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Aakash see Akash

Aaliyah see Ali

Aamena, Aaminah see Amina

Aaron m.

In the Old Testament, Aaron was the brother of MOSES and the first High Priest of Israel. The traditional interpretation links this name to the Hebrew for ‘high mountain’, but like Moses, Aaron is probably an Egyptian name of unknown meaning. It is connected with the Arabic names Harun and Haroun, and has been in use since the Reformation. In the past it was pronounced with a first sound as in ‘air’, but now it is also found with a short ‘a’, a pronunciation reflected in the spelling Ar(r)on.

Abdullah m.

A Muslim name from the Arabic for ‘servant of Allah’. The short form Abdul also occurs.

Abe, Abie see Abel, Abraham

Abel m.

In the Old Testament, Abel was the second son of ADAM and EVE and murdered by his brother Cain. The name may come from a Hebrew word for ‘breath’, but like so many of the earliest names, its meaning is doubtful. The name has been used in England since before the Norman Conquest. The short forms include Abe and Abie.

Abigail f.

From the Hebrew, meaning ‘father rejoiced’. It was the name of one of King David’s wives and was much used in England during the 16th and 17th centuries when many Old Testament names were popular. It was so popular for working-class women that it degenerated into a term for a lady’s maid and so became unfashionable; but it has now come back into favour. It is sometimes spelt Abagail or Abigal. The short forms include Abbie, Abb(e)y and GAIL.

Abner m.

From the Hebrew words for ‘father of light’. In the Bible it is the name of King Saul’s cousin, who was commander of the army. In England it came into common use, together with other biblical names, after the Reformation in the early 16th century. It is still found occasionally in North America.

Abraham m.

This is the name of the Old Testament patriarch who, for the first 90 years of his life, was called Abram, ‘high father’, but then was told by God that he should be called Abraham, ‘father of many nations’. It was used in England regularly after the Reformation and became popular in North America where the abbreviation Abe, as in President Abe Lincoln (1809–65), was widely used. Other short forms are Abie, Ham and Bram. (See IBRAHIM.)

Ada f.

A name which started life as a pet form for ADELA, ADELAIDE and ADELINE, and so means ‘noble’. It was fashionable in Britain in the late 18th and 19th centuries, but is now rare. Adah is often confused with Ada, but is in fact derived from the Hebrew word for ‘ornament’ or ‘brightness’.

Adam m.

From the Hebrew, meaning ‘red’, possibly referring either to skin colour, or to the clay from which God formed the first man. The name was adopted by the Irish as early as the 7th century, when St Adamnan, ‘Little Adam’, was Abbot of Iona. It was very common in the 13th century and has been in use ever since, particularly in Scotland. It is currently one of the most popular boys’names. Adamina is a rare feminine form.

Adeel see Adil

Adela f.

From the Old German, meaning ‘noble’. It was common among the Normans, who brought it to England. One of William the Conqueror’s daughters had this name. It died out but was later revived and became fashionable in the French form Adèle. Addie or Addy is used as a pet form for the names derived from this root (see also ADELAIDE and ADELINE). Adela can also be spelt Adella, which gives us the name DELLA, now more popular than its source.

Adelaide f.

Derived from the Old German words meaning ‘noble and kind’. The name was common for centuries on the Continent but only came to Britain in 1830 when Adelaide of Saxe-Coburg became queen. Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, was named after this popular queen. It can be shortened to ADA, and ALIDA is a Hungarian pet form (see also HEIDI).

Adeline f.

Like ADELAIDE, this name is derived from the Old German for ‘noble’. It was first cited in England in the Domesday Book and was common during the Middle Ages. After that it disappeared until the Victorian Gothic revival. It is best known from the song Sweet Adeline. ADA is sometimes used as a pet form, and Alina and Aline, now used as separate names were also once short forms.

Adil m.

An Arabic name meaning ‘just, honest’. It is also spelt Adeel.

