NAMES & NICKNAMES

Are you curious about the origin/s and meaning/s of your name or someone else's name?

click here to send in a request for information about the origin & meaning of that name. Also click here to send in information about names that you would like to share with other Cocojams readers.

Most of the names featured on this page are non-standard personal names that have been submitted by this site's readers. By "non-standard", I mean those personal names that contemporary mainstream American [USA] society considers to be "different" from those names that are commonly given at birth to children. "Mainstream American society" is defined here as "White society", which leads to the questions "Which White society?; "Why is that particular society considered "mainstream?, and "What names are standard in other American societies?". However, although those questions are worthy of consideration, I ask that Cocojams readers put them to the side in order to focus on the presentation of information about personal names that is provided here.

Information about a limited number of surnames {last names} that are submitted through reader queries may also be provided in this section of Cocojams. It should be noted that quite a few personal names {first names, middle names} may have originated as surnames, or may be used in a particular culture or cultures as either personal names or last names.

While a large number of personal names on this page may be given to African Americans and other people of the African Diaspora, the intent of this page is to provide information about names that have been given, and may be given to persons from other racial & ethnic groups beyond people of African descent in continental North America and in the Caribbean.

The meanings on this page has been compiled using various sources and feedback from users. As a means of familiarizing Cocojams readers with websites on baby names, many of my responses to requests for name meanings will include hyperlinks to websites on that subject. Cocojams should not be held responsible for whether the information is correct or not.

I believe that names are powerful. To a large extent, I agree with this quote from an online page about  ancient Egypt: "To the Egyptians naming a thing made it real, definable and part of the temporal world. To know the true name of a person, entity or Neter was to have power over it, for the name contained its owner's complete identity and being (Lurker 1980.83, Meeks 1996.97). For this reason each Neter had a secret name which embodied their power and individuality (Meeks 1996.97).
 http://www.hwt-hrw.com/Bodies.php  See The Ren section down page of the article entitled: The Spiritual Bodies of the Ancient Egyptians {Kerry Wisner}
-snip-

My position is that to a large extent this accounts for the custom among African Americans and other people in the African Diaspora of having at least one nickname, and often multiple nicknames throughout our lives, sometimes having more than one nickname at the same time.

With regard to newly created names, I believe that name meanings can and should serve a beneficial purpose of increasing a person's self-esteem. My position is that, just as individuals use their creativity & self-determination to create a name, they can & should use their creativity & self-determination to give that name a positive meaning. Also, I believe that variant forms of established names can be said to have the same meaning/s as that established name. 

In no way do I consider myself an expert on name origin & meanings. I consider this page as an opportunity to share information that I have found in books and websites. I strongly encourage others to join with me in sharing any information or corrections that they may have about a particular name or naming practice.

I'm sorry that I'm not able to respond to every request for the origin and meaning of a particular name. Also, my replies are posted on this website, and are not sent by way of private emails or postal addresses.

If you are interested in finding out the meaning of a name, please don't forget to look elsewhere on the Internet and in printed books on baby names.

An Internet search engine such as Google is the easiest way to find out the origin and meaning of relatively common names.  Enter the specific name you are looking for along with the term "name meaning" into the search engine {example: John name meaning}. Or enter the key words "baby names" or "baby name meanings" into Google or another search engine. Press submit and then go to the pages that come up.

When sending in your request for information about a name, if you know this information, please don't forget to include whether the name is male or female, or given to both males & females, and what language or culture you think it comes from.

Queries are listed in alphabetical order. The newest postings are indicated by their dates

Thanks to all those who have submitted requests and comments to this page!

