Names That Mean Free

Less well known internationally than Saoirse, but equally appealing, this Irish name is also spelled Saorla or Saorlaith.

Trapped somewhere in the nether region between Haddie and Catie, with the added confusion of sounding like someone who works on a golf course. Caddie Woodlawn was a TV heroine of the Old West in the 1980s. Caddie had its moment, but we don't see it becoming one of the more popular girl names starting with C.

As a given name, Franky peaked for boys in 2007 when it was used 94 times.

This Yoruba praise name is used throughout West Africa, and has an empowering meaning.

Seen in Nordic countries as a nickname for Karolina or Karl.

Name that makes a strong philosophical statement -- but might ironically be a lot for a child to carry.

A sixties-style name that might work best as a middle.

Kanoa is a fashionable Hawaiian boy name that resembles Kainoa in sound and style, but not in frequency of use. Kanoa is currently undiscovered, but is definitely a name to watch.

Frank is cool again. Frankie is cute. But frankly, Frankito is a couple of diminutives too many.

The Czech and Slovak version of Carolina.

Franklin is making a comeback as a boy name, with its clunky vintage charm. Some parents are beginning to consider Franklynn as a feminized version of the name, likely drawn by trendy nickname Frankie.