Adnan m.

An Arabic name of uncertain meaning. According to tradition, Adnan was the ancestor of the North Arabians.

Adrian m., Adrienne f.

From the Latin meaning ‘man from Adria’, and a form of the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who built the wall across northern England. It has been used since Roman times; a St Adrian was the first British martyr in the 4th century. Adrian and Adrien are now sometimes used as girls’ names. Adriana is a rare female form, the French Adrienne being more popular. Adria and Adrianne are also found.

Aeneus, Aengus see Angus

Afra see Aphra

Agatha f.

From the Greek for ‘good woman’, this was the name of a 3rd-century martyr and saint. The short form is Aggie.

Agnes f.

From the Greek meaning ‘pure’. There was an early Christian martyr called Agnes, whose symbol is a lamb, since the name also sounds very like the Latin agnus, ‘lamb’. Old forms still occasionally used include Annis, Annice and Annes. Agneta is the Swedish form and Inez is the anglicised form of the Spanish Inés. Agnes was popular in Scotland where it also became Nessie and Nessa. In Wales it became Nest and Nesta. Aggie is a short form shared with AGATHA (see also INA).

Ahmad m.

This Arabic name is often spelt Ahmed. It is one of the names applied to the Prophet Muhammad and means ‘more praiseworthy’.

Aidan m.

An ancient Irish name which means ‘little fire’. It was the name of a 7th-century Irish missionary who founded the monastery of Lindisfarne in Northumbria. The name was revived during the 19th century and is popular at the moment in Ireland. It is sometimes anglicised as Edan.

Ailbhe see Elvis

Aileen see Eileen

Ailis, Ailish see Alice, Eilis

Ailsa f.

From the Scottish island, Ailsa Craig. First used in Scotland where it can also be a pet form of ALICE, it has now spread through Britain.

Aimée see Amy, Esmé

Ainsley m. and f.

A place and surname used as a first name, this comes from the Old English and probably means ‘lonely clearing’. It is also spelt Ainslie.

Aisha f.

From the Arabic meaning ‘alive and well’ or ‘prospering’. A favourite name in the Arab world, originally borne by the third (and favourite) wife of the Prophet Muhammad. In Britain and the USA the name is found in many forms, including Aiesha, Aishah, Ayisha, Asia, Aysh(i)a, Ieasha, Ieesha, Iesha and Isha. H. Rider Haggard used the form Ayesha in his novel She, where the meaning was given as ‘she who must be obeyed’.

Aisling f.

The commonest form of a name also found as Aislinn, Isleen and the phonetic Ashling. It is an old Irish name meaning ‘a dream, vision’ and has been popular in Ireland since the 1960s.

Ajay, Ajit m.

Popular Indian names from the Sanskrit for ‘invincible’.

Akash m.

This Indian name is sometimes found as Aakash. It is from the Sanskrit and means ‘the sky’.

Akhil m.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit meaning ‘whole, complete’.

Akshar m.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit meaning ‘imperishable’.

Alan m.

An old Celtic name of unknown meaning. It has appeared in various forms from early times. In England it first became popular after the Norman Conquest as Alain or Alein, the French forms. These developed into Alleyne which is preserved as a surname. Alan, Allan, Allen and Alun (strictly speaking, a Welsh river name used as a first name) are in use today. Alana, the feminine form, is also spelt Allana, Alanah and Alanna, and in the USA has developed the form Alaina or Alayna. The actress Lana Turner made the short form well known.

Alastair m.

Also spelt Alasdair, Alistair and Alister, this is the Gaelic form of ALEXANDER, ‘defender of men’. It is shortened to Al, Ali, Alli or Ally, Alec and Alick.

Alban m., Albina f.

From the Latin Albanus, meaning ‘man from Alba’ (a Roman town whose name means ‘white’), and the name of the earliest British saint. The town of St Albans, where he was martyred, is called after him. Albin and Albinus are variants which appear occasionally, and Albina and Albinia, ‘white’, are used as feminine forms.