Questions & Comments About Specific Personal Names:

A,B
Aaliyah, Aliyah, Aliya, Aleeyah, Alia, Alea
i was just wondering if you knew where Alea originated from and what its meaning is?
-Alea; 12/5/2006

Editor:
Alea is a contemporary American form of the Arabic & Hebrew female name "Aliyah".
http://www.ummah.net/family/fem.html , a website on Arabic female names, provides this information:
"Aliyyah, Aliah, A'lia - Exaulted, noble, highest social standing"
-snip-
 http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Aliyah provides this information about the name Aliyah: "The girl's name Aliyah is pronounced AH-lee-ah, ah-LEE-ah. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "rising, ascending." ...Aliyah has 13 variant forms: Aaliya, Aaliyah, Alea, Aleah, Aleana, Aleea, Aleeyah, Alia, Aliah, Aliya, Aliye, Allia and Alliah".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Abi
I would like to know if you can find a meaning for the names Zenais (male), Marshina (female) and Abi (female). These are my grandchildren and mother and I just want to know if the names have any special meaning.
-Judy G.; 12/11/2007

Editor:
There are a number of names from different languages throughout the world that could be the source of the name "Abi". See the information regarding the name "Abbie", Abigal, and Abby below. Another name that might be the source of the name "Abi" is the Yoruba {Nigeria, West Africa} female name "Abeni".  Abeni means "we asked for her and she came" or "we asked for her and we got her".  Also, the name "Abia" might be the source of the name "Abi". Abia is an Arabic female name that means "great". The name "Abi" may be a short form of the Akan {Ghana, West Africa and The Ivory Coast, West Africa} female name Abena which means "born on Tuesday" According to  http://newafrikanvodun.com/names.html  every child born on Tuesday reflects the spirit of that day. The description of that day is "the strong one/child of fire".

Information for the name "Marshina" can be found under the letter "M". Information for the name "Zenais" can be found under the letter "Z". However, it's interesting to me that, if you chose the Akan meaning for the name Abi,  all three of these names can be said to mean "dedicated to [a specific deity]".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Abbie; Abigal: Abby;
i want to know what my name means my name is abbie
-Abbie; 10/27/2006

Editor:
See this excerpt from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Abigail :
"The girl's name Abigail is pronounced AB-ih-gayl. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "father of exaltation." Biblical: the name of King David's third wife, described as "good in discretion and beautiful in form." She referred to herself as David's "handmaid", and her name became widely used as a term for a lady's maid. The name first came into use in Britain in the 16th century, under Puritan influence. Abbie, Abbey, and Abby are pet forms; Abegail is the Spanish form. Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams; advice columnist Abigail Van Buren."
-snip-

http://www.htmlbible.com/sacrednamebiblecom/kjvstrongs/STRHEB0.htm gives this somewhat clearer meaning "father of {meaning source of} joy"
-snip-
"Abbie", "Abby", "Gail", and "Gayle" are forms of the name Abigal.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Abdul; Abdel
Editor:
I received a query about the meaning of this name on 10/18/2006.
"Abdul" is a male name from the Arabic language. See this entry from http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html {Masculine Arabic Names}
 Abdul, Abdel, 'Abd al - Servant (of Allah)
-snip-

Traditionally, Abdul is often used with another Arabic male name such as "Abdullah"; meaning "Servant of Allah" [God]; "Abul Azim", meaning "Servant of the Mighty" [one] {meaning God}; and "Abdul-Aziz", meaning "Servant of the Powerful (Dear) One" [meaning God]
See other examples of this name that are found in the link posted above.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Abu {Abou}; Abumere
What does Abumere mean?
-Tammy, 8/12/2007

The word "abu" is used in Arabic in front of a personal name. It is a title somewhat similar to "Mr." and means "father of". According to http://baheyeldin.com/linguistics/misused-terms-abu-and-abdul.html, in traditional Arabic culture, the word "Abu" is used in combination with a name, and it would be incorrect to use it alone. For instance, Abu Khalid means that the person probably has a son called Khalid. However, in the United States {and probably elsewhere} Abu {Abou} is sometimes given as a male name or nickname.

