Aladar

Meaning: (With Germanic roots, including Aldemar and Adalmar, from elements meaning Old and Famous, or Noble and Famous. If it's the latter, that connects Aladar to a huge family of names. Servant of Allah, Paragon of Faith, and Aladár is a variant form of the Arabic and English name Aladdin. It is also a common Roma (gypsy) name.)

Origin: (Germanic, Hungarian, Arabic)

Pronunciation: (aa-L-ahDAAR, AL-uh-dar)

Gender: Male, Possibly Uni-Sex

There was a movie I liked some years back about these talking dinosaurs and one of the dinosaurs was named Aladar and just the other day my parents were watching the movie and I heard the name again and decided to add it to my list. I like the meanings a lot on this name as well as they are very regal and strong and the whole look of the name does give it a dignified look. I didn’t know it was a common Roma (gypsy) name but I can see that now as there are a few names I’ve like and used over the years that are common gypsy names but I didn’t know for a while.

With this name I can see a very handsome dark haired dark eyed character with a shady past but that has risen to a dignified position but is threatened by his past mistakes. For some reason I see this fitting into the 19^th or early 20^th Centuries better than the present era.

Adara

Meaning: (One who is Beautiful, a Virgin, Fire, and Noble)

Origin: (Old Greek, Arabic, Hebrew)

Pronunciation: (ah-dah-rah, a-DAH-rah)

Gender: Female

I forget where I saw this one but I love the meanings a lot! The name is short and beautiful and not at all common. I can see a beautiful adventurous woman in ancient times on a balcony overlooking the sea with a hint of mischievousness in her eyes and who is ahead of her time in all she does. However though I like it I can’t see using it anytime soon and I’m afraid this may be a name I soon forget about and it falls to the back of my mind.

Zara / Zahra

Meaning: (Seed, which appears to predate the Arabic and Russian meanings. In Arabic, Zara means Star or Flower, and is sometimes spelled Zahra. In Russian, Zara means Princess. Some people believe that Zara is a form of Sarah. Eastern Splendor, Blossoming Flower, Dawn, and Lady.

It was first introduced to English speakers via literature, used by William Congreve for the name of an African queen in his tragedy The Mourning Bride (1697). It appeared again shortly after, as the title of the play Zara (1735), Aaron Hill's translation of Volaire's tragedy Zaïre (1733). The first name was however rarely used till the mid-20th century. It was later chosen by Princess Anne and Mark Philips for their daughter Zara Philips (1981-); the departure from royalty naming convention generated much discussion then. Their choice of the name did not boost its popularity until Zara Philips became famous in her own right in recent times. The trendy Spanish clothing retailer Zara (1975-) could have also increased the adoption of the name.)

Origin: (Arabic, Russian, Hebrew, Literature)

Pronunciation: (ZAHRaa)

Gender: Female

I was listening to singer Zara Larsson song the other day and realized I’ve heard this name a lot in recent years but have been on the fence about adding it but I said whether I like it or not some other author might find it to be perfect so I’ll add it and so here I am. I think it looks like it's trying to be a new age version of the plainer Sara or something. However the name has been around a long time and could be used in many different eras but my thought still goes to my earlier thought of people using Zara to spice up Sara. The meanings are lovely and very feminine! I’m still on the fence if I like it or not but at least its short and recognizable and pronounced easily enough by most people so that is a plus for an author. It also gives off an attractive foreign vibe so that’s interesting!

Asra

Meaning: (Travel at Night, To Travel by Night, River of Paradise, It is related to Isra.)

Origin: (Arabic, Muslim)

Pronunciation: (ah–s-r-ah)

Gender: Female

I was looking at night meaning names and came across this one and I fell in love with the meanings and the name itself is beautiful! It’s short and seemingly pronounceable! It has a very gorgeous exotic look and feel to it which is divine! This names male counterpart meaning wise could be Tariq *see on list of posts*. They could be a brother and sister pair of characters as the names have the same origin and look interesting together.

Efah

Meaning: (Chastity, Modesty, Virtuous, Pious, God Fearing, Devoted to God, Darkness, Gloomy)

Origin: (Hebrew, Muslim, Islamic, Arabic)

Pronunciation: (EH-Faa)

Gender: Female

I was looking for names that mean darkness and saw this one but I went a different way entirely with the name however I liked Efah so I decided to add it to my blog list. The name looks and sounds a bit like Effie to me which isn’t a bad thing as I like and have used the name Effie before but as a nickname with the full name Euphemia *see on list of posts*.