Alberic see Aubrey

Albert m.

An Old German name meaning ‘noble and bright’. The Old English form was Ethelbert, the name of the Kentish king who welcomed Augustine to Canterbury when he came to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. This was replaced after the Norman Conquest by the French form, Aubert. Albert became so popular after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg that it became over-used and so went out of fashion. BERT and BERTIE are short forms. Alberta, Albertina and Albertine are forms of the name used for girls.

Alby see Elvis

Aldous m.

From the Old German Aldo, meaning ‘old’. It has been used in the eastern counties of England since the 13th century and has given rise to various surnames like Aldhouse and Aldiss. Aldo is still used in North America. The writer Aldous Huxley (1894–1963) is the best-known British example.

Aldwyn m.

This Anglo-Saxon personal name, meaning ‘old friend’, has been revived in modern times. Some parents prefer the spelling Aldwin.

Alec see Alastair, Alexander

Aled m.

The name of a Welsh river used as a first name. There is a female form Aledwen, ‘fair Aled’.

Alessandra see Sandra

Alethea, Aletia see Althea

Alexander m.

Currently one of the most popular boys’ names, this comes from the Greek meaning ‘defender of men’. It was made famous in the 4th century BC by Alexander the Great, and was very popular in England in the Middle Ages. Sandy is a pet form, particularly in Scotland. Alex is the most common of the many short forms, others being Al, Alec, Ali, Lex, Xan and Xander or Zander. SACHA is another form of the name.

Alexandra f.

The feminine form of ALEXANDER, and like it, currently popular. SANDRA was originally an Italian form, but has become established as a name in its own right. It shares pet and short forms with ALEXANDER, along with Alix or Alyx (also from ALICE) and Alexa (see also ALEXIS). Alexandria and Alexandrina are also found.

Alexis f. and m.

From the Greek word meaning ‘helper’ or ‘defender’, Alexis is the name of one of the great saints of the Orthodox church. Originally a man’s name, it is now more frequently used for women. Alternative forms are Alexie, Alexus, and for girls Alexia, Alexa and short forms such as Lexi(e) and even Lexus.

Alfred m.

From two Old English words, meaning ‘elf’ (hence ‘good’) and ‘counsel’. It is also a possible development of the Anglo-Saxon name Ealdfrith, meaning ‘old peace’. It is sometimes written Alfrid. When Alfred was written down in old Latin, the name was spelt Alured and developed into Avery (now used for both sexes). Alf, Alfie and Fred are diminutives. There is a feminine form Alfreda, and Elfrida, although it technically comes from a slightly different name meaning ‘elf-strength’, is also used as a female version of Alfred.

Algernon m.

From a Norman French nickname meaning ‘with whiskers’. It was popular in the 19th century but is not much used today. The usual diminutive is Algie or Algy.

Ali f. and m., Aliyyah f.

When used as a boy’s name Ali is a popular Arabic name meaning ‘exaulted, noble’, and as one of the terms used of Allah, invokes God’s protection for the child. The feminine form is Aliyyah (also found as Aliyah, Aliah, Alia and Alya). This has been well used in the USA, particularly in the Swahili form Aaliyah, popularised by the singer Aaliyah Houston (1974–2001). As a western name Ali is a pet form of names such as ALICE, ALISON or ALASTAIR.

Alice f.

From the Old German word for ‘nobility’. It originally had the form Adelice or Adelise. A number of forms remained popular from the Middle Ages until the 17th century, when it went out of favour. It was revived again in the 19th century together with the variant Alicia. Nowadays these have developed additional forms such as Allice, Allyce and Alyssa, Alysia, Alis(s)a, Alisha or even Elis(s)a or Elys(s)a although these are also pet forms of ELIZABETH. ALISON is a variant. Alys is the Welsh form and Irish forms are Alis, Ailis or the phonetic Ailish. Ali, Allie and Alley are used as pet forms, while Alix and Alyx can be used either as forms of Alice or ALEXANDRA.