I'm not sure if "Abumere" is a traditional Arabic name. I believe that it is more probable that Abumere is a newly created name that was made by combining the name Abu and the name Ameer {Amir}. Ameer is an Arabic masculine name that means "Prince".  Therefore, the literal meaning of Abumere is "father of the prince". But it could also mean "father's prince"
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Aditi
See http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=aditi : "Gender: Feminine; Language Sanskrit; Means "boundless, entire" or "freedom, security" in Sanskrit. This is the name of the ancient Hindu mother goddess of the sky and fertility."
-snip-
Pronounciation: ah-DEE-tee
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Aerina
What does my name mean?
-Aerina; 11/12/2007

Editor:
Aerina, it's likely that your name is a form of the Greek name "Irene". That name used to be both a female and a male name, but now it is almost always given to females. See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Irene : "The boy's and girl's name Irene \i-re-ne\ is pronounced eye-REEN, eye-REE-nee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "peace". Mythology: Greek goddess of peace...Irene has 28 variant forms: Aireen, Airina, Arina, Eireen, Eiren, Eirena, Eirene, Erena, Erene, Ira, Irayna, Ireen, Iren, Irena, Irenea, Irénée, Irenka, Iriana, Irina, Irine,"
-snip-

As you can see, the way your name is spelled is very much like a number of these forms of the name "Irene".  As such, in my opinion, that means that "Aerina" can be considered a 29th variant form of the name Irene. Btw, "variant forms" just means that these are the different ways that the name has been spelled. Each of these forms have the same meaning if not the same pronunciation.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi
 
****
Afeni; Afia, Afya, Afi; Aini
 I need to know the meaning of my four year old daughter's names, her first name is Afeni, given to her by a friend. Second name is Walterna given after her father's name Walter, and her Nickname is Sodaetia. given to her by me after my middle name Soema. I would greatly appreciate your help.
-Georgiana ; 8/02/2007

Editor:
Georgiana, I'd like to focus on the name "Afeni" in my response. You may be aware that mother of rapper Tupac Shakur changed her name to Afeni. It's possible that this name has its own established meaning. But I haven't been able to find it. I've found several traditional African & Arabic female names that are somewhat similar in pronunciation and/or spelling to the name Afeni {which I think is pronounced "ah-FEE-nee"}. Since the 1970s and even before that decade, African Americans often purposely shortened an already existing name, or  otherwise changed the spelling of a name-especially female names-to create new names, or to add uniqueness to a name {or for both of these reasons}. Since traditional African names and Arabic names were not well known in the 1970s when Black Americans started given these names to their children, and/or adopting these names for themselves, it's also possible that new "African" and "Arabic" names were created by misremembering a name that they had heard or read somewhere. Some people have a problem with so-called "made up names". However, they forget that every name was made up at some time or the other. Some names are just older than others. And most older names have established meanings.

When folks ask me about meanings for what is probably a newly created name, I remind them that if someone used their creativity & self-determination to make up a name, they can also use that same creativity & self-determination to give that name a meaning. One way of deciding what meaning to give a name is to look at names that are similar. Here are some African or female names from http://www.swagga.com/a.htm that are similar in spelling or in pronunciation to the name "Afeni" 

Afia {Effia} - [female] born on Friday (Ghana)
Afya (Ahf-yah) -health (Kiswahili)
Adenike (ah-deh-nee-kay)-The crown is loving, affectionate (Yoruba of Nigeria)
-snip-

According to the book Baby Names: Real Names With Real Meanings For African Children {Tyra Mason & Sam Chekwas, editors, New York, Seaburn, 1997}, the name "Afi" is Yoruba {Nigeria} and means "spiritual"
An Arabic female name that is similar in pronunciation to the name Afeni is Aini. According to http://www.ummah.net/family/fem.html that name means "Spring, flower, source, choice".

