This is a list of submitted names in which the description contains the keywords philosopher or author or writer or poet or playwright or dramatist.
Submitted names are contributed by users of this website. The accuracy of these name definitions cannot be guaranteed.
Kurōdo m JapaneseThis name is used as 蔵人 with 蔵 (sou, zou, osa.meru, kaku.reru, kura, kurou) meaning "own, possess, storehouse" and 人 (jin, nin, -to, hito, -ri) meaning "person."... [
more]
Kutlu m TurkishDerived from the Turkish adjective
kutlu meaning "blessed, auspicious" as well as "happy". As such, this name is basically the modern Turkish form of
Qutluğ... [
more]
Kvasir m Norse Mythology, Icelandic (Modern, Rare)Derived from the name given to the fermented juice of berries. In Norse mythology Kvasir was the wisest of all beings. The dwarfs
Fjalarr and
Galarr killed him, poured his blood into the vessels Boðn, Són and Óðrœrir, and mixed it with honey to make the skaldic mead, which would make whoever drank it a poet.
Kyrion m Late GreekDerived from either the Greek noun κύριος
(kyrios) meaning "lord, master" or the Greek adjective κύριος
(kyrios) meaning "ruling, governing, having power".... [
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Kyung-ju m & f KoreanFrom Sino-Korean 景 (kyung) meaning "scenery; view" combined with 珠 (ju) meaning "pearl". Other hanja character combinations are possible. ... [
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Lafcadio m ObscureAfter the Greek island of Lefkada (Λευκάδα) in the Ionian Sea. This was the name of Lafcadio Hearn, an international writer born in Lefkada and known for his writings about Japan (especially his collections of Japanese legends and ghost stories) and about the city of New Orleans.
Lamara f Literature, Svan, GeorgianThis is a relatively new name, as it was invented by the Georgian writer and playwright Grigol Robakidze (1880-1962) for his famous play
Lamara (1928). He took the name from უშგულის ლამარია
(Ushgulis Lamaria), the name of a medieval church in the Ushguli community in the Georgian region of Svaneti... [
more]
Lambergus m Arthurian CycleIn the Italian Tristano Riccardiano and La Tavola Ritonda, the husband of the Hebrew Damsel of Thornbush Ford. He found out that his wife and
Tristan were having an affair... [
more]
Lamira f English (American), Literature, TheatreThis name was used (possibly invented) by Jacobean-era dramatist John Fletcher for characters in his plays
The Honest Man's Fortune (c.1613) and
The Little French Lawyer (1647). It does not appear to have been used in England; it came into use in the early United States, occurring as early as the 1780s in New York, perhaps influenced by the similar-sounding name
Almira 1.
Lancel m LiteratureCreated by author George R. R. Martin for a character in his series "A Song of Ice and Fire" and the television adaptation "Game of Thrones". In the series, Lancel Lannister is the son of Kevan and a squire to King Robert Baratheon.
Lascelles m EnglishTransferred use of the surname
Lascelles. A notable bearer was the poet Lascelles Abercrombie (1881-1938).
Layamon m History, Medieval EnglishMedieval form of the Old Norse
Lǫgmaðr meaning "lawyer", derived from
lǫg "law" and
maðr "man". This was the name of an early 13th-century English poet and chronicler known for authoring 'Brut', the first English-language work to feature King Arthur.
Leco m Dutch (Rare)The meaning of this name is uncertain, but it may possibly be of Dutch or Frisian origin (compare
Remco). A known bearer of this name is Leco van Zadelhoff (b. 1968), a Dutch celebrity cosmetician, stylist, television host and writer.
Legoshi m Popular CultureLegoshi is the name of the main protagonist in the manga/anime Beastars. His name is derived from Bela Lugosi, an actor who played Dracula in old movies. The author of the series borrowed from it because it sounded "mysterious and elegant."
Leino m Finnish, EstonianFinnish and Estonian name of uncertain origin and meaning. Theories include a derivation from the pen name of Eino Leino (Armas Einar Leopold Lönnbohm), Finnish poet and journalist (1878-1926).
Lelde f Latvian, Theatre1920s phonetic coinage which was first used in the play
Spēlēju, dancoju (1915) by Latvian poet and playwright Rainis.
Lelija f CroatianCroatian form of
Laelia. There is a poem from the famous Croatian poet Dragutin Tadijanović (1905.-2007.) named "Lelija".
Lella f English (Rare), American (South), Italian, Medieval ItalianMedieval Italian diminutive of names ending in
ella. It can also be used as a diminutive of
Elena and other names beginning with or containing
el. This was borne by Italian opera singer Adelaide 'Lella' Ricci (1850-1871) as well as Italian actress Elena 'Lella' Fabrizi (1915-1993), Italian designer Elena 'Lella' Vignelli (1934-2016) and Italian racing driver Maria Grazia 'Lella' Lombardi (1941-1992).... [
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Lemony m Popular CultureUsed by American author Daniel Handler (1970-) as a pen name. He claimed that, not wanting to give his real name, he spontaneously blurted out "Lemony Snicket" over the phone one day. It may be a play on the name
Lemoine or the word
lemon.
Lenina f Literature, Spanish (Latin American)This name was invented by the British author Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), who apparently intended it to be a feminine form of the surname
Lenin, Lenin being the founder of the former Soviet state... [
more]
Leophantos m Ancient GreekThe first element of this name is derived from either the Attic Greek noun λεώς
(leos) meaning "the people" (see
Leos) or from the Greek noun λέων
(leon) meaning "lion"... [
more]
Lepha f American (Rare)Possibly a feminine form of
Leo. Notable bearer is Lepha
Eliza Bailey (1845-1924), an American author who supported prohibition and women's legal right to vote.