I like the meanings but the last two meanings of Darkness and Gloomy seems completely different then the previous more light and airy glorious meanings. I think I prefer the meanings of Chastity, Modesty, Virtuous, Pious, God Fearing and Devoted to God which are all very beautiful meanings for a very interesting pretty name. The meanings relating to Virtue would fit well in my current novel in progress as Virtues are very important to that society.

Akila

Meaning: (Wise, Intelligent, Logical, The Earth)

Origin: (Egyptian, Arabic, Swahili)

Pronunciation: (aa-K-L-aa, ah-KEEL-ah)

Gender: Female

When looking up the name Akilia *see on list of posts* I came across Akila and many of the meanings are similar for each name. Akila is an interesting name and I do like the meanings. However this is a name that will fall to the back of my mind unlike Akilia. I think the spelling or over all look don’t really appeal that greatly to me. However it is very old looking and would I think go great as the name of character or place on another planet.

Akilia

Meaning: (Wise, Intelligent, Logical)

Origin: (Arabic, English)

Pronunciation: (AHKIHLiyAH)

Gender: Female

I was watching a car commercial and I can swear they called a wolf in the commercial Akilia and I was like that is gorgeous and very much reminded me of one of my writer friends race of people in one of her stories. The meanings are wonderful and seeing the meanings and name it does seem old and wise. I can see a scholarly woman presiding over a large university on another planet for this name does seem other worldly to me.

Though if used on earth it seems old like early human history kind of or maybe even in the future it the people had gone backwards and been a tad bit more primitive. Though human history teaches us even the societies that had not even a speck of what we have were far from primitive, they were ingenious and did things with little and I am convinced that we couldn’t even do half of what they did with all the technology we have.

Leith

Meaning: (River, Harbor, Water, Wet, Damp, Broad River, Lion, This intriguing name is of medieval Scottish origin and is locational from the coastal town of Leith near Edinburgh, which takes its name from the river at whose mouth it stands, and is derived from the Gaelic 'lite' meaning wet, and is comparable to the Welsh 'llaith', damp or moist. There are reported to be three fables as to the origin of the Leiths, the first being that they held the barony of Restalrig, secondly, that they were burgesses of Edinburgh, who gave their name to Leith Wynd, and thirdly, that the founder of the family of Leith of Harthill, in the parish of Oyne, was William de Lethe, burgess of Aberdeen. The following examples illustrate the name development after 1342; Laurence de Leth (1388), Robert de Leithe (1406), Leithe (1641), James Leith married Christian Watson on December 27th 1670 at Canongate, Midlothian. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gilbert of Leth, which was dated 1327, Edinburgh, Scotland, during the reign of King Robert 1, 'The Bruce', 1306-1329. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling. http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Leith )

Origin: (Scottish, Celtic, Gaelic, English (Rare), Arabic)

Pronunciation: (Liy-TH)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I saw this name on a fellow bloggers blog, Apolla13. I think this is a really cool name. It reminds me of the name Leif though the meanings and origins are far different; I knew a guy in High School named Leif. I really love the meanings and for anyone looking for a water meaning name then look no further for this name is chockfull of water meanings. It has an interesting history and is even a town and river in Scotland. It seems a nice old name with many different variants.

To me I think this would work best in a Fantasy or Sci-Fi novel as it has that historical look but with an elfish or time travelers kind of look which is odd for me to see but I do see it. Not to say this couldn’t work in the modern era or even a Historical Fiction novel. Also would look good in a romance novel as this is an attractive name, I can see a gorgeous club owner in circa 1920’s New Orleans being named this, lol, very specific there!

Peridot

Meaning:  (A Green Gemstone, Peridot is gem-quality olivine. Olivine is a silicate mineral. Péridot the French word for olivine. Derived from the Greek word "peridona", which means stone that gives plenty. Birthstone for the month of August. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests an alteration of Anglo–Norman pedoretés (classical Latin pæderot-), a kind of opal, rather than the Arabic word faridat, meaning "gem".

The Middle English Dictionary's entry on peridot includes several variations: peridod, peritot, pelidod and pilidod – other variants substitute y for the i's seen here.

The earliest use in England is in the register of the St Albans Abbey, in Latin, and its translation in 1705 is possibly the first use of "peridot" in English. It records that on his death in 1245 Bishop John bequeathed various items including peridot to the Abbey.)

Origin: (Arabic, French)

Pronunciation: (PEH-ree-doe, PEHR-ee-doh, PARE-ih-doe)

Gender: Female

I was looking up green gem names and this was one of them that I thought was a really cool pretty gem and would be an epic character name as well. If you don’t like it, it is the French word for Olivine *see on list of posts* so they can be interchanged for each other if you care to. There are also variants of the word you might use for your characters name if this spelling doesn’t please you.