With regards to the female names "Sodaetia" & "Soema". I haven't been able to find any meanings for the names. My sense is that these names were made up and they don't yet have any established meaning. It may be that Soema comes from the name "Selma". This name is similar to the Arabic and Hebrew names and words which mean "peace".  "Walterna" is also probably a made up name, but unlike the other names that you gave your daughter, since "Walterna" is based on the male name "Water", it can be said to share the same meaning as that name. "Walter" is an Old German name which means "commander in the army".
 -Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ahmed
Editor:
This name is listed in response to a request I received on 8/29/2006
Ahmad, Ahmed - Arabic masculine name; meaning "Most highly adored, or most praised"; a variation of the name "Muhammad"
Source: http://www.sudairy.com/arabic/masc.html
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Akeem, Akim; Hakeem; Hakim
I want to know what Akeem meant in African origin, Instead of arabic. Thanks
-Akeem; 6/4/2007

Editor:
Akeem, your name means the same thing in the African language KiSwahili {also known as Swahili}, as it does in the Arabic language.

http://www.zelo.com/firstnames/findresults.asp?name=Akeem provides this information for the name "Akeem" Gender: Male ; Origin: Arabic; Meaning: Wise, All-Knowing
-snip-
And http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Akeem gives this informantion: "The boy's name Akeem \a-keem\ is of Arabic origin, and its meaning is "intelligent". Variant of Hakeem. An exotic-sounding name. Its use is probably inspired in part by basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon, who was originally known as Akeem."
-snip-

In other words, Akeem is the KiSwahili form of the Arabic name Hakeem. KiSwahili is an African language which is spoken in East African and parts of Central Africa. One Internet website on that subject is http://www.glcom.com/hassan/swahili_history.html . Here is a brief excerpt from that website:

"The Swahili language, is basically of Bantu (African) origin. It has borrowed words from other languages such as Arabic probably as a result of the Swahili people using the Quran written in Arabic for spiritual guidance as Muslims...

Regarding the history of the Swahili language, the older view linked to the colonial time asserts that the Swahili language originates from Arabs and Persians who moved to the East African coast. Given the fact that only the vocabulary can be associated with these groups but the syntax or grammar of the language is Bantu, this argument has been almost forgotten. It is well known that any language that has to grow and expand its territories ought to absorb some vocabulary from other languages in its way."
-snip-

If you are asking what other African names are similar in meaning to the African name Akeem, one website that may be of interest to you is http://www.namesite.com/ African Names & Meanings . That
website has a large number of African names for males and females. There are certainly other names on in that data base that mean "intelligent, wise, judge" which is the same meanings as the name Akeem.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Airreon {Airreona} and Nilah
 I Have two girls what do their names mean? Airreon and Nilah
-Jihad E-A; 6/5/2006

Editor:
I'm not sure that either of these two names have any standard meaning. They may have been created just recently.

Particularly since 'English' is not a language where specific syllables, prefixes and suffixes have a definite meaning, it's my position that a person can select whatever meaning they want for any name that he or she creates. In other words, since people can use their creativity to create a personal name, then they can also use their creativity to assign a positive meaning to that name. 

Sometimes, there is one or more traditional names that are similar in spelling and/or in pronunciation to a contemporary name. In those cases, if the traditional name has a positive meaning, it's my practice to suggest that meaning for the contemporary "made-up" name. However, imo {in my opinion} folks can make up a meaning for a name that they have created.  Why not? If it helps develop and strengthen the child's self-esteem then it's all good. Besides, creating a name and giving it a positive meaning is a form of self-determination. [I'm using Maulana Karenga's definition of self-determination {kuchijagulia}. Kuchijaculia is one of the Nguza Saba {7 principles of Kwanzaa} and Professor Karenga said it means "to name ourselves and speak for ourselves rather than be named or spoken for by others"]. 

If a meaning is given to a newly created name, it's likely that a person with a name that is spelled or pronounced the same, or similar will have a different meaning for that name. But that shouldn't be an impediment to assigning a meaning to a name. There are male and/or female names that are spelled exactly the same or very similarly in different languages, but those names often have very different meanings.

