Awesome Estonian Names

Aleksandra is the preferred spelling in many Eastern European languages and cultures, but for English-speakers it's ironically more confusing if also perfectly phonetically clear.

The Spanish form of Andrew is popular enough in the US to rank near the Top 200. As Andrew, Andy, and Drew feel less fresh, Andres is still up-and-coming, with a global feel that could travel well anywhere. Andres has been used in the US dating all the way back to when name data began to be kept, and has never fallen out of the Top 1000. Despite this, it has only been since the 90s that Andres has cracked the Top 200. Andre is a similar-sounding alternative that has French and Portuguese roots.

Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.

Cultured and cultivated in an old-style, Old World way, Anton is popular across Europe. It may be associated with the classic Russian playwright Anton Chekhov and also with ballroom dancer Anton Du Beke.

Eduard is a continental European variant of Edward, a venerable Germanic name combining elements meaning 'wealth' and 'guardian' or 'protector.' This spelling is particularly common in German, Czech, Romanian, Russian, and several other European languages. While the Anglicized Edward dominates in English-speaking countries, Eduard maintains popularity throughout Eastern and Central Europe. The name has been borne by numerous royals, artists, and intellectuals across European history, including composer Eduard Strauss and artist Eduard Manet. Eduard carries an air of classical European sophistication while remaining approachable. The name conveys strength and nobility, reflecting its historical usage among aristocracy, while offering a slightly distinctive alternative to the more common Edward.

Helena is one of those classic names that just misses making the US Top 1000 girl names for its entire history, falling off for a single year in 1992. Since then it's been drifting lazily up the charts, and makes a perfect choice if you want a name that both fits in and stands out.

Johanna is the version of this name used in Holland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The extra h makes Johanna a slightly more dignified version of Joanna.

Kaisa is a feminine name with Finnish and Estonian origins, functioning as a variant of Katherine or Kaarina. Simple yet distinctive, this name carries a fresh, modern sound while maintaining traditional Nordic roots. In Finland, Kaisa has maintained moderate popularity for generations, appreciated for its straightforward pronunciation and spelling. The name reflects the characteristically concise style of Finnish naming traditions. Besides Finland and Estonia, Kaisa occasionally appears in other Scandinavian countries. The name's meaning connects back to Katherine's Greek origin signifying 'pure.' Kaisa exemplifies the elegant simplicity valued in Nordic naming customs while remaining accessible to international speakers.

Short, sharp, and pretty, Kaja is an international choice with multiple origins. Favored in Slovenia, Norway, and Poland, the similar Kaia is currently popular more widely.

The translation of Katarina and Katherine used in Finland and Estonia.

Katrin is a feminine name of Greek origin, serving as a variation of Katherine, which means 'pure.' This sleeker, more streamlined spelling is particularly popular in Germanic and Scandinavian countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Estonia. While Katherine and its many variants have been consistently popular throughout Western history, Katrin offers a more distinctive international flair while remaining easily recognizable. The name combines strength and femininity, with its crisp consonants and clean ending. Katrin feels both modern and timeless, sophisticated yet approachable. Though less common in English-speaking countries than Katherine, Catherine, or Kate, it's gained appreciation among parents seeking a name with European sensibility and classic roots but a contemporary, minimalist style.

That extra I may prove both intriguing and bedeviling.

Lainey is one of the many fast-rising nickname names of the last few years, and longer forms like Elaine, Alaina, and Delaney are enjoying their own bouts of popularity. Simple and tailored, but equally sweet Laine is not yet in the Top 1000, but feels stylish today.