Lerone m African AmericanFamous bearers are mixed martial artist Lerone Murphy (born 1991) and author Lerone Bennett Jr. (1928-2018)... [
more]
Les m UkrainianVariant of
Oles. A notable bearer is Les Poderevianskyi, modern counter-culture writer and painter, who is famous for his absurdist and obscene dramas.
Leslye f English (Rare)Variant of
Lesly. Leslye Headland (1980-) is an American film and television director, screenwriter, and playwright.
Leucius m Late Greek (Latinized)Latinized form of
Leukios. This name was borne by a martyr and saint from the 3rd century AD and by Leucius Charinus, the author of the so-called "Leucian Acts".
Leucosia f Greek Mythology (Latinized)From Greek Λευκωσια
(Leukosia), possibly derived from λευκος
(leukos) meaning "bright, clear, white" and οὐσία
(ousia) "being" or "substance, essence". According to some writers, there were three Sirens: Leucosia,
Parthenope and
Ligeia.
Lewalevu f Polynesian MythologyThe name of a fertility goddess in Fijian mythology, derived from
lewa meaning "authority" and
levu meaning "big, large".
Lewes m & f Medieval EnglishEarly Modern English form of
Louis or sometimes
Louisa. Also compare
Lewis. A known bearer was Sir Lewes Lewknor (c.1560-1627), an English courtier, writer, soldier and member of Parliament, in whose case
Lewes was his mother's maiden name.
Libatius m LiteratureFrom "libation," the pouring of a liquid offering as a religious ritual or an intoxicating beverage.... [
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Licida m Italian (Archaic), TheatreItalian form of
Lycidas. It is chiefly used in the opera libretto
L'Olimpiade (1733), which was written by the Italian poet and librettist Pietro Metastasio (1698-1782).
Licinianus m Late RomanRoman cognomen which was derived from
Licinius. Known bearers of this name include the Roman author Granius Licinianus (2nd century AD) and the Roman usurper Julius Valens Licinianus (3rd century AD).
Lidian f English (Rare)In the case of Lidian Emerson (1802-1892), the second wife of philosopher-poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, it was an elaboration of
Lydia, her original name, changed by her at her husband's request, allegedly to avoid the hiatus between
Lydia and
Emerson.
Liesma f LatvianDirectly taken from Latvian
liesma "flame, blaze". This name was used by the Latvian poet and playwright Aspazija in her play
Ragana (1895).
Liir m LiteraturePossibly intended as a variant of
Llyr, this is the name of
Elphaba's child in American author Gregory Maguire's 'Wicked' series.
Lin-Manuel m American (Hispanic, Rare), ObscureBorne by Lin-Manuel Miranda (1980-), an American songwriter, actor, playwright and filmmaker, whose parents named him after a poem about the Vietnam War by Puerto Rican writer José Manuel Torres Santiago titled
Nana roja para mi hijo Lin Manuel (
Red Lullaby for My Son Lin Manuel)... [
more]
Liodor m Russian (Rare)Variant (and shorter) form of
Iliodor. A known bearer of this name was the Russian poet, translator and journalist Liodor Palmin (1841-1891).
Llio f WelshOriginally a diminutive of
Gwenllian, now sometimes used independently. The 15th-century Welsh poet Dafydd Nanmor sang poems to a girl called Llio. It was revived in the early 20th century.
Llywarch m Medieval Welsh, WelshPossibly a Welsh form of the hypothetic old Celtic name *
Lugumarcos meaning "horse of Lugus", derived from the name of the Celtic god
Lugus combined with Welsh
march "horse", but perhaps the first element is Welsh
llyw "leader"... [
more]
Lobelia f LiteratureFrom the name of the flowering herb, which was named for the Belgian botanist Matthias de Lobel (1538-1616). It was used by the author J. R. R. Tolkien in his novel 'The Lord of the Rings' (1954), in which it belongs to the hobbit Lobelia Sackville-Baggins.
Lohrasp m Persian, Persian Mythology, LiteraturePersian form of the Avestan compound name
Aurvataspa or
Arvataspa, which consists of Avestan
aurva meaning "swift" and Avestan
aspa meaning "horse". As such, the meaning of this name is basically "swift horse" or "one who has a swift horse".... [
more]
Longinos m Ancient Roman (Hellenized)Hellenized form of
Longinus. This name was borne by a Greek literary critic and writer from the 1st century AD and also by a Greek rhetorician and critic from the 3rd century AD.
Lorca m & f English (American, Modern, Rare)The name
Lorca originated as a place name from the region of Navarre in Spain. Also famous as the surname of legendary Spanish playwright and poet Federico Garcia Lorca, who was also the inspiration for legendary folksinger Leonard Cohen to name his now-grown up daughter Lorca.
Loreley f Germanic Mythology, SpanishOlder German form of
Lorelei. This was the pen name of Mexican writer María Luisa Garza (1887-1980). It is also borne by Argentine model and actress Luisana Loreley Lopilato (1987-), the wife of Canadian singer Michael Bublé.
Loudon m English (Rare)Transferred use of the surname
Loudon. Known bearers of Loudon as a given name include the American author Loudon Wainwright, Jr... [
more]
Loula f English, GreekVariant of
Lula 1, as well as a Greek diminutive of various names. This was borne by Greek playwright
Angeliki-Theano 'Loula' Anagnostaki (1928-2017).
Lu f & m English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), VariousShort form of names beginning with
Lu, such as
Lucy,
Luis or
Luisa. Known bearers include Luciana 'Lu' Andrade (1978-), a Brazilian singer; Luzerne 'Lu' Blue (1897-1958), an American baseball player; Maria Luisa 'Lu' Colombo (1952-), an Italian singer; Lucien 'Lu' Gambino (1923-2003), an American football player; Lucy 'Lu' Rees (1901-1983), an Australian book collector and children's literature advocate; and Luis 'Lu' Senarens (1863-1939), an American science fiction writer.
