Names That Mean Friend or Friendly

  1. Ruta
    • Origin:

      Polish, Latvian
    • Meaning:

      "compassionate friend"
    • Description:

      The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.
  2. Faunia
    • Origin:

      Latin feminine variation of Faunus
    • Meaning:

      "to befriend"
    • Description:

      Faunia is more often rendered as Fauna, who was a Roman goddess of fertility, women and healing. Faunia was the downtrodden yet loving heroine of Philip Roth's Human Stain. Faunia and Fauna have more gravitas than the doe-like Fawn.
  3. Boudewijn
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "brave friend"
    • Description:

      Dutch form of Baldwin
  4. Norvin
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "northern friend"
    • Description:

      Alvin, Melvin, Norvin -- most vin names, except maybe Kevin and Gavin -- are not vinners.
  5. Pal
    • Sameria
      • Origin:

        Variation of Samira
      • Meaning:

        "companion in evening conversation"
      • Description:

        This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.
    • Nadim
      • Origin:

        Arabic
      • Meaning:

        "friend"
      • Description:

        Friendly option: has also been defined as "drinking companion".
    • Farquahar
      • Origin:

        Anglicized form of Irish and Scottish Fearchar
      • Meaning:

        "dear man"
      • Description:

        Definitely a far stretch for any child.
    • Herophile
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "friend of the heroes"
      • Description:

        In Greek Mythology, Herophile was Aphrodite and Poseidon's daughter and a sibyl who predicted the fall of Troy.
    • Sadik
      • Origin:

        Swahili
      • Meaning:

        "friend"
      • Description:

        Frequently found in all three forms: Sadik, Sadiki, and Sadiq.
    • Amice
      • Origin:

        English from Latin
      • Meaning:

        "friend"
      • Description:

        Amice is a name that was used in the Middle Ages but has fallen out of use now. It seems completely suited for modern life, though, with a pronunciation that's like Alice wth an m.