Black Night And Shadowy Names

A common name in the Muslim community, where it may be a Persian name or a variation of Ayan, a name with a timely meaning.

The Spanish form of Amaya is both a given name and a surname, originating from the Spanish mountain and village of Amaya. In this context it means "mother city" or "the capital." Amaya can also be considered a derivation of Amaia, a Basque name meaning "the end." In Japan, Amaya is a surname.

While this name is a phonetic variant of Amaya and Amaia, its popularity could also stem from its similarity to names such as Aliyah, Amelia, and Amara too. It entered the US Top 1000 back in 2003, peaked in 2017 at #257, but has been on decline in recent years. Nevertheless, it is one of four variations of Amaia in the Top 1000 and when you combine these names together, they were collectively given to 3256 babies in a recent year, making the name *feel* or at least *sound* like a Top 100 choice, similarly popular to Ruby, Claire, Audrey, or Alice.

An alternative spelling, found in some sources, of Arianrhod. This version lacks the fashionable "Aria" sound that is part of Arianrhod's appeal.

More modern and alluring than Silver, Argenta is one of the few mineral/metal-related names.

A shimmery ancient Roman name that could still shine today. VARIATION: ARGENTA

South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.

A more distinctive alternative to Angelo.

A more modern form of Argyros.

An intriguing Greek name with an appealing meaning.

This early Welsh saint's name is unusual and lovely, waiting to be discovered. Saint Arianell was a member of the Welsh royal family who was possessed by a spirit which was exorcised by Saint Dyfrig, who became Arianell's spiritual teacher.

Fleetwood Mac introduced the world to Rhiannon, but Arianrhod is a lesser-known woman of Welsh legend. Strap in, this is a name story!

Spelling variant of Arianwen. Note that in Welsh, the -wyn suffix is usually masculine.

Atieno is the feminine equivalent of Otieno, which is now more commonly seen as a surname in Eastern Africa.

Ayako is a very common feminine name in Japan, where it is the name of Princess Ayako of Takamado (now Ayako Moriya), formerly of the Imperial House of Japan.

Literally meaning "beautiful lady" in Italian, Belladonna is the name of a poisonous flower also known as nightshade. This connection gives an otherwise flowery name a darker, more dramatic edge.

Somewhat dashing surname, but with serious teasing potential.

Dark.

Blake -- an early unisex option -- dropped out of the Top 100 in 2017 for the first time since 1988, but remains a sophisticated choice. And yes, both conflicting meanings of Blake are accurate. It originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. Much of its masculine image was influenced by the wealthy, silver-haired character Blake Carrington in the massively popular 80s TV series Dynasty. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Blake.

The unisex Blake, which indeed has two conflicting meanings, has a briskly efficient image when used for a girl.