Lubina f SorbianDerived from Proto-Germanic
*leubh- or
*lubh- "to like; to love; to desire; love". Lubina Hajduk-Veljkovićowa (German: Lubina Hajduk-Veljković), born 1976, is a Sorbian writer and translator.
Lucebert m Dutch (Rare)Derived from
Lucebert, the pseudonym of the Dutch poet and painter Lubertus Jacobus Swaanswijk (1924-1994).... [
more]
Lucerys m LiteratureCreated by American author George R. R. Martin for a character in his fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" and the television adaptation "House of the Dragon". In the series, Lucerys Velaryon is a prince of the Targaryen dynasty of Westeros during the later years of the reign of his grandfather Viserys I.
Lucifero m Italian (Rare)Italian form of
Lucifer. Known bearers of this name include the Italian writer and poet Lucifero Martini (1916-2001) and the medieval Italian bishop Lucifero di Cagliari (known in English as
Lucifer of Cagliari), who is venerated as a saint in Sardinia.
Lucillius m Ancient RomanVariant spelling of
Lucilius. This name was borne by a satirical poet who lived under the Roman emperor Nero in the first century AD.
Lugaretzia f Literature, Greek (?)The name of a Greek character in
My Family and Other Animals (1956), a memoir by British naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell based on his family's four years (between 1935 and 1939) living on the Greek island of Corfu, and its television adaptation
The Durrells (2016-2019)... [
more]
Lukhum m Georgian, LiteratureThis name is commonly used in the Georgian highlands. Georgian sources state that the etymology of Lukhum is unknown, but a Russian source connects it to Turkish delight, which was known as لوقوم
(lokum) in Ottoman Turkish... [
more]
Luoshen f Chinese Mythology, LiteratureMeans "goddess of the Luo River" in Chinese, from the river name 洛
(Luò) and 神
(shén) meaning "god, deity, spirit". This is the name of a well-known figure in Chinese literature and folklore... [
more]
Lupin m English (Modern, Rare)Transferred use of the surname
Lupin. Fictional bearers of the surname are Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief turned detective extraordinaire in novels by French writer Maurice Leblanc (introduced in 1905), and Remus Lupin, a werewolf in the
Harry Potter book series written by J. K. Rowling (introduced in 1999).
Lurana f English (American, Archaic)Possibly an early American alteration of
Lorena 2. This name was borne by Lurana W. Sheldon (1862-1945), an author and newspaper editor who fought for women's legal right to vote in the United States.
Luria f LiteratureInvented by Austrian author Ursula Poznanski for her
Eleria series, first released in 2012. She was named after American microbiologist
Salvador Edward Luria and mostly goes by
Lu.
Lurtz m Popular CultureThis is the name of an original character in Peter Jackson's film adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', created by Jackson or his co-writers from the style of Tolkien's Orkish language... [
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Lycoris f LiteratureSupposedly related to Greek λυκοφως (
lykophos) "twilight" or λυκαυγές (
lykauges) "morning twilight, dawn", derived from λυκος (
lykos) "wolf" and αυγη (
auge) "dawn, daylight"... [
more]
Lykera f UkrainianUkrainian folk form of
Glykeria. A notable bearer was Lykera Polusmakova, the last love and fiancée of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, who dedicated several poems to her.
Lyndall f & m English, South AfricanTransferred use of the surname
Lyndall. This was (first?) used as a given name by the South African author, political activist and feminist Olive Schreiner (1855-1920) for the heroine in her most famous novel,
The Story of an African Farm (1883)... [
more]
Lysis m Ancient GreekFrom Greek λύσις
(lysis) meaning "a release, loosening". This was borne by a Greek philosopher, Lysis of Taras, who was said to have been a friend and disciple of
Pythagoras, as well as the title character in a Socratic dialogue of
Plato.
Lytle m English (American, Rare)Lytle W Robinson (1877-1945) was an initiate of esoteric science and an author who published several books about Edgar Cayce. The name could be a variation of
Lyle or transferred use of the surname
Little.
Lytton m EnglishFrom an Old English place name which meant "settlement on the hill". A famous bearer is author Lytton Strachey.
Maanape m LiteratureMaanape is a character in the 1928 novel
Macunaíma, o herói sem nenhum caráter (
Macunaíma in English) by Brazilian writer Mário de Andrade. The novel is considered one of the founding texts of Brazilian modernism.
Macedonio m Spanish (Rare), Italian (Rare)This name is derived from Latin
Macedonius meaning "Macedonian," which is derived from Greek
Makedones. That word literally means "highlanders" or "the tall ones," which is related to
makednos meaning "long, tall" and
makros "long, large."... [
more]
Macunaíma m LiteratureMacunaíma is the main character in the 1928 novel
Macunaíma, o herói sem nenhum caráter (
Macunaíma in English) by Brazilian writer Mário de Andrade. The novel is considered one of the founding texts of Brazilian modernism.
Madleńka f SorbianVariant of
Madlenka. Madleńka Šołćic is a Sorbian writer, editorial journalist and dramatic advisor.
Maegor m LiteratureCreated by author George R. R. Martin for a character in his series "A Song of Ice and Fire". In the series, Maegor Targaryen is the third Targaryen monarch and one of the most tyrannical rulers of Westeros.
Magdalenus m Dutch (Rare)Dutch masculine form of
Magdalene. A notable bearer is Dutch author and illustrator Hendrik Magdalenus Bruna (1927-2017), better known as Dick Bruna.