Alick see Alastair

Alida see Adelaide

Alina, Aline see Adeline

Alis, Alisa, Alisha see Alice

Alison f.

Originally a diminutive of ALICE that was adopted in the 13th century, this was soon treated as a separate name. It was at one time a particularly Scottish name. Pet forms include those used for ALICE and ELSIE. Allison and Al(l)yson are standard forms in the USA.

Alistair, Alister see Alastair

Alix see Alexandra, Alice

Allan, Allana, Allen see Alan

Allegra f.

An Italian word meaning ‘cheerful, lively’, given by the poet Lord Byron to his daughter and still used occasionally as a result.

Alli, Ally see Alastair

Allice, Allie, Allyce see Alice, Alison

Alma f.

There are many opinions about the origin of this name. It could be derived from the Hebrew word for ‘maiden’, the Latin for ‘kind’ or the Italian for ‘soul’. Most importantly, the name became very popular after the Battle of Alma during the Crimean War, and is still found occasionally.

Alondra f.

Alondra is the Spanish for ‘lark’. It is a common American place name, but more importantly in the 1990s it was the name of a successful Mexican-made television series, named after its heroine. Its broadcast led to increased use among Spanish-speaking Americans.

Aloysius m.

This is the Latin form of Aloys, an old Provençal form of Louis (see LEWIS). There was a popular Spanish saint of this name in the 16th century and Roman Catholics continue to use the name in this country. Aloys or Aloyse was the female form of the old name, and is a possible source of ELOISE.

Althea f.

From the Greek for ‘wholesome’, this was the Greek name for the marsh mallow plant, still used as a healing herb. It seems to have been introduced to England with various other classical names during the Stuart period, and appeared in the charming lyric by Richard Lovelace To Althea from Prison. The similar-sounding Alethea (Alethia, Aletia) comes from the Greek for ‘truth’.

Alun see Alan

Alured see Alfred

Alvin m.

From two Old English names, Alwine, ‘friend of all’ and Athelwine, ‘noble friend’. Aylwin, Alvan, Alvyn and Alvy are alternative forms. There is a rare feminine, Alvina. The similar-sounding Alvar means ‘elf army’.

Alys, Alyssa see Alice

Alyson, Alysson see Alison

Alyx see Alexandra, Alice

Amabel f.

From the Latin meaning ‘lovable’. It has been in use in England in various forms since the 12th century. The short form, MABEL, became established as an independent name at an early date.

Amalia see Amelia

Amanda f.

From the Latin for ‘deserving love’. It appears first in Restoration plays, where many classical or pseudo-classical names were introduced or fabricated. It has remained in use since then and is still popular. Mandy is a pet form also used as a name in its own right. Amandine is a French form of the name which has been popular in France in recent years. It was brought to the attention of English speakers when the actor John Malkovich chose it for his daughter.

Amaryllis f.

Originally from Greek, probably meaning ‘sparkling’, and used by Greek poets as a name for a country girl. It served the same purpose for Latin poets, and was introduced to Britain via English poetry in the 17th century.

Amber f.

The name of the gemstone, used as a first name. It was not used before the 20th century.

Ambrin f.

From the Arabic for ‘ambergris’, a substance renowned for its sweet odour. It can also be spelt Ambreen.

Ambrose m.

From the Greek for ‘divine’. There was a 4th-century St Ambrose who was Bishop of Milan. The name is found in the Domesday Book and has been used occasionally ever since. The Welsh name Emrys is derived from the Latin form of the name. There is a rare feminine form, Ambrosine.

Amelia f.

From an Old German name possibly meaning ‘work’, its form is perhaps influenced by Emilia (see EMILY). Amalia, Amalie, Amaline and Amalita are forms of the name. It can be shortened to Milly.

Amin m., Amina f.

