All Characters

  1. Karlie
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carly
    • Description:

      Supermodel Karlie Kloss lends this spelling variation some style. Having appeared in the US Top 1000 since 1991, it was in trouble of dropping off completely when it ranked Number 992 in 2009. Since then, however, it has made modest strides back up the list.
  2. Keeva
    • Origin:

      Irish, phonetic spelling of Caoimhe
    • Meaning:

      "gentle, beautiful, precious"
    • Description:

      Keeva, the name chosen by "How I Met Your Mother" star Alyson Hannigan for her daughter, has recently been a Top 20 name in Ireland, using the authentic spelling Caoimhe. The male version is Caomhin--anglicized as Kevin.
  3. Kiernan
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "little dark one"
    • Description:

      Although this surname name is closely related to the more common Irish name Kieran, Kiernan is also a well used family name, tied to thirty-three ancient chieftains. It has on a few occasions been used for girls.
  4. Kiyoko
    • Khaylee
      • Laelia
        • Origin:

          Latin family name and botanical name
        • Description:

          Upside: it has an interesting ancient look and feel, related to the Roman family name Laelius of uncertain meaning. There is also a type of orchid called the Laelia. Downside: possible confusion with all those Laylas, Lailas, etc. out there.
      • Lana
        • Origin:

          English diminutive of Alana
        • Meaning:

          "rock or handsome"
        • Description:

          Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.
      • Larkin
        • Origin:

          Irish
        • Meaning:

          "rough, fierce"
        • Description:

          The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name.
      • Liam
        • Origin:

          Irish short form of William
        • Meaning:

          "resolute protection"
        • Description:

          Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
      • Lilac
        • Origin:

          English, from Persian
        • Meaning:

          "bluish or lilac"
        • Description:

          Could Lilac be the next Lila or Lily or Violet? It certainly has a lot going for it--those lilting double 'l's, the fabulous fragrance it exudes, and the fact that it's a color name as well, providing a ready made nursery theme. In addition, the lilac is symbolic of first love.
      • Lilith
        • Origin:

          Assyrian, Sumerian
        • Meaning:

          "ghost, night monster"
        • Description:

          Lilith is derived from the Akkadian word lilitu meaning "of the night." In Jewish folklore she is portrayed as Adam's rejected first wife, who was turned into a night demon for refusing to obey him. Lilith is unrelated to most other Lil- names, with the exception of Lilita, which is the Latvian variation.
      • Lucius
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "light"
        • Description:

          Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. It was the name of three popes, appears in several Shakespeare plays, and, like all the names beginning with 'luc' relates to the Latin word for light.It was one of a limited number of forenames used in ancient Rome, and because of its meaning was often given to boys born at dawn.
      • Lyssa
        • Origin:

          Short form of Alyssa or Greek mythological name
        • Meaning:

          "anger, fury, rage"
        • Description:

          Most contemporary English speakers will hear the name Lyssa as short for the long-popular Alyssa or Melissa. But Lyssa is a bona fide Greek mythology name, though not a very appealing one.
      • Larkly
        • Lumber
          • Mahogany
            • Origin:

              Spanish
            • Meaning:

              "rich, strong"
            • Description:

              Dark, woody name that's brings to mind rich panelling, beautiful colors and luxury.
          • Malachy
            • Origin:

              Irish version of Malachi, Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "second"
            • Description:

              This spelling, which came to the attention of readers of the best-selling Angela's Ashes as the name of author Frank McCourt's father and brother, the latter of whom wrote a bestseller of his own, lends the biblical name a more expansive, almost boisterous image. Malachy is one of the Irish baby names that manages to strike the golden mean between familiarity and distinctiveness.

          • Marina
            • Origin:

              Latin
            • Meaning:

              "from the sea"
            • Description:

              This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."
          • Maxwell
            • Origin:

              Scottish
            • Meaning:

              "great stream"
            • Description:

              A happy medium between the weighty Maximilian and the laid-back Max, Maxwell is one of the most classic and attractive Scottish names. Early influences on the name's revival include Maxwell Smart of the television show, and then movie, Get Smart, and the Beatles song about Maxwell's Silver Hammer.
          • Maya
            • Origin:

              Greek; Central American Indian empire name; Latinate variation of May; Spanish, diminutive of Amalia; variation of Maia; Hebrew
            • Meaning:

              "water"
            • Description:

              Maya, which has an almost mystical image, has been steadily climbing in popularity in the US and the English-speaking world, along with a range of other countries, including France, Germany, Israel, and Brazil. It's ranked in the US Top 100 since the turn of this century, but has never risen to the top of the list, which you may consider a good thing.