Magserannguaq m & f GreenlandicDerived from Greenlandic
massippoq meaning "rising half up from a horizontal position" and the suffix -
nnguaq "sweet, dear", with the implied meaning "flower which is raised up by the heat of the sun, whilst small pieces of ice are still above it" (according to the Greenlandic author Karl Siegstad).... [
more]
Mahsati f PersianAlternate transcription of Persian مهستی (see
Mahasti), interpreted as being derived from Persian ماه
(mah) meaning "moon, month" and Indian loanword
sati meaning "virtuous lady"... [
more]
Maive f Irish (Rare)Variant of
Maeve. A notable bearer was Indian-born author Maive Stokes (1866-1961), who was of Irish descent. She is best known for compiling a collection of Indian fairy tales that were told to her by her caretakers.
Majgull f SwedishCombination of
Maj 2 and
Gull. The second element could be also influenced by the Scandinavian word
gull meaning "gold" or also a contraction of
gullig, a Swedish word meaning "sweetie; cute".... [
more]
Majsiej m BelarusianBelarusian form of
Moses. A notable bearer of this name was the Belarusian poet Majsiej Tejf (1904-1966).
Makepeace m & f English (Rare)Transferred use of the surname
Makepeace. A famous bearer is William Makepeace Thakeray, English novelist and author of Vanity Fair.
Malamhìn f Scottish GaelicMost likely coined by James Macpherson (1736-1796), the Scottish antiquarian poet who published works allegedly translated from the ancient Gaelic bard
Ossian. Macpherson seems to have based the name on Scottish Gaelic
mala "brow, eyebrow" and
mìn "smooth, soft", intending it to mean "smooth brow"... [
more]
Malidoma m Western AfricanAccording to the Burkinabé writer Malidoma Patrice Somé (1956-2021), his name means "he who befriends the enemy" or "friend of the stranger" in the Dagaare language.
Malkat f Northern African, MuslimPossibly means "queen of the house", deriving from the Arabic element
malaka ("queen"). Name borne by a prominent Sudanese author known for her realist novel The Wide Void.
Malyen m LiteratureInvented by author Leigh Bardugo for her "Shadow and Bone" book series, first released in 2012. It is the Ravkan version of
Malcolm.... [
more]
Manelick m Spanish (Mexican, Rare)Variant of
Manelich. Known bearers include Manelick "Mane" de la Parra Borja (1982-), a Mexican singer, and his father, Mexican writer and editor Manelick de la Parra Vargas.
Manthia m Western AfricanManthia Diawara (born December 19, 1953) is a Malian writer, filmmaker, scholar, cultural theorist, and art historian. Meaning unknown.
Marden f & m EnglishThe author Marden Fitzpatrick Nichols is a famous bearer of this name.
Marganore m Carolingian Cycle, LiteratureThis is the name of a tyrant in the 16th-century Italian epic poem
Orlando Furioso written by the Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533). It was invented by the author, who used as a base the Greek verb μαργαίνω
(margaino) meaning "to rage, to be mad"... [
more]
Marghanita f HebrewHebrew. The name of famous British writer Marghanita Laski, whose father, a lawyer and Zionist leader, named her after the scarlet pimpernel flower he had seen growing in the land of Israel.
Marhaen m IndonesianFrom "Marhaenism", a socialistic proletariat ideology originating and developed by the first President of Indonesia Sukarno. It was developed from the thought of Marxism which is applied according to the nature and culture of Indonesia or simply as "Marxism adapted to Indonesian conditions".... [
more]
Marília f Portuguese (Brazilian), LiteraturePoetic variant form of
Maria. It was introduced by the Lusitan-Brazilian poet Tomás Antônio Gonzaga (1744-1810), who invented the name for his lyric poem "Marília de Dirceu", which he wrote under the pseudonym of Dirceu... [
more]
Markolf m German (Rare)German form of
Marculf. A known bearer of this name is the German biophysicist and author Markolf Niemz (b. 1964).
Marlitt f German (Rare)This was assumed as a surname by the 19th-century German writer Eugenie John, who used the pen name E. Marlitt. She may have invented it, perhaps basing it on
Marlene or
Marlies.... [
more]
Marullus m Ancient RomanThe name of a Ancient Roman senator who was among the Senators who feared that Julius Caesar was becoming too powerful. In the play that playwright and poet William Shakespeare wrote based on the last days of Caesar, he and Flavius force citizens praising Caesar off the streets and taking decorations off statues in about the beginning of the play.
Maugrim m LiteraturePossibly based on Middle English
maugre meaning "ill-will". This was used by author C. S. Lewis for a character in his novel 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' (1950). Maugrim is a talking wolf and the captain of the White Witch's Secret Police.
Medardus m Germanic (Latinized)Latinized form of
Machthard. However, it should be noted that there are sources that have something different to say about the Germanic name that lies at the root of Medardus... [
more]
Meddyf f WelshEtymology uncertain, perhaps from
medd meaning "mead" and
yf meaning "drinks" or from
medd meaning "power, authority".
Medera f Ancient GreekOne of the four women in ancient times that supposedly created the philosopher's stone.
Medguistl f Medieval CornishOld Cornish name, in which the second element is Welsh
gwystl "hostage" (Cornish cognate
gostel). The first element may be Welsh
medd "mead" (Cornish
medh) or Welsh
medd "power, authority".
Meghann f English (Modern), LiteratureVariant of
Megan. This name was used by the Australian author Colleen McCullough in her novel
The Thorn Birds (1977), which in 1983 was adapted as a TV mini-series.
