names a-z

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie.

Relaxed western place-name that still has some masculine punch, but be warned: this whole posse of similarly trendy names, like Sierra and Dakota, will soon ride toward the sunset.

A gentle name well used in Armenian families, unfamiliar here.

Romola is a literary name most notably used by George Eliot for her eponymous 1862 novel set in fifteenth-century Florence. It just may appeal to the parent looking for a name that embodies the ideal blend of the feminine, unusual, and strong. A current bearer is British actress Romola Garai.

Salem is a biblical place-name in Canaan, believed to be the same as Jerusalem. Americans may be more familiar with Salem as the name of the Massachusetts town famous for its witch trials in the late 1600s. It's also a popular Arabic name widely-used for both genders.

Shyloh is a modern masculine variation of the biblical name Shiloh, which refers to an ancient city in Israel mentioned in the Old Testament. The name has Hebrew origins and is thought to mean 'peaceful one' or 'he who is to be sent'. While the traditional spelling Shiloh has gained popularity in recent decades, the variant Shyloh offers a unique spelling with the same melodic sound. The name gained increased attention after celebrities began using Shiloh for their children. Shyloh carries spiritual significance while maintaining a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking names with both meaning and a distinctive quality. Its use crosses cultural boundaries while remaining relatively uncommon.