From the Arabic for ‘honest’, ‘trustworthy’ or ‘reliable’. Amina, the feminine form, has always been much used by Muslim families, in honour of Amina bint-Wahab, mother of the Prophet Muhammad. It is sometimes spelt Aamena, Aaminah or Amena. Iman, ‘faith, belief’ comes from the same root. The model who uses this name has made it widely known, and it sometimes appears as Imani or Imana.

Aminta see Araminta

Amit m.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit for ‘without limit’. It is also a simplified pet form of names like Amitbikram (‘limitless prowess’) and Amitjyoti (‘limitless brightness’).

Amitabh m.

A name of the Buddha, from the Sanskrit meaning ‘limitless splendour’. The spelling Amitav is also used.

Amos m.

A Hebrew name, possibly meaning ‘he who carries a burden’. It was the name of an Old Testament prophet and was adopted by English Puritans after the Reformation, when saints’names fell out of favour. Popular until the 19th century, it is at present uncommon.

Amrit f. and m.

In the Vedic epics of the Hindus, this Sanskrit name refers to immortality or that which confers it, such as the ‘water of life, soma juice, nectar, [or] ambrosia’. Amrit can be used for both sexes, although the form Amrita can also be used for a girl.

Amy f.

From the French, meaning ‘beloved’. Sir Walter Scott’s novel Kenilworth, about Amy Robsart, the tragic wife of the Earl of Leicester, made the name fashionable in the 19th century, and it has been popular again in recent years. Aimée is the French original of this name, which can also be found in forms such as Aime(e), Ami(e) and Amye.

Amynta see Araminta

Anaïs f.

A French name which comes from the Greek word for ‘fruitful’. There has been a small increase in its use since it became the name of a perfume.

Anand m., Ananda f.

From the Sanskrit for ‘happiness’, ‘joy’ or ‘bliss’. It is the name of a god in the Veda, sacred book of the Hindus. Variants of the girl’s form include Anandamayi (‘full of joy’), Anandi and Anandini (‘joyful’).

Anastasia f.

From the Greek meaning ‘resurrection’. The name of a 4th-century saint and martyr, it became fashionable in England in the 13th century, though it was usually abbreviated to Anstey or Anstice, which mainly survive today as surnames. It has always been very popular in Russia, and a daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, called Anastasia, is said to have escaped from the massacre in which the rest of her family died in 1918. STACEY and Tansy started as pet forms of this name. Nastasia is a Russian pet form and the emerging name Tassia (Taja, Tasia) is probably a shortening of this.

Andrew m., Andrea f.

From the Greek for ‘manly’. Andrew is the name of the Apostle who is patron saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece, and first appears in England in the Domesday Book. It has been used in Britain continuously and has enjoyed particular favour in Scotland. The pet forms include Andy, Dandy (Scots) and DREW, which is also used as an independent name. The Italian form, Andrea, is actually a boy’s name in Italy, but is used as a girl’s name in this country. The French boy’s form, André, is likewise sometimes used for girls, although the more correct form Andrée is also used. Other female forms include Andrene, Andrena and Andreana, while Andra is both a traditional Scots form of the boy’s name and used for girls.

Aneka, Aneke, An(n)ika see Anne

Aneurin m.

This name is traditionally interpreted as the Welsh form of Latin Honorius, meaning ‘honourable’, and is one of the oldest names still in use in Britain. It also appears in the form Aneirin. Short forms are Nye and Neirin.

Angela f.

From the Latin angelus originally derived from the Greek word meaning ‘messenger’, hence our word ‘angel’. It is shortened to Angel and Angie. Other forms of the name include the French Angelique, and elaborations such as Angelica, Angelia, Angeline and Angelina, as well as spellings with a ‘j’ instead of a ‘g’. Masculine forms of the name died out at the Reformation, but the Italian boy’s name Angelo and the Spanish Angel are now found in the USA.

Angharad f.