However, I want to be clear that I'm not saying that folks should make up a name and give that name a meaning and then tell a child that that meaning is the only one for that name. I believe that children should be told [in age appropriate terms] the story of how they got their name and how & why a particular meaning was selected for that name. If a child's name was selected from a book of names and the name has a specific meaning because of the root word, prefixes, and suffixes of the language that name comes from, that's fine. And if a parent or someone else created the name and assigned that name a specific meaning, as far as I'm concerned, that's fine too. But don't lie to a child about his or her name. The story about how your child got his or her name is one of your gifts to your child.  This should become a treasured part of your child's life story, and that story, and not necessarily that name, can be {in my opinion, should be} pass on through your child to his or her children.

All this to say, Brother Jihad, that I would suggest the following meanings for the names you asked about:
Airreon
Though I don't know how you pronounce it, the first name I thought of when I saw "Airreon" is the male name "Aaron". "Aaron" is a Hebrew name that usually is said to mean "enlightment" {meaning 'wisdom'}

"Airreon" is somewhat similar to the Arabic name "Ara" {whose variants I've seen listed as "Ari"; "Aria", and "Arria"}. This name means "rainmaker" {and since nothing can live without rain, and all life comes from God {Allah}, one could say that "Ara" means "she who makes life {or makes life worthwhile}, or some such meaning

Also, there is a Yoruba {Nigeria} female name that I thought of when I saw the name "Airreon". That name "Aiyetoro" means "peace on earth".

For my guesses about the meaning of the name Nilah, see "Nia" and "Nalo.

-snip-
Of course, the choice of what these names mean is yours and the children's mother. These are only suggestions.
-Best wishes, Azizi

See this response from Jihad {6/7/2006};
Thank you brother Azizi for the info. I some how left the a off of the end of Airreona's name but its cool. Some told me to look at some greek names and I may find something close to Airreona. I find some more info on nilah in a friend's naming book. Nilah was close to nala which was said to mean princess taking from the nile. I don't know how true that is but maybe someone can use it.

Editor:
Thanks for your response and that additional information. Btw-I'm a sister and not a brother. But it's all good!

****
Alicia; Alyssa
Please provide the meaning of the name "Alisha". Thank you very much.
-Alison; 10/9/2006

**
PUH-LEASE write this name
-Alyssa; 2/2/08

{Hello, Alyssa, see the information for the name Alison}

Editor:
Hello, Alison. See this entry from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Alicia :
"The girl's name Alicia is pronounced ah-LEE-shah, ah-LEE-see-ah. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "noble, exalted nature." Modern Latinate form of Alice. Phonetic forms to ensure a particular pronunciation are popular....

Alicia has 32 variant forms: Alecia, Aleecia, Aleesa, Aleesha, Aleeza, Aleisha, Alesha, Aleshia, Alesia, Alica, Alieshea, Alisa, Alisha, Alishia, Alisia, Alissa, Allicia, Allysa, Allyssha, Alycia, Alysa, Alysha, Alysia, Alyssa, Alyssia, Elicia, Elisha, Lecia, Leisha, Lesha, Lesia and Licia".

-snip-
Btw, the name "Alison" is another German form of the name "Alice" and has the same meaning.
I'm not sure if the name "Alicia" is related in any way to the Arabic & Hebrew female name "Aliyah". However, it's interesting that there meanings are quite similar. See the entry for "Aisha" and "Aliyah" below.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Aisha
Aisha {pronounced "i-EE-shah" in the United States} is a traditional Arabic & Swahili name meaning life. This name can also mean "full of life" or "the essence of life" or some other meaning that suggest life in all its wonder & glory. "Aesha" and "Iesha" are contemporary variants of this name. The name "Isha" may also be a contemporary form of this name. The song "Iesha" was included in the 1991 album Coolin' at the Playground Ya Know by the R&B group  "Another Bad Creation" {ABC}. This song probably added to Americans' familiarity with this name. See the entry below for "Isha".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi
 