Meliadice f Arthurian CycleA descendant of Arthur and heroine of the romance Cleriadus et Meliadice, published in Paris in 1495. The author of the work is unknown, but it is believed to have been based on earlier French and English romances.... [
more]
Melissanthe f Greek (Rare)Composed of Greek μελισσα
(melissa) "honeybee" and ανθος
(anthos) "flower". It is used as a Graecized form of
Mélisande (e.g., the 12th-century queen
Melisende of Jerusalem is known as Melissanthe in Greek)... [
more]
Mellida f Theatre, EnglishLikely coined by the playwright John Marston for his plays 'Antonio and Mellida'(1599) and 'Antonio's Revenge' (1601). It was presumably intended as a cross between
Melissa and
Phyllida.
Melussina f LiteratureApparently a variant of
Melusine, used by Danish author Lene Kaaberbøl in her fantasy novel
Skammerens Datter (2000; English:
The Shamer's Daughter).
Memoir m & f English, African AmericanThe word “memoir” itself means memory or remembrance. In the field of literature, a memoir is a collection of the events that happened in the author's life, tied together by a certain theme.
Mencius m HistoryAnglicized form of the Chinese name 孟子
(Mengzi), from the surname
Meng combined with the title 子
(zǐ) meaning "master"... [
more]
Mendanbar m LiteratureThe name of a character in American author Patricia Wrede's
Enchanted Forest Chronicles series of young adult fantasy novels.
Menna f Welsh, Frisian, East FrisianVariant of
Mena in countries where that name is used (i.e., Germany, Netherlands,
Mena being a German/Dutch diminutive of various names beginning with
Mein, such as
Meinhild, where the meaning is "strength"), but Menna is also used regularly in Wales in modern times... [
more]
Mensje f West Frisian, Dutch (Rare)Feminine form of
Mense, perhaps via its variant form
Mens. This name is often mistakenly believed to be derived from Dutch
mensje meaning "little human being", usually by non-Frisians in the Netherlands.... [
more]
Meridel f EnglishThis was the name of communist and feminist writer Meridel le Sueur (1900 - 1996), possibly taken from her mother's nickname "Mary Del."
Meronym f Literature, Popular CultureThis is the name of a character from the book "Cloud Atlas" written by David Mitchell, which was adapted to film (with the same title) in 2012. The author of the book probably derived the name from the English word
meronym, which is a linguistic term used to refer to a part of the whole... [
more]
Merric m English (Rare)Variant of
Merrick. It was used by the author Tamora Pierce for a character in her 'Protector of the Small' fantasy series.
Merthin m LiteratureAnglicized form of
Myrddin used by author Ken Follett for a character in his novel 'World Without End'.
Mescal f English (American, Rare, Archaic), LiteratureFrom the English word for the peyote cactus, from Nahuatl. It was used by American author Zane Grey for a half-Navajo, half-Spanish woman in his novel
The Heritage of the Desert (1910) and the subsequent silent film adaptation (1924), in which the character was played by actress Bebe Daniels... [
more]
Mesomedes m Late GreekDerived from the Greek adjective μέσος
(mesos) meaning "between, in the midst" combined with the Greek verb μήδομαι
(medomai) meaning "to think, to plan" (see
Archimedes).... [
more]
Metagenes m Ancient GreekDerived from the Greek adjective μεταγενής
(metagenes) meaning "born after", which consists of Greek μετά
(meta) meaning "after, afterwards" combined with Greek γενής
(genes) meaning "born".... [
more]
Methi m ThaiMeans "philosopher, sage" in Thai.
Methika f ThaiDerived from Thai เมธี
(methi) meaning "philosopher, sage".
Miamaja f DanishCombination of
Mia and
Maja. It may be partly inspired by the similar name
Mia-Maria, which the Swedish children's author Astrid Lindgren used for a character (sister of the central character, Lotta) in her books 'Barnen på Bråkmakargatan' (1958) and 'Lotta på Bråkmakargatan' (1961).
Mifti f LiteratureThe alter ego of the author in Helene Hegelmann's novel
Axolotl Roadkill.
Miles m History (Ecclesiastical)Miles was was the bishop of Susa in Sasanian Persia from before 315 until his martyrdom in 340 or 341. He engaged in efforts to evangelize Susa, traveled widely in the Eastern Roman Empire and led the opposition to Papa bar ʿAggai and the supremacy of the bishops of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in the Persian church... [
more]
Milolika f Russian, LiteratureArtificially created name, used by Russian poets and writers in XVIII and XIX centuries. It derives from Russian words
милый (
mily) - "loveable","pleasant" and
лик (
lik) - "face" and means "she who has loveable face".
Mindia m Georgian, Folklore, LiteratureBasically means "I wanted you", derived from Georgian მინდია
(mindia) or მინდოდა
(mindoda) meaning "I wanted". This name literally refers to the fact that the child in question was desired by its parents.... [
more]
Mineke f DutchDutch diminutive of
Mina 1. A known bearer of this name is the Dutch author, researcher and professor Mineke Schipper (b. 1938).
Minona f Literature, Theatre, German (Rare, Archaic)Coined by Scottish poet James Macpherson for his 18th-century
Ossian poems where the name is borne by Minona, a singer who sings before the king the song of the unfortunate Colma. Macpherson names the alleged Scottish Gaelic words
Min-ónn "gentle air" as an etymological explanation of the name (compare Scottish Gaelic
mìn "gentle; soft (of a sound)" and
fonn "tune, melody").... [
more]
Misery f LiteratureFrom the English word, which derives from Latin
miseria "wretchedness". It was used as a given name in the book 'Misery' (1987) by Stephen King, about the author of a popular series of romance novels set in Victorian times, the heroine of which is named Misery Chastain.
Mitiarjuk f InuitOf uncertain etymology, name borne by a prominent Inuk author, educator and sculptor.
