Dog Names That Mean New Beginnings

Elif is the Turkish form of Alif, the name of the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. Actor Natalie Portman gave another spelling to her son, Aleph.

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.

A name better left where it is, embroidered on a fifties poodle skirt.

Spelling used by country singer Wynonna Judd, one of two celebrities (the other is Winona Ryder) who brought this unusual Native American name widespread notice.

More than zero, but perhaps too close to Vera.

Kady, though it has an authentic Irish meaning, may also be a variation of Katy short form of Kadence, or combination of initials K. and D. Though Kady is more distinctive, everyone will just hear it as Katy.

Strongly associated with the city of Tel Aviv. For girls, may be lengthened to Aviva; for boys, might be better abbreviated to Avi.

Diminutive for all the Slavic names that start with Jar-. If for family or cultural reasons you're seeking such a name, then this is a reasonable short form.

Kazuo is a boys' name well-used in Japan though not well-known in the U.S. Kazuo Ishiguro is the author of Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go. The emphasis is on the first syllable.

Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.

Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.

Viridius was a pagan god of ancient Roman Britain. An alternative spelling is Viridios.

Place-name waiting to be discovered.

Japanese-born fashion designer Issey Miyake, known for his techno-clothes, could provide baby naming inspiration.

A traditional possibility for a Japanese or Japanese-American child born in April or May.

A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.

Offbeat name sometimes heard in the African-American community.

The revival of long-dormant Roman names would put this back in the lexicon if it wasn't so connected to a telecommunications network.

Sabik, a star in Ophiuchus, makes for a rather harsh-sounding name. If you're looking skyward for a baby name, you'd do better with Orion or Jupiter. But if you are searching for names that mean new beginnings, this is one unusual choice.