived from Spanish, representing a variant spelling of 'Paciencia,' which means 'patience' in Spanish. The name embodies the virtue of patience and endurance, qualities traditionally valued in many cultures. It originated as a virtue name during periods when such names were popular in Spanish-speaking regions. Pasencia has historical usage particularly in the Philippines, where Spanish influence on naming practices remains strong. While relatively uncommon in modern usage, it represents a connection to cultural heritage for families with Spanish or Filipino backgrounds. The name has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and rhythmic syllables. As a virtue name, Pasencia carries inherent meaning and character, suggesting a person of calm temperament and perseverance.
- Pashenka
Description:
Pashenka is a feminine Russian diminutive name, most often used as an affectionate form of names like Praskovia or Pavel. This endearing nickname carries the warmth and intimacy typical of Russian diminutives, with the suffix "-enka" adding a sense of tenderness. Outside of Russian-speaking countries, Pashenka remains quite rare, giving it an exotic quality. The name has a gentle, melodic sound with its three syllables and soft consonants. While uncommon as a formal given name, some parents of Russian heritage or those seeking a name with Slavic roots might choose Pashenka for its cultural richness and distinctive character. The name evokes a sense of old-world charm combined with delicate femininity.
- Perlezenn
Description:
Perlezenn is a rare feminine name of Breton origin, derived from the Breton word for "pearl" (perlez). In Breton culture, which comes from the Celtic region of Brittany in northwestern France, names often have connections to nature and natural beauty. The suffix "-enn" is typical in Breton feminine names, adding a distinctive regional quality. This uncommon name carries the same symbolic associations as Pearl – purity, rarity, and natural beauty – while offering a strong connection to Breton heritage and language. Perlezenn remains extremely rare outside of Brittany, making it a unique choice that reflects Celtic linguistic traditions. Its melodic quality and unusual sound pattern give it an exotic yet elegant feel.