Mizuho f & m JapaneseFrom 瑞穂/水穂
(mizuho), referring to fresh, lush ears of rice, used as part of the name 瑞穂国
(Mizuho-no-kuni), one of the classical names for Japan which means something like "the Land of Abundant Rice."... [
more]
Mo m ChineseMeans "ink" or "black". A famous bearer is Mo Di (ca. 470 - ca. 391 BC), a Chinese philosopher and founder of Mohism.
Moby m LiteratureUsed by the 19th-century American author Herman Melville in his novel
Moby-Dick (1851), which was inspired by stories of an actual sperm whale called Mocha Dick. He may have arrived at it by blending
Mocha (which is taken from the name of Mocha Island) with
Toby.
Moderata f Late Roman, Italian (Archaic)Feminine form of
Moderatus. Known bearers of this name include the 4th-century martyr and saint Moderata of Sirmium (which was located in what is nowadays Serbia) and the Venetian writer and poet Moderata Fonte (1555-1592), although it should be noted that in her case, the name is a pseudonym: her real name was
Modesta di Pozzo di Forzi.
Moderatus m Late RomanDerived from Latin
moderatus meaning "managed, controlled, moderate(d)". This name was borne by the 1st-century Roman writer Columella (whose full name was Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella) and by the 1st-century Greek philosopher Moderatus of Gades (which is nowadays Cádiz in southern Spain).
Moebius m Popular CultureThe pseudonym of Jean Henri Gaston Giraud (1938-2012), French comic artist and writer.
Moero f Ancient Greek (Latinized)Latinized form of the Greek name Μοιρώ
(Moiro) which was derived from either the Greek noun μοῖρα
(moira) meaning "part, portion" as well as "fate, lot, destiny" or the Greek verb μοιράω
(moirao) meaning "to share, to divide, to distribute"... [
more]
Moichigo f JapaneseFrom Japanese 萌 (mo) meaning "bud, sprout" combined with 苺 (ichigo) meaning "strawberry". Other kanji combinations are possible.... [
more]
Monaldo m Italian (Rare)Italian form of
Munuald. Known bearers of this name include the 13th-century Italian saint Monaldo of Ancona (better known as
Monaldus, the latinized form of his name) and Monaldo Leopardi (1776-1847), an Italian count who was also a politician, philosopher and scholar.
Mondo m JapaneseThis name is used as 主水 with 主 (shu, shuu, su, aruji, omo, neshi, mon) meaning "chief, lord, master, principal" and 水 (sui, mizu, do) meaning "water."... [
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Monimia f Theatre, Literature, Afro-American (Slavery-era)Probably a Latinate form of
Monime, first used by Thomas Otway for the title character in his tragic play
The Orphan (1680). It was subsequently used by the Scottish author Tobias Smollett (also for an orphan character) in his novel
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom (1753), and later by English poet and novelist Charlotte Smith for the heroine of her novel
The Old Manor House (1793), which was a huge bestseller in the last decade of the 18th century... [
more]
Mönkhtör m MongolianFrom Mongolian мөнх
(mönkh) meaning "eternal" and төр
(tör) meaning "state, government" or "power, authority".
Morganetta f LiteratureDiminutive of
Morgan 2 used by the Italian poet Bernardo Tasso for a character in his epic poem
L'Amadigi. In the poem Morganetta is a daughter of Fata Morgana (Morgan le Fay), along with
Nivetta and
Carvilia.
Morgante m Carolingian Cycle, Literature, Medieval ItalianFrom the name of the eponymous character of the epic poem
Morgante (1478) written by the Italian poet Luigi Pulci (1432-1484). In the poem, Morgante is a giant who is converted to Christianity by the knight
Orlando and subsequently becomes his loyal follower.... [
more]
Morvern f ScottishVariant of
Morven. From the Scottish place name
Morvern, a district in north Argyll,
Mhorbhairne in the original Gaelic, meaning "sea gap" or "big gap" (
muir "sea" or
mór "great",
bhairne "gap")... [
more]
Moschion m Ancient GreekDerived from Greek μοσχίον
(moschion) meaning "young calf, small calf", which is ultimately derived from Greek μόσχος
(moschos) "calf, young bull" combined with the Greek diminutive suffix -ιων
(-ion)... [
more]
Motoie m JapaneseDerived from the Japanese kanji 基 (
moto) meaning "base, be base on" and 家 (
ie) meaning "house, home, family".... [
more]
Motome m & f JapaneseAs a masculine name, it can be used as 求, 求馬 or 求女 with 求 (kyuu, gu, moto.meru) meaning "demand, request, require, want, wish for," 馬 (ba, uma, -uma, ma, me) meaning "horse" and 女 (jo, nyo, nyou, onna, me) meaning "female, woman."... [
more]
Movitz m Swedish (Modern, Rare), Popular CultureTransferred use of the surname
Movitz. Its modern usage is likely inspired by Fredrik Movitz, a character appearing in several songs in Swedish poet, songwriter and composer Carl Michael Bellman's well-known 18th century work
Fredman's epistles.
Moye m ChineseFrom Chinese character 谟 (
mó) meaning "mask" combined with 业 (
yè) meaning "occupation, job، karma, deed". ... [
more]
Mucedorus m TheatrePossibly a variant of
Musidorus (compare
Musidora). In theatre, Mucedorus is the eponymous character of an anonymous Elizabethan romantic comedy:
A Most pleasant Comedie of Mucedorus the Kings Sonne of Valentia, and Amadine the Kinges daughter of Aragon, commonly called
Mucedorus, first performed around 1590 and regularly revived until the Restoration... [
more]
Mukhran m GeorgianFrom მუხრანი
(Mukhrani), the name of a historical lowland district in eastern Georgia. It was originally called მუხნარი
(Mukhnari) or მუხნარ
(Mukhnar), which literally meant "of an oak" but signified "oak-grove"... [
more]
Mukhtiar m UrduEither an Urdu variant of
Mukhtar or from a title derived from Sanskrit मुख्य
(mukhya) meaning "chief, main" and Persian اختیار
(ekhtiyar) meaning "power, authority".
