Names from Books written by POC authors
- Feyi
- Gboyega
- Idir
Origin:
BerberMeaning:
"alive"Description:
A simple and straightforward choice from northwest Africa.
- Ife
Origin:
African, YorubaMeaning:
"love"Description:
Simple African name all-but-unknown in the U.S. and Europe, which is exactly why it might make a perfect choice. Similarity to such popular names as Ava and Eva (and the Irish Aoife) makes it more familiar, but potentially more confusing.
- Isobel
Origin:
Scottish variation of IsabelMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
The Scottish spelling of Isabel has a definite character of her own, the 'o' giving her an extra infusion of strength but also an element of confusion. How do you pronounce that? Answer: Exactly like Isabel or Isabelle.
- Issa
- Ife
- Jedi
Origin:
Literary name or short form of Jedidiah, HebrewMeaning:
"Beloved by the Lord"Description:
Star Wars fans may know the lore behind the origin of the word and the concept Jedi well enough to confidently choose their name for their child. It has to do with balancing the forces of the universe.
- Jonah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"dove"Description:
Jonah, the name of the Old Testament prophet who was swallowed by the whale, only to emerge unharmed three days later, is increasingly appreciated by parents looking for a biblical name less common than Jacob or Joshua, yet not too obscure. Plus, Jonah comes with a ready-made nursery-decorating motif.
- Joy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"joy"Description:
Joy is from an older generation of word names, which also included Merry, Bliss, and Glory -- all of which exert a certain amount of personality pressure on a child. One interesting name that means the same thing: Chara.
- Justina
Origin:
Latin, feminine variation of JustinDescription:
Justina was the pre-Justine feminization of Justin, now a possible alternative to Christina. Oddly, while Justine feels like a name unto itself, Justina feels like a pinned-together feminization in the mold of Richarda or Benjamina. Still, it may appeal as one of the unusual-yet-familiar girl names starting with J.
- Ji Huan
- Juhanah
- Kameron
Origin:
Spelling variation of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
Kameron has become a very popular spelling for boys -- as are the condensed Kamron and Kamren.
- Karina
Origin:
Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Russian variation of CarinaDescription:
This sweet and loving name, favored in recent years by a mix of Hispanic-American parents and Bob Dylan fans, was chosen for her daughter by TV actress Melina Kanakaredes.
- Kehinde
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"second-born of twins or one who falls behind"Description:
This African name, which derives from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, is used for both girls and boys -- but in the US, its most notable bearer is (male) artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley, who paints brown- and black-skinned people in the style of European Old Masters, was born in Los Angeles of an African-American mother and a Yoruba father and was also a twin, thus his name. An attractive and creative choice for either gender.
- Kehinde
Origin:
YorubaMeaning:
"second-born of twins or one who falls behind"Description:
Although the best-known Kehinde is the male painter Kehinde Wiley, this name is used for both genders in its native Nigeria and can be just as attractive for a girl.
- Kelechi
Origin:
IgboMeaning:
"glorify God"Description:
A common unisex name in Nigeria. Kerry Washington used it as the middle name for her son Caleb.
- Kira
Origin:
Russian feminine variation of CyrusMeaning:
"throne"Description:
Though such cognates of Kira as Keira, Kyra, and Ciara are increasingly popular throughout Europe and in the U.S., this Cyrus relative has a different root. As with all the many variations of this appealing name, there is often confusion around spelling and pronunciation -- does the first syllable rhyme with ear or eye?
- Kirah