The meaning behind the word is pretty and the stone is pretty as well. It is one of the birthstone gems for the month of August, so if that fits you character or someway August plays into a significant part of your characters life or characters parent’s lives then this would be a good name to use.

Because it is a long standing gem name it could be used in a Historical Fiction Novel but it would be odd in a way to have a character named this in a Historical Fiction Novel because gem names especially rare gem names were rarely used in certain countries and in certain time periods, so do research if you care to use it in a Historical Fiction Novel.

Ravenor

Meaning: (Rave: Raven, Applied as a nickname for a thievish or dark haired person. Nor: Light, The Light, Honored, Honorable, God is My Light, Mercy, and Pity.)

Origin: (Arabic, Latin, Old Greek, English, German, Dutch)

Pronunciation: (REYV-NAOR, REYV-NAWR)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I saw this as the name of a Trilogy of books and I liked the look instantly as I love names with Raven in them. I looked it up and saw it is a last name but I could find no definite meaning or origin so just like Gwen-Gana *see on list of posts* I looked up the separate parts of the name Rave and Nor.

So the meanings together in this name are interesting. The first part is dark and mischievous where as the latter half is light and pleasant and good, so a funny name in that regard. I can see a very mixed character with this name, I mean mixed in regard to personality and the way they handle themselves. I can see a mischievous thievish character that truly has a good heart but has a hidden reason for their fiendish pursuits.  

Zarina

Meaning: (Of Gold, Golden, Golden One, A Golden Vessel, Blossoming Flower, Splendor)

Origin: (Muslim, Persian, Arabic)

Pronunciation: (za-REEN-ah, Za-RIY-Naa)

Gender: Female

This is from The Pirate Fairy movie. I saw the newest Tinker Bell movie advertised some months back and the Pirate Fairy in the move is named Zarina. I think it is such a beautiful name. The meanings are gorgeous and the name is so fantasy Princess like it isn’t even funny. I would love to see this used more often. I see a Princess who is tough but beautiful and full of spunk when I see this name.  

Altaira

Meaning: (Bird, High Flying, Flying Eagle, In Astronomy Altair is a star of the first Magnitude, it is the brightest star in the Aquilla Constellation. This constellation forms the shape of an Eagle and appears in the Fall.)

Origin: (Arabic, Latin)

Pronunciation: (al-TARE-ah, AOLTEHIHRAH)

Gender: Female

I used this as the name of an exceptionally beautiful woman from a race of people from another planet that help one of my characters give birth to her child, the child that will change the lives of people on two warring worlds. This is a beautiful name with an other world feel which is why I chose it. It has lovely meanings and just looks so beautiful. I wouldn’t mind seeing this name used more often but not so much that it looses its unique rareness.  

Caliana

Meaning: (Castle, a Moorish princess for whom a splendid palace was built in Spain. Combination of Callie and Ana. Calianna is a province in Italy.)

Origin: (Arabic, American)

Pronunciation: (cal-E-ah-na, K AH-L-EH-AW N-AH, K-AH-LEE-AW-N-EH)

Gender: Female

I forget where I first saw this but I have used Callie before as a character name. This would be a great lengthened version as would Calandra *see on list of posts*. I have used Calandra nicknamed Callie but Caliana is really pretty and would work really well with Callie nickname. The meanings are lovely and it is just a very beautiful feminine name that I would love to read more about.

Taryn

Meaning: (Thunder, From a High Rocky Cliff, Of the Earth, Tender/Innocent, Rocky Hill, Thunder, Earth, Rock, The Reaper, Wild Goat, To Carry, Young, Queen, Little Princess, Combination of Tara and Erin or a form of Taran/Terran.)

Origin: (English, Welsh, American, Scottish, Gaelic, Irish, Norse, Celtic, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Sanskrit, Roman, Scandinavian)

Pronunciation: (TA-rin, TARE-en, TARE-in)

Gender: Female, Possibly Uni-Sex

I like the look of this name. It has a great many meanings but they are all really good and interesting. I forget where I saw this name but I think I was looking up another name and I saw this one. I think it is easy, cute, pretty and seemingly pronounceable by many different people.

Zain / Zein / Zayn

Meaning: (Handsome, Beauty, Pretty, God is Gracious, Variant of Zane.)