****
Alisha {Alicia; Alesha; Alysha}
Can you please tell me the origin and meaning of name, Alisha? From which country? Does it pronouce the same as Alicia? Thanks,
-Leung; 1/9/2007

I was curious as what my name 'Alysha' means. Also its root name and description. I was born in 1992, in Canada. Thank you for you help
-Alysha; 1/6/2007

what is the meaning of the islamic name- Alesha (Aleesha)?
-ola; 2/21/2007

Editor:
In my opinion, the female name "Alesha" does not have an Arabic, or Islamic origin.
See http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=alicia:
"Alicia-Gender: Feminine; Usage: Spanish, English; Pronounced: a-LEE-sya (Spanish), a-LEE-thya (Spanish), a-LIS-a (English), a-LIS-ya (English), a-LISH-a (English), a-LEE-sha (English) [key]
Latinized form of Alice"
-snip-

Also, see this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Alice
"The girl's name Alice is pronounced AL-iss. It is of Old German origin, and its meaning is "noble, exalted nature". Variant of the Old French name Adeliz, from Adelaide...

Alice has 100 variant forms: [including] Ali, Alica, Alicia, Alisa, Alisah, Allison, Alliss, Allyson, Alyssa, Elissa, Elke, Ellsa, Elsa, Illyssa, Ilysa, Ilysah, Ilyssa, Lissa and Lyssa".
-snip-

Alysha and Alesha are contemporary {American?} forms of the female name Alicia/Alice.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Aliyah; Aliya
see the entry on this page for Aaliyah

****
Alona
i would like to know the meaning and origin of hailey, jordan, and alona.
-Anita; 6/25/2006

Editor:
I'll start with the name "Alona" and work back.
Names with the same or similar spelling may occur in different languages and have completely different meanings.  I found the female name "Alona" in The New Age Baby Name Book {Sue Browder; Workman Publishing; New York, 1974}. That entry says that Alona is from the Hebrew language and means "Oak tree". Oak trees have been symbols of royalty, strength, and endurance since ancient times. Click  http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/oak.html to read about the symbolism of oak trees.

But, "Halona" is a similar spelled Native American female name which means "happy fortune". It's possible that your friend's or family member's name "Alona" could be traced to that Native American name. The source for that name is also from the Sue Browder book. Unfortunately, Browder does not specific which Native American population that name comes from.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

[See my comments on the other names requested under their alphabetical listing]

****
Amanda
my name is amanda i want know [is this] or mandria an arabic female name...
-amanda; 7/4/2006

Editor:
Amanda, your name is from the Latin language. It means 'loveable' or worthy of love.  "Mandy" is a common nickname for Amanda. Also see this information from
http://baby-names.adoption.com/search/Amanda.html : " [gender] female [origin] Latin [meaning] love, worthy of love, precious thing [nicknames] Mandy, Mandie, Mandi"

However, "Amala" is an Arabic female name that is similar to Amanda.
Amala {Amal, A'mal} means ,"hopes, aspirations} http://www.ummah.net/family/fem.html

Also "Ananda" is a similar spelled Hindu female name that means "bliss".

See information posted on this page for the name "Mandria". There's some possible meanings there that you may want to consider.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Amariah
My daughter's name is Amariah. I was looking for something unusual, and my friends had it in their genealogy as a male farmer from the 1600s. Apparently it also appears in the Bible (in one of the Corinthians) as the name of a king. But nowhere have I found what it means! Its just ... pretty (even if it IS a male name!), and seems to suit her. But I'd still like to know a meaning, if there is one!
-Peri; 7/10/2006