A Welsh name meaning ‘much loved’. It is an important name in early Welsh literature, and has been in use since at least the 9th century. The stress is on the second syllable.

Angus m.

From the Gaelic Aonghas, meaning ‘one choice’. It appears in Irish legend in the form Aengus or Oengus, but is more common in Scotland. The name became associated with the classical myth of Aeneas (which is close to the Irish pronunciation) in the 15th century, and this form was also used.

Anil m., Anila f.

The name of the wind-god in the Hindu Vedic epics. It is derived from the Sanskrit meaning ‘air’ or ‘wind’. Anil is the driver of Indra’s golden chariot, which is pulled by a thousand horses. Anila, the feminine form, is used mainly by Hindu families.

Anish m., Anisha f.

A Sanskrit name, one of the thousand borne by the Hindu god Vishnu. Its meaning is possibly ‘without a master’.

Anita, Ann, Anna see Anne

Annabel f.

Together with Annabelle or Annabella, this is probably from the Latin amabilis meaning ‘lovable’, a variant of AMABEL. It is found in Scotland earlier than ANNE, so it is unlikely to be a form of that name, though it is now sometimes thought of as a compound of Anna and the Latin bella meaning ‘beautiful’. Diminutives include Bel, Belle and Bella.

Anne f.

From the Hebrew HANNAH, meaning ‘God has favoured me’. The French form Anne or Ann, traditionally the name of the mother of the Virgin Mary, was introduced into Britain in the 13th century and the name has enjoyed great popularity since. Anne is currently slightly more popular than Ann, but the form Anna is now much more popular than either. Pet forms include Nan, Nanette, Nana, NANCY and Annie, as well as the variants Anita, Annette and Anona (although this, with its pet form Nona, can be Welsh in origin). Ann(e) has often formed part of compounds such as Mary Ann(e) or Annalise. Anneke is the Dutch pet form, more often spelt Anneka in this country to reflect the Dutch pronunciation; Aneke, Aneka and An(n)ika are also found. Anya is from the Spanish pronunciation of the name and Anouk is a Russian form.

Annes, Annice, Annis see Agnes

Annette, Annie see Anne

An(n)ora see Honoria

Anona, Anouk see Anne

Anoop see Anup

Anstice see Anastasia

Anthea f.

From the Greek antheos, meaning ‘flowery’. This name seems to have been introduced by the pastoral poets of the 17th century and it has been in use ever since, although it was not until the 20th century that it became very widely known.

Ant(h)ony m., Antonia f.

A Roman family name. Its most famous member was Marcus Antonius, the Mark Antony of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. The name was very popular in the Middle Ages as a result of the influence of St Antony the Great and St Antony of Padua. The alternative and commoner spelling Anthony was introduced after the Renaissance, when it was incorrectly thought that the name was derived from the Greek anthos meaning ‘flower’, as in ANTHEA. The usual short form is Tony, which is also used for the female forms Antonia and the French Antoinette. Feminine short forms Toni and Tonya are also found, and Toinette, Net and Nettie are pet forms of Antoinette. Anton, a Continental form of the name, is now also used for boys. In the USA Antonio (shortened to Tonio) and Antoine (often in phonetic spellings such as Antwan or Antuan) are often used.

Anup m.

An Indian name, from the Sanskrit meaning ‘without comparison’. The spelling Anoop is also used.

Anusha f.

The name of a star in Hindu astrology.

Anya see Anne

Aoife see Eve

Aonghas see Angus

Aphra f.

From the Hebrew word for ‘dust’. It is best known from the novelist, playwright and spy Mrs Aphra Behn (1644–89), said to have been the first woman in England to earn her living as a writer. It is also spelt Afra.

Apple f.

