Lena
Origin: Greek
Meaning: ‘Alluring’
The name has evolved in different languages as a variation of several earlier names. In some derivations, Lena comes from the endings of Alina and Helena. Lena is also a diminutive or short form for names that end with -line, such as Caroline, Adeline, and Madeline.
Famous Lenas include:
- Lena Ã…kesson (Boxer)
- Lena Anderssen (Singer)
- Lena Ashwell (British Actress)
- Lena Asplund (Politician)
Lillith
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: ‘Storm goddess’
In Jewish folklore, Lilith was a female demon and first wife of Adam. It has become popular due to the many actresses who portray her in ‘Supernatural’.
Famous Liliths include:
- Lilith Love (Photographer)
- Lilith Saintcrow (Novelist)
- Lilith Naga(Actress)
Lotte
Origin: German
Meaning: ‘Masculine’
Could also be short form of CHARLOTTE or LISELOTTE.. Again one of those old-fashioned names that is becoming popular again this year!
Famous Lottes include:
- Lotte Friis (Swimmer)
- Lotte Reiniger (Director)
- Lotte Verbeek (Actress)
Lyric
Origin: French
Meaning: ‘Of the Iyre’
Lyric is a bit self-conscious as a name, but its intensity and verve win you over. Unlike most names lifted from the world of music (Melody, Harmony), this name is no marshmallow. It’s pretty but tough, and utterly modern.
Famous Lyric’s Include:
- Lyric Jones (Soul Singer)
- Lyric Rochester (YouTube Star)
Luna
Origin: Latin
Meaning: ‘The moon’
In Mythology Luna is one of the names of Artemis the moon goddess.
Famous Lunas include:
- Luna Vachon (Wrestler)
- Luna Paco (Football player)
Mae
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: ‘Bitter’
In Roman mythology Maia: (source of the month May) was goddess of spring growth.
Famous Maes include:
- Mae Jemison (Doctor)
- Mae West (Actress)
Maggie
Origin: English
Meaning: ‘Pearl’
In Persian the meaning of the name Maggie is: Child of light. Famous Bearer: Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Famous Maggies include:
- Maggie Smith (Actress)
- Maggie Lena Walker (Activist)
- Maggie Gyllenhaal (Actress)
Marigold
Origin: English
Meaning: From the name of the flower ‘Marigold’. Is a combination of the name ‘Mary’, and ‘Gold’.
Mary’s gold – refers to both the flower and the mother of Jesus. Become popular after the character in Downton Abbey.
Mercy
Origin: English
Meaning: ‘Wages and Rewards’
Mercy is a derivative of the words for ‘Goods’ or ‘Wares’. It is a puritan name (like Patience, Charity, Hope etc) and became popular in the 17th Century. With a popular character in ‘Orange is the New Black, it has again become a rising star in baby names for girls. Similar names from the name Mercy include ‘Merry’ and ‘Mercia’.
Famous people called Mercy include:
- Mercy James (daughter of Madonna Ciccone)
Mila
Origin: Russian, Ukranian, Croation
Meaning: ‘Gracious’
Other variations of the name Mila include ‘Milena’, ‘Milan’ and ‘Milo’. It has been on a steady increase in popularity since 2005, particularly in Australia.
Famous Mila’s include:
- Mila Kunis (Actress)
- Mila J (R & B Singer)
- Mila Brener (Child TV Actress)
Molly
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Wished-for-child
In English the meaning of the name Molly is from the Gaelic Maili which is a pet form of Mary, meaning bitter. Molly in Pop Culture is the name of one of the leading characters in ‘Tyrant’.
Famous Mollys include:
- Molly Ringwald (Actress)
- Molly Brazy (Rapper)
- Molly Long (Choreographer)
Natalia
Origin: Polish, Italian, Spanish
Meaning: ‘Christmas Day’
Natalia is a derivative of the name ‘Natalie’. Other versions include ‘Natale’, ‘Tasha’ and ‘Nathalia’.
Famous Natalia’s include:
- Natalia Taylor (YouTube Star)
- Natalia Kills (Pop Singer)
- Natalia Vodianova (Model)