Editor:
Here's a portion of what http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amariah has to say about this name:
"Amariah" means "said by God" in Hebrew. It was commonly used as a name of priests in the History of ancient Israel and Judah. It appear several times in the Hebrew Bible..."
-snip-
Particularly since it was given as name for priests [who may have put aside their previous names to 'wear' this name], 'said' may mean "God has said" or "God has given prophecy". 
http://www.20000-names.com/female_hebrew_names.htm indicates that

"Amariah" is a form of the female name "Amaris". See this information "Amaris: Hebrew name meaning "pledged by God" or "given by God." Variants include Amarisa, Amariah, Amarise, and Amarissa."
-snip-

The name "Amariah" is similar to the female name "Mariah" . http://www.weddingvendors.com/baby-names/meaning/mariah/ indicates that "Mariah" is an Egyptian female name that means "God is my teacher".
That meaning certainly conforms with the other meanings cited thus far.

However, the female name "Mariah" is probably a version of the name "Mary" {a Hebrew female name that is usually given the meaning "bitter", or given a meaning "from the water"; but that name has taken on a meaning of  something like "one who is blessed, or highly esteemed" because it is the name of the mother of Jesus Christ.

See this interesting clip about the name "Mariah" from the website http://www.native-languages.org/wrongnames.htm {Native American Names That Don't Have The Meaning They're Supposed To}: "Mariah: Baby name books claim that this name means "wind" in some unspecified Native American language . This is theoretically possible, as there are many different languages and we do not know the word for "wind" in all of them. However, the source of this idea is almost certainly a Kingston Trio song from the 1950's, "They Call The Wind Mariah," in which the rain, wind and fire have the first names Tess, Mariah, and Joe. There are no Indians in the song; Tess and Joe are not Indian names and do not mean rain or fire, so in all likelihood Mariah is not an Indian name and does not literally mean wind either. It's probably one of many American variants of the name Mary or Maria."
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ameenah, Ameena, Aminah
http://www.ummah.net/family/fem.html {Arabic female names}:
Trustworthy, faithful
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Amir; Ameer
Amir is an Arabic masculine name that means "Prince."
See http://www.ummah.net/family/masc.html for other Arabic names
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Anaiah; Anaya, Anayah; Aniya; Aniyah
According to Teresa Norman's book "A World Of Baby Names" {Berkeley Publishing, revised & updated edition, 2003}, the female name Anaiah means "Jehovah has answered". That book also includes the information that Anaiah was born to a Jewish couple; the man helped the prophet Nehemiah build the ark of the covenant.

http://www.andythenamebender.com/name-meanings/Anaya.htm agrees with that origin & meaning for the name Anaya. That website gives this information: "Origin: Hebrew; Meaning: Variant of Anaiah: Answer of God; God answers."

In my opinion, the names Anayah, Aniyah, Aniya are contemporary versions of the name Anaiah.  Btw, the names Anayah, Aniyah, Aniya are usually pronounced ah-NI-yah [with "NI" rhyming with the English words "by"; "eye", "cry" etc] .

For some reason, in the last few years, these names appear to be very popular among African Americans.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Anamika
I find the meaning of the name Animika very beautiful. I would like to find out any other names in Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, English or any Indian languages which have the same meaning. Thank you
-Aditi; 6/7/2007

Editor:
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anamika "Anamika is a Sanskrit word meaning someone beautiful whose name is unknown. Anamika is a Sanskrit word meaning someone beautiful whose name is unknown. It may refer to:
Anamika, 1973 film
Anamika - Her Glorious Past, 2006 film/feature by Pavitra Chalam
Anamika is popular female name in the Hindu Religion. Anamika as such means someone with no name.