Murasaki f Japanese (Rare)This name is used as 紫 (shi,
murasaki), originally (and still is) referring to the type of plant known as lithospermum erythrorhizon, but developed to refer to a purple or violet colour, since the dye produced from the plant has that type of colour.... [
more]
Murcia f Roman MythologyOriginally an epithet to the goddess
Venus and connected to the word
myrtus "myrtle tree", later connected to the Latin word
murcus "lazy, inactive" and interpreted as goddess of laziness by Christian writers.
Musashi m & f Japanese, Popular CultureThis name combines 武 (bu, mu, take.shi) meaning "military, warrior" with 蔵 (sou, zou, osa.meru, kaku.reru, kura, sashi) meaning "own, possess, storehouse", the combination also being read as Takezō.... [
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Musidora f LiteratureApparently a feminine form of
Musidorus, which was perhaps coined by the poet Sir Philip Sidney in the late 16th century for use in his poem 'Arcadia'. Allegedly it is intended to mean "gift of the Muses" from Greek Μοῦσα (
Mousa) "Muse", literally "muse, music, song" (compare
Musaeus), and the popular name suffix δωρα (
dora) "giving" or "gift"... [
more]
Mwari m Shona, African MythologyMeans 'force behind creation' in Shona. Shona traditional religion, Mwari is the supreme creator deity who is believed that he is the author of all things and all life and all is in him.
Myia f Ancient GreekDerived from Greek μυῖα
(myia) meaning "fly" (considered a symbol of audacity or excessive boldness). This was borne by a Pythagorean philosopher who was active around the year 500 BC. According to later tradition, she was one of the daughters of Pythagoras and Theano.
Myrcella f Literature, Popular Culture, English (Modern, Rare)Created by author George R.R. Martin for a character in his series
A Song of Ice and Fire (1996) and its television adaptation
Game of Thrones (2011-2019). At the beginning of the first novel, Princess Myrcella Baratheon is the daughter of king Robert Baratheon and queen Cersei Lannister... [
more]
Myro f Ancient GreekPossibly a feminine form of
Myron. This was the name of a poet of the late 3rd and early 4th centuries BC who was from the city of Byzantium. Her name could have been
Moero.
Myrtis f Ancient Greek, EnglishAncient Greek name derived from μύρτος
(myrtos) meaning "myrtle". This was borne by Myrtis of Anthedon (fl. 6th century BC), an early lyric poet and teacher, who was celebrated for being 'sweet-sounding' and 'clear-voiced' – but also criticized for being over-competitive with fellow poets... [
more]
Mytyl f TheatreMeaning unknown. This is the name of a character from the 1908 play 'The Blue Bird' (French: 'L'Oiseau bleu') by Belgian playwright and poet Maurice Maeterlinck.
Nabi f JapaneseNabi means "pot" in Okinawan language and was a common name for a woman in old Okinawa.... [
more]
Nagaie m JapaneseName that was given during the Hēan Period, to a Nobleman and Waka Poet, "藤原 長家" FUJIWARANONAGAIE. The Kanji Character "長" meaning "Long" with the Kanji Character "家" meaning "House".
Nagarjuna m SanskritNāgārjuna was an Indian monk and Mahāyāna Buddhist philosopher of the Madhyamaka (Centrism, Middle Way) school. He is widely considered one of the most important Buddhist philosophers.
Najmul m Arabic (Archaic)Famous monnikers include Najmul Millat, an Islamic jurist, and Najmul Hoda, a writer and scholar.
Namık m TurkishMeans "writer, printer, clerk" in Turkish, ultimately from Arabic نامق
(nāmiq).
Namıka f TurkishNamıka is a Turkish word meaning "printer, writer".
Namor m Popular CultureOriginally conceived by the writer-artist Bill Everett in 1939, Namor is the name of Marvel's earliest hero the Sub-Mariner. The name itself means "the Avenging Son" and is also a play on the word "Roman".
Nanseolheon f Korean (Rare, Archaic)Deriving from the Sino-Korean elements 蘭 (
nan), meaning "orchid", 雪 (
seol) meaning "snow", and 軒 (
heon) meaning "carriage, high, wide, balcony". This was the nomme de plume of a prominent female poet of the Joseon dynasty.
Naqib m Arabic, PersianDerived from the Arabic noun نقيب
(naqib) meaning "chief, leader, captain". Known bearers of this name include the Afghan cricketer Naqib Nangarhari (b. 1998) and the Persian storyteller Naqib ol Mamalek, who is the author of the popular Persian epic
Amir Arsalan (19th century AD).
Narongdet m ThaiFrom Thai ณรงค์
(narong) meaning "fight, campaign" and เดช
(det) meaning "power, might, authority".
Narsai m AssyrianAssyrian or Syriac form of
Narseh. This name was borne by a notable Syriac poet-theologian from the 5th century AD.
Nasrollah m PersianPersian form of
Nasrullah. Known Iranian bearers of this name include the renowned photographer Nasrollah Kasraian (b. 1944), the famous poet Nasrollah Mardani (1947-2003) and the philosopher Nasrollah Pourjavady (b... [
more]
Natəvan f AzerbaijaniDerived from Persian ناتوان
(nātavān) meaning "powerless, weak, feeble". This was the pen name of Azerbaijani poet
Xurşidbanu Natəvan (1832-1897).