This name recently came to public attention when it was chosen by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin for their baby girl. The name is by no means unique – they named her after Martin’s agent’s daughter, and the publicity the choice generated turned up quite a number of other bearers – but is certainly unusual. Almost any fruit can be found used occasionally as a first name, even raspberry, but the most likely ones are Peaches (as in the case of Bob Geldof’s daughter) and Berry (see also BERTRAM). There is a distinguished, female, Japanese novelist called Banana Yoshimoto.

April see Avril

Arabella f.

A possible variant of AMABEL, though it could be derived from the Latin for ‘obliging’. It used to be a predominantly Scottish name, particularly in the forms Arabel and Arabelle. It can be shortened to Bel, Belle and Bella.

Araminta f.

This name appears to have been invented by Sir John Vanbrugh (1644–1726) to use in one of his plays. It may have been influenced by Aminta or Amynta, an ancient Greek name meaning ‘protector’. They all share the short forms Minta and Minty.

Archibald m.

From Old German words meaning ‘truly bold’. The Old English form was used in East Anglia before the Norman Conquest. Thereafter, it was primarily Scottish and was associated particularly with the Douglas and Campbell families. The most usual diminutive is Archie, now sometimes given to a child rather than the full name.

Ardal m.

This is an Irish name of disputed meaning, either ‘high valour’ or coming from the word for ‘bear’.

Arianna f.

This is an ancient Greek name meaning ‘the very holy one’ which probably originally belonged to a goddess. In Greek mythology Ariadne was the daughter of King Minos of Crete and helped Theseus to escape from the labyrinth. Arian(n)a is an Italian form of the name. Ariane, the French form, is also used.

Ariel f. and m.

The name Ariel has two different origins. The masculine form is a Hebrew name, traditionally said to mean ‘lion of God’, which is popular in Israel and sometimes used in the USA. As a girl’s name it has been popular in the USA ever since it was used as the heroine’s name in Disney’s Little Mermaid film and TV series. This name, which is also found in forms such as Arial and Arielle, presumably owes at least something to Ariel, the airy spirit in Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest.

Arjun m.

A Hindu name from the Sanskrit for ‘white’ or ‘bright’. It was the name of a famous Pandava prince, son of the god Indra.

Arlene f.

Arlene, Arleen or Arline is a modern name which probably comes from the final sounds of such names as CHARLENE or MARLENE.

Armand, Armin, Arminel, Arminelle see Herman

Arnold m.

From the Old German Arnwalt, meaning ‘eagle’s power’. It appeared in various forms, both Germanic and French, in the Middle Ages, but dropped out of use from the 17th century until the late 19th when it had a revival.

Aroon see Arun

Artemisia see Diana

Arthur m.

The origin of this name is disputed. Possible sources are the Celtic word for ‘bear’ and the Roman name Artorius. Whatever its source, its use comes entirely from the fame of its first known bearer, King Arthur. Victorian interest in things medieval made it popular in the 19th century when Queen Victoria gave the name to one of her sons. Over-use in the late 19th and first quarter of the 20th centuries led to a decline, but there are now distinct signs of a revival in popularity. Art or Arty is used as a short form, particularly in America.

Arun m., Aruna f.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit for ‘reddish brown’, a colour associated with the dawn. It became the name of the mythical personification of the dawn, charioteer of the sun. Aroon is an alternative spelling for boys, while for girls Arumina is also used.

Asa m.

From the Hebrew word meaning ‘physician’. In the Bible it is the name of a king of Judah, noted for his piety.

Asha f.

An Indian name from the Sanskrit for ‘hope, desire, aspiration’.

Ashanti f.

The name of this Ghanaian people has had a certain popularity among people of African origin wanting to honour their roots. It is often shortened to Shanti (Shante, Shaunti).

Asher m.

The name of one of the tribes of Israel. It means ‘happy’. Although it is an unusual name, there are signs that its use is on the increase, along with other names from the Bible. It is, of course, also a common surname meaning ‘ash tree’, and some uses may be from this.

Ashish m.

A relatively modern Indian name, probably derived from the Sanskrit for ‘prayer’ or ‘benediction’.

