International Names That Work in the U.S.
- Romina
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"from the land of the Christians"Description:
This pretty name found in Spanish-speaking countries shares the diminutive of Romy—also spelled Romi—with Rosemary. It joined the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015.
- Romy
Origin:
Diminutive of Rosemary, Roma, Romana, Romilly etc.Description:
Austrian actress Romy Schneider seemed to be the singular bearer of this international nickname name until it found new style currency in the past decade.
- Rowan
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"rowan tree; little redhead"Description:
Stylish, gentle, and rustic at the same time, Rowan is a name that falls into various categories. Unisex and cool, mystical and woodsy, with the feel of both Rose and Riley, Rowan is a fresh but familiar choice.
- Sandrine
Origin:
French variation of AlexandraDescription:
Sophisticated French choice. Or toxic petrochemical.
- Shalom
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"peace"Description:
Familiar as the most common form of greeting in Hebrew, but also associated with top female model Shalom Harlow.
- Skye
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
The e-addition takes the name from slightly hippie-ish nature name to the place name of a picturesque island off the coast of Scotland, and for baby namers it's by far the more popular spelling.
- Talia
Origin:
Hebrew; Australian AboriginalMeaning:
"gentle dew from heaven; by the water"Description:
Talia is derived from the Hebrew elements tal, meaning "dew," and yah, in reference to God. In the mythology of one ancient sect, Talia was one of ten angels who attended the sun on its daily course. The occasionally homophonous name Thalia has unrelated Greek origins.
- Teo
Origin:
Diminutive of Teodoro or Mateo, SpanishMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
An international take on Theo that would be easily wearable for a child in the US or any European culture. Traditionally a nickname for international variations of Theodore or Matthew, including ultra popular Mateo and Matteo, Teo can also stand on its own. In fact, Teo rose into the Top 1000 in 2022, proving its ability as a stand-alone name.
- Tilda
Origin:
Estonian, diminutive of MatildaDescription:
Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.
- Vega
Origin:
Arabic, SpanishMeaning:
"swooping eagle; meadow"Description:
Another astral name, this one relating to one of the largest and brightest stars in the heavens, is popular in Scandinavia and Spain, where it ranks among the Top 50 girls' names. Although still very rare in the US, we think it has serious potential to follow the likes of Luna and Lyra up the charts.
- Vida
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"life"Description:
Like Vita and Viva, one of several similar life-affirming names, this one was chosen by Matthew McConaughey and his Portuguese-born wife Camila. Vida may also be a diminutive of Davida. Australian suffragette and human rights campainer Vida Goldstein is an notable bearer of this name.
- Yara
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"friend, helper"Description:
The multicultural Yara is also the name of a beautiful green-skinned Brazilian goddess and might make a more unusual spin on Mara or Sara.
- Yuna
Origin:
Japanese, Breton, Korean, ChineseDescription:
An attractive, widely appealing, multicultural option. KPOP singer Yuna may be attracting some attention to her name.
- Zala
Origin:
Ethiopian or Slovene variation of RozalijaMeaning:
"a people from southwest Ethiopia; rose"Description:
Simple but sultry.
- Zion
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"highest point"Description:
A Biblical place name that's one of the rising unisex baby names for both girls and boys. It's got an uplifting feel and that zippy Z beginning. Zion is an alternate name for Jerusalem and is used as a nationalistic pro-Israel movement known as Zionism. The name has gained popularity after being used by celebrities including Lauryn Hill and Fantasia Barrino.
- Zofia
Origin:
Czech, Polish, and Ukrainian variation of SophiaMeaning:
"wisdom"Description:
As Sophia gets more popular, parents search out more unusual spins, and the Z makes this qualify.
- Zora
Origin:
Serbo-CroatianMeaning:
"dawn"Description:
Zora is a meaningful literary heroine name honoring Zora Neale Hurston, an important black writer and leader of the Harlem Renaissance.