Natercia f PortugueseNatercia is the anagram of the name Caterina ( old form. of modern Catarina) createart by the portuguese famoso poét. Luis de Camões in 16th century. ... [
more]
Natnaree f ThaiMeans "a female sage", deriving from the Thai element นักปราชญ์ (
nák bpràat) meaning "philosopher; sage".
Natsuto m & f JapaneseFrom Japanese 夏 (natsu) meaning "summer" combined with 十 (to) meaning "ten", 人 (to) meaning "person" or 音 (to) meaning "sound". Other kanji combinations are possible. ... [
more]
Navarana f Greenlandic, Danish (Rare)Greenlandic name meaning "one who alternates between different parties", derived from the Proto-Eskimo root *
naverar "to trade, exchange" and the name suffix
na. In legend Navarana was an Inuit woman who brought about disunity by alternating between her tribe of native Greenlanders and the Norse colonists... [
more]
Naviyuk f & m Inupiat (Modern)Uigvak(King Island) dialect Inupiatun name of writer and poet Joan Naviyuk Kane, etymology and meaning unknown, possibly related to the western Kalilit(Greenlandic) name
Navagiaq Nazibrola f Georgian, LiteratureDerived from the Georgian adjective ნაზი
(nazi) meaning "gentle" as well as "delicate, soft, tender" (see
Nazi) combined with the Georgian noun ბროლი
(broli) meaning "crystal (glass)" (see
Brola)... [
more]
Naziraoy f UzbekDerived from
nazira meaning "a literary work meant to represent or respond another work by another author" and
oy meaning "moon".
Nel f PolishVariant of
Nela. Nel Rawlinson is a character from "In Desert and Wilderness", a popular young adult novel by the Polish author and Nobel Prize-winning novelist Henryk Sienkiewicz, written in 1911.
Neobule f Ancient Greek (Latinized), LiteratureFrom Greek Νεοβούλη
(Neoboule), which meant "new decision" from Greek νέος
(neos) meaning "new" and βούλομαι
(boulomai) "to will, to wish, to prefer". This was used by the 7th-century BC Greek poet Archilochus.
Neophron m Ancient Greek, Greek MythologyThe first element of this name is derived from Greek νέος
(neos) meaning "young, youthful" as well as "new, fresh". The second element is derived from either the Greek noun φρόνις
(phronis) meaning "prudence, wisdom" or the Greek verb φρονέω
(phroneo) meaning "to think" as well as "to be minded"... [
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Ngurah m BalineseFrom a title that originated from marriages between an aristocratic and non-aristocratic family, used as an indication of authority. This name is traditionally given to the second-born child.
Nicarete f Ancient Greek (Latinized)From the Greek name Νικαρέτη
(Nikarete) which was derived from Greek νικη
(nike) "victory" and αρετη
(arete) "virtue, excellence". This belonged to a 4th-century BC Megarian philosopher and a 5th-century AD Byzantine saint.
Nictae f Classic Mayan (Latinized, Rare)Nicté ( maya : nicte : flower: May flower, tree), according to the alphabetical encyclopedia Yucatan in Time, is the name of a legend in the book compiled Mayan Legends by writer Yucatan Clemente López Trujillo, which refers to the May Flower and star constellation Southern Cross .
Niggle m LiteratureNiggle is the main character in "Leaf by Niggle", a short story written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of "The Lord of the Rings", "The Hobbit", and many other stories. Niggle's story, however, has nothing to do with Middle Earth, the lands in which Tolkien's most famous works take place... [
more]
Nikky f EnglishVariant of
Nikki. This is borne by the American poet Nikky Finney (1957-), born Lynn Carol Finney.
Niktopolion m Russian (Archaic)Russian form of
Nikopolitianos through a Greek corruption of the name. This corruption was probably Νυκτοπολιων
(Nyktopolion) or something close to it, which led to the name being associated with the night, as it closely resembles the Greek adjective νυκτιπόλος
(nyktipolos) meaning "roaming by night".... [
more]
Nizami m AzerbaijaniDerived from Persian نظامی
(nizami) meaning "military, soldier". Nizami Ganjavi was a 12th-century Persian poet.
Nocturna f Literature, Popular CultureDerived from Latin
nocturnus meaning "of or belonging to the night, nocturnal", from the Latin
noctū "by night". This name appeared in the 1979 camp comedy-horror film
Nocturna, also as the DC comics character Nocturna, a daughter of Dracula, created by writer Doug Moench and artist Gene Colan in 1983.
Nodar m GeorgianGeorgian form of
Naudar. Known bearers of this name include Georgian author Nodar Dumbadze (1928-1984) and Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili (1988-2010).
Noe f JapaneseFrom Japanese 乃 (no), a possessive particle combined with 衛 (e) meaning "defense". Other combinations of kanji characters can also form this name. ... [
more]
Nore m Swedish, Norwegian (Rare)Younger form of
Nóri, an Old Norse name meaning either "north" (derived from
norðr) or "small person" (derived from
nóri). Swedish writer Esaias Tegnér used the name in a 1814 poem celebrating the union between Sweden and Norway... [
more]
Norhala f LiteratureA character in 'The Metal Monster', a fantasy novel by American writer Abraham Merritt.
Norimichi m JapaneseName that was given during the Hēan Period, to a Court Noble, "藤原 教通" FUJIWARANOYORIMICHI, married to the Daughter of "藤原 公任" FUJIWARANOKINTO a Japanese Poet, and married to "禔子内親王" SHISHI the Japanese Imperial Princess Shishi, and married to "嫥子女王" SENSHI the Daughter of an Imperial Prince... [
more]
Nosratollah m PersianPersian form of
Nasratullah. Known Iranian bearers of this name include the actor Nosratollah Vahdat (b. 1925) and the poet Nosratollah Noohian (b... [
more]