Origin: (Arabic, Hebrew, English)

Pronunciation: (Zayn, Rhymes with Jane)

Gender: Uni-Sex

I have heard this name quite a bit lately. I keep seeing and hearing it as the name of one of the CNN correspondents. Also I saw it the other day as the name of one of those boy banders, from I think One Direction of The Wanted, LOL. I have no clue about the boy and girl bands of this era. I could tell you all the member’s names of the boy and girl bands I listened to growing up in the ’90’s and early 2000’s. But ask me to name one member from a band now I am lost, LOL. I feel so out of touch with bands now. :~)

Anyway either spelling is good in my view but I tend to like Zayn and Zain the best. The meanings are lovely and it is an easily pronounceable name. But it tends to often scream BORING. There isn’t anything unique or flashy for my taste. It just seems blah and bland to me but it is a decent name and seemingly likable so I wouldn’t hate it on a person in the real world or a book character.

Arwa

Meaning: (Gracefulness, Beauty, Satisfied, Pleasant, Fresh, Abundance, Good Appearance, Even Watering Sufficiency, Revealed Smooth,  Lightness, Agility, Fullness, Good Looks, With a Beautiful Appearance, Great Tenderness, Open to People, Compassionate, Affectionate, Sheep Mountain, Female Caribou, Mountain Goat/ Deer.)

Origin: (Arabic)

Pronunciation: (uh-r-wha, aa-RWaa)

Gender: Female

I forget now where I at first saw this name but it seemed similar to a few other names on this blog. I can’t quite remember which ones. Anyway once I looked up the meanings and pronunciation the name seemed even prettier to me. This name has quite a few meanings all of which I love and it is Arabic which also explains my love of this name, I love the look, pronunciation and meanings of many Arabic names. Of course with this name the pronunciation has to be read and said fast to get it. I tend to want to take too long on a pronunciation instead of saying it fast. Anyway with this name being short and seemingly simple for some it would make a very lovely character name.

Elmira

Meaning: (Princess, Aristocratic Lady, Noble, Feminine form of Elmer. Shortened form of Edelmira. It appears in the play ‘Tartuffe’ (1664) by the French playwright Moliere.)

Origin: (Arabic)

Pronunciation: (el-MIR-uh, el-MY-ra)

Gender: Female

I heard this as a city name in the state of New York. It is a beautiful name with beautiful lovely meanings. This name isn’t a name heard too often but it has a long history to it which is nice and I like.

Farrah

Meaning: (Joyful, Good Looking, Pleasant, Lovely One, Ironsmith, From the English Wor “Fair”. Farah in Arabic means “Joy, Happiness”. English Surname.)

Origin: (Middle English, Arabic)

Pronunciation: (FARE-ah, FAR-uh, Fair-ah, FAA-RRaa, EHR-aa)

Gender: Female

I saw this name when I watched one of those 16 and Pregnant shows but I still didn’t care for the name. I also heard the name because of actress Farrah Fawcett. I do really like the meanings and it’s a really beautiful name. It is growing on me and I am sure it will soon be on my favorites list. It has a good exotic look and it’s easily pronounced.

Tariq

Meaning: (Nocturnal Visitor, Morning Star, Evening Caller, To Strike, He Who Pounds at the Door at Night, Historical: the Islamic military leader (Eighth Century) who conquered Spain for the Moors.  It’s used specifically for the one who travels at night time – a night visitor. As the Arabs before found it a convenience to travel at night because the day was scorching hot. It refers to someone who comes in the middle of the night and knocks on the door. The essential linguistic idea behind it is that which comes at night and calls attention. However in Arabic literature, the use of the word appears in the Qur’an where Tariq referred to a brilliant star at night which leads the way: Night comer or Star of the piercing brightness.)

Origin: (Arabic, Albanian, English, Turkish)

Pronunciation: (TAHR-ik, TAA-Rihk)

Gender: Male, Possibly Uni-Sex

I was flipping channels and landed on Disney Channel. They were talking to a boy who had learned how to make violins and wanted to make a career out of making them for people that can’t afford really expensive one and there was more. Anyway his name as best I heard it was Tariq I am unsure if he spells his name this way. I love the look and the meanings of this name. It has a rare look that is very foreign to English speakers.

Aza

Meaning: (Reflect, Think, Strong, Comfort, One Who Provides Comfort, Born in the Morning)

Origin: (Arabic, Japanese, Scandinavian)

Pronunciation: (AH-Z-aa)

Gender: Female

I often recommend the book Fairest by Gail Carson Levine on Yahoo Answers. The main character of the book is named Aza. It is a short name and the meanings are absolutely beautiful. I really love this name.