One of my favorite ways to discover new-to-me names is by visiting the Nameberry forums. Our community of Berries are always letting us know about the names that are missing from the database, while also sharing their favorite names of the day and the ones that they’ve encountered in real-life.
From wild word names picked straight from the dictionary to antique options from the family tree to undiscovered gems from all around the world, there is a boundless treasure trove of names to discover on the forums.
In this week’s blog, we’ve been reflecting back on some of the standout new additions to Nameberry’s collection in 2024. Drawn from a wide range of sources including celebrity baby announcements, the latest name data, and of course, the fabulous suggestions from the Berries, there were just so many, we couldn’t highlight all of our favorites.
Below are a few more spectacular new entries — all of which we discovered on the forums!
Clovelly
The name of a seaside village in the south of England — noteworthy for its steep hill, picturesque scenes, and the fact you have to pay if you want to visit — Clovelly is a place name that reminds us of Clover, Everly, and Romilly.
Thank you to @tlilypad for introducing Clovelly to the forums.
Fírinne
A virtue name of Irish origin, Fírinne emerged during the Gaelic revival movement of the late 19th century. This movement sought to preserve the Irish language and inspire new interest in Gaelic folklore, mythology, and art. Meaning “truth”, Fírinne is a rare but intriguing word name.
Thank you to @lasairfhiona for sharing Fírinne with us, along with a whole collection of other new Irish names.
Frostlilja
A bold and poetic choice, but with the familiar nickname option of Lili built in, Frostlilja is a Swedish botanical name, translating simply to “frost lily”. It might appeal to those who want something rarer than Primrose or Marigold or anyone looking for an unexpected middle name for a winter baby.
Thank you to @amalfi for introducing Frostlilja to the forums.
Izudin
This Bosnian name is a contracted form of the Arabic Izz ad-Din, a spiritual choice meaning “glory of religion”. Pronounced ee-ZOO-din, this variation is sleek and succinct, while still maintaining the power of its origin.
Thank you to @tallemaja for suggesting Izudin.
Kyffin
Kit meets Gryffin in this cool Welsh name, notably borne by IndyCar driver, Kyffin Simpson. It likely means “limit” or “confine” and while it is more often used as a surname, last names as first names are very much on trend!
Thank you to @Rainbow6 for introducing Kyffin on the forums.
Nemain
A dark and witchy name, Nemain appears in Irish mythology as the fairy spirit of the havoc of war. Likely an aspect of the trio of goddesses known as the Morrígan, the name could mean “venomous” or “dose of poison” which might intrigue those who enjoy the likes of Raven, Wednesday, Lilith, and Nimue.
Thank you @VEL for the suggestion of Nemain.
Otar
Similar in sound to Otto, Omar, or Otis, Otar is a nature-inspired choice, meaning “meadow”. It’s a well-known name in its native Georgia, but yet to be discovered elsewhere.
Thank you to @Eagleeyes for suggesting Otar.
Rubio
A zippy and spirited Spanish name, Rubio was originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It comes from the same Latin root as the popular Ruby and is borne by footballer Rubio Rubín.
Thank you to @wandarine for introducing Rubio.
Sundar
A sunny-sounding but powerful Hindi name, Sundar is also a descriptive word meaning “beautiful, handsome, good”. It comes from the longer and equally stunning Sundara, the name of several minor characters in influential Hindu texts.
Thank you to @baya44 for bringing Sundar and Sundara to our attention.
Theano
Notably borne by a 6th century female philosopher who wrote guides on how to deal with children, servants, (other) philosophers, and unfaithful husbands, Theano is a name of Greek origin, meaning “goddess”. Pronounced TEH-A-NO or theh-ah-NO, it might appeal to those looking for an alternative to Thea or Tea.
Thank you to @benton_s_mama for bringing Theano to the forums.
We’d love to know what names you’ve discovered this year and where you found them! Comment below to share your new favorites!
More fun stuff
What do you do when nothing compares to your first baby’s name? We help to solve a baby name dilemma
Check out the full (and ever changing) list of all the Newest Names on Nameberry
This new celebrity baby name is dividing opinions
Old favorites: check out what names Berries used to love
Take a look at how your star sign could influence your name choices
There’s a historical marker in Asheville, NC about Kiffin Rockwell, WWI pilot. With an I not Y though.
While Theano is my favorite from these names, putting it up against Clovelly was a tough decision. Both are names I like but hadn't really thought of before today.