Ashley f. and m.

A place and surname meaning ‘ash field’ which has become very popular throughout the English-speaking world. The spelling Ashleigh is rather more common for girls, and the variant Ashlyn(n) is used as a girl’s name in the USA. The related surname Ashton, meaning ‘ash farm’, is also found as a first name for both sexes in the USA.

Ashling see Aisling

Ashraf m.

A popular Muslim name, from the Arabic for ‘more noble’ or ‘more honourable’.

Asia see Aisha

Aslam m.

A Muslim name, from the Arabic meaning ‘safer’ or ‘sounder’.

Asma f.

A popular Muslim name, from the Arabic for ‘more eminent’ or ‘more prestigious’. Asma was the daughter of the caliph Abu-Bakr. She courageously helped the Prophet and her father escape from Mecca when their lives were threatened.

Assisi f.

Assisi (sometimes Asisi), is, like Florence and Sienna, an Italian town famous for its Renaissance art. It was given publicity when chosen by Jade Jagger for her daughter.

Astrid f.

From the Old German words meaning ‘god’ and ‘beauty’. The name of the wife of St Olaf of Norway, it has long been popular in Scandinavia, and has been used in Britain in the 20th century.

Athene f.

This is the name of the Greek goddess of war, crafts and wisdom. In Britain, it has been used occasionally as a girl’s name, as has the Latin form of the name, Athena. The Roman equivalent, Minerva, is also found.

Athol f. and m.

Athol or Atholl is the Scottish place name, used as a first name. The place name means ‘New Ireland’.

Aubrey m. and f.

From the Old German meaning ‘elf ruler’. In medieval romance the diminutive Auberon was used and Shakespeare adopted it as Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The German form, Alberic, developed first into Albery and later into Aubrey. Aubrey is now to be found as a girl’s name in the USA.

Audrey f.

A shortened form of Etheldreda, Old English for ‘noble strength’ and one of the sources of ETHEL. St Etheldreda was a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon princess who founded at Ely a religious house which later developed into the cathedral that now stands on the site. She was a popular saint and many churches are still dedicated to her.

Augusta f., Augustus m.

From the Latin for ‘venerable’. Augustus was a title given to the first Roman Emperor and Augusta is its feminine form. Augustine, the name of two important saints, one of whom converted the English to Christianity, is another form of the name. It was so popular in the Middle Ages it developed the shorter forms Austin, Austyn and Austen, a name which has been popular in the USA for some years. Augustina is a feminine form of Augustine. Gus and Gussie are pet forms.

Aurelia f.

From the Latin aurelius meaning ‘golden’. It has been used since the 17th century, and recently a short form, Auriol, Auriel, Oriel or Oriole, has shown some popularity. The boy’s form is Aurelius.

Aurora see Dawn

Austen, Austin, Austyn see Augusta

Autumn f.

This season is fashionable in the USA, although Summer is preferred in the UK. Spring is also found.

Ava f.

This name is of obscure origin, but probably started life as a pet form of names beginning Av-. It was made famous by the film star Ava Gardner, and is more commonly found in the USA than Britain, and has recently been the choice of a number of American celebrities for their daughters.

Aveline see Evelyn

Averil f. and m.

Probably from the Old English eofor (‘boar’) and hild (‘battle’), which appears as Everild and Everilda in the 7th century. It was regularly in use until the 17th century, since when it has been less common. Averil is often confused with AVRIL which originally was an entirely different name.

Avery see Alfred

Avril f.

The French for April. The name has been popular in the 20th century, mainly for girls born in that month (see also AVERIL).

Ayesha, Ayisha see Aisha

Aylmer see Elmer

Aylwin see Alvin

Aysha, Ayshia see Aisha

Azim m., Azima(h) f.

This Arabic name means ‘determined’.

Aziz m.

This Arabic name means ‘friend’. Azeez is a common alternative spelling, and Aziza or Azeeza are feminine forms.