Names of Real People I Know
- Petra
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"rock, stone"Description:
A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.
- Princess
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Part of the trend for formerly canine royal names; this is one a little girl might love—up till the age of eight.
- Reena
Description:
Reena is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Indian traditions, particularly Hindi, it means 'precious jewel' or 'gem,' while it can also be considered a diminutive of names like Marina, Irene, Serena, or Katerina in Western contexts. The name has a pleasant, melodic quality that transcends cultural boundaries, making it appealing across different communities. Though never reaching mainstream popularity in Western countries, Reena has maintained consistent usage, particularly in South Asian communities. The name's brevity and easily pronounced syllables give it a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. Reena projects a gentle warmth while still sounding distinctive, offering parents a name that combines simplicity with cultural richness.
- Rosalba
Origin:
Latin, from the phrase rosa albaMeaning:
"white rose"Description:
One of many Spanish elaborations of Rosa.
- Scout
Origin:
Word nameMeaning:
"one who gathers information covertly"Description:
Scout, a character nickname from To Kill a Mockingbird (her real name was Jean Louise), became a real-life possibility when Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used it for their now-grown middle daughter, followed by Tom Berenger a few years later.
- Sela
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rock"Description:
Sela is a Biblical place name, the original term for the city of Petra, which is finding new life through actress Sela Ward, star of several TV series. The young daughter of singer Lauryn Hill is named Selah, pronounced the same but with a different derivation and meaning. Found among early African-American enslaved people, it was sometimes spelled Cela or Cella.
- Selia
Description:
Selia is a feminine name with multiple possible origins, creating a rich tapestry of meanings. It may be a variant of Celia, which derives from the Roman family name Caelius, meaning "heaven" or "heavenly." Alternatively, it could be connected to the Greek name Selene, referring to the moon goddess, thus carrying lunar associations. In some cultures, Selia is considered a diminutive of Selina or Celina. The name has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While not among the most common names, Selia has maintained steady usage across various European countries and has seen occasional popularity in English-speaking regions. Its cross-cultural versatility and gentle sound make it appealing to parents seeking a name that is distinctive yet accessible.
- Serina
Description:
Serina is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Serena, derived from the Latin word "serenus" meaning "clear, tranquil, or serene." Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek name Seira meaning "chain" or have Persian roots as a variant of Shireen, meaning "sweet." The name has a gentle, melodious quality and has maintained modest popularity across several decades without becoming overly common. Serina appears in various cultures, including Italian, English, and Arabic contexts. The name evokes a sense of peacefulness and grace, with its soft sounds and flowing rhythm making it both elegant and approachable.
- Sheenah
Description:
Sheenah is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Sheena, which derives from the Scottish Gaelic name Sìne (a form of Jane or Joan) meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Irish word 'sídhe' (pronounced 'shee'), referring to fairy folk in Celtic mythology, thus carrying connotations of magic and otherworldliness. The name might also connect to the Hebrew word 'shinah' meaning 'beautiful.' Sheenah has never been extremely common but saw modest usage in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. Its melodic quality and exotic spelling give it a distinctive, gentle charm while maintaining cultural connections to Celtic heritage.
- Sadena
- Sharaya
- Shravya
- Solisa
- Taran
Description:
Taran is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Welsh mythology, Taran refers to thunder, and was associated with the Celtic thunder god. In Sanskrit, the name means 'star' or 'protector.' The name also appears in Slavic cultures with connections to meanings like 'youth' or 'vitality.' While traditionally used for boys in many cultures, Taran has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or feminine name in recent decades. Its short, strong sound appeals to parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and easy to pronounce. The name carries an earthy, elemental quality with its mythological associations while remaining contemporary in feel. Its cross-cultural versatility makes it appealing to families with diverse backgrounds.
- Wyneth
- Yarissa
- Yelintza