In Hindu tradition when a person is born a birth chart is created and accordingly the Alphabet for the name is chosen. Its believed that when a name is given to a child there is a predetermined qualities that develops in a person. In ancient Hindu literature Anamika means someone with no name & such a person has its individuality & destiny to be determined on her own. It's a feminine name mostly popular among Bengali's. 'A' means no, 'NAM' means name. It is generally seen the many people named Anamika have Artistic Talents."
-snip-
http://www.indiaexpress.com/specials/babynames/boy-a.html and http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/ind.php {Indian names} are two websites that provide the meanings of a number of names from the Sanskrit language.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Andaiye
According to the book Baby Names; Real Names With Real Meanings for African Children {editors Tyra Mason & Sam Chekwas; Seaburn publishing; 1997},the female name Andaiye is from an East African language {Swahili?} and means "daughter comes home".

However, I asked a couple I know from Kenya who speak Swahili, and they said that they don't know that name, and they believe that the name Andaiye isn't really from the Swahili language. The "daughter comes home" name meaning may have come from the meaning of the name "Anaiah"  [listed above] as God may have answered a couple's prayer for a daughter and therefore the couple may have said that the daughter came home to them. Of course, this is just speculation.

Also, see the entry for the name Ndaiye below.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Anna-see the entry for Hannah below

****
Anona
This comment was also originally posted in the Mudcat Discussion Forum thread:  http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=93409&messages=9/
Is this name another source for the nickname Nonny? "Anona"- [is] "probably from "Annona", the Latin goddess of the annual yield of fruits or produce". [source: Winthrop Ames-What Shall We Name The Baby {Pocket Books, 1963; originally published in 1941] Fwiw [for what its worth], I've found older books on names have the meanings of more currently non-standard names than contemporary books.

See Nonny and Rhianna below for other names that use the nickname "Nonny".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi; 7/31/2006

By the way, in Internet lingo, a "thread" is a series of comments on a specific topics. For more examples of Internet {blogging} terms, visit Cocojams' Blogging Terms page.

****
Arham
I want to know the meaning of the word Arham.
-bhavin g.; 8/2/2008

Editor:
"Arham" is a male Arabic name that means "merciful". http://www.names4muslims.com/baby-boys.php?list=&name=%&page=4
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Arianne
I would like to know the meaning of my daughter's name Arianne. I know that it is a french name but I would like to know more. Thank you.
-Marie, 8/13/2006

Editor:
According to Bruce Lansky's The Best Baby Book In The World Wide
World {Meadowbrooks, 1984}, Arianne is a form of the Greek female name Ariadne, which means "the holy one". Lansky lists these other forms of the name Ariadne: Ariana, Arianna, Ariannie. Another print source, 4000 Names For Your Baby {Dell Publishing Company, 1966} also list "Arianne" as being of Greek origin from Ariadne. However, http://www.parenthood.com/babynames_searchresults.html?searchName=Arianne
says that Arianne is the Latin form of Ariadne. Ariadne is described as the Greek Mythological Ariadne who aided Theseus to escape from the Cretan labyrinth." What is the French version of Ariadne? According to http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/fre.php {Behind the names, French names} it is Arienne.

Marie, I hope your daughter will wear her name proudly.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Adrienne
I want to know what my name mean Adrienne. And also what name means Spiritually Connected
-Adrienne; 8/24/2006

Editor:
http://baby-names.adoption.com/search/Adrienne.html has this information for the name "Adrienne":
 Adrienne= Gender {female}; Origin {Greek, Latin} ; Meanings {rich, wealthy, dark one}
 Similiar Names: Adria, Adrea, Adriana, Adrianna, Adrianne, Adreena, Hatria, Adri, Age
-snip-
 
Adrienne, you asked which name means "Spiritually Connected". There are many names that refer to God in many different languages. Click on any one of the hyperlinks to name websites that I have included on this page, and you're sure to find those names.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes! Azizi

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Anahita
My daughter is named Anahita. I would love to know what this name mean. Thank you.
-Aditi ; 6/7/2007

Editor:
http://www.20000-names.com/female_a_names_4.htm : Anahita-Persian myth name for the goddess of fertility and water; meaning "immaculate"; this is also the Persian name for the planet Venus." 
-snip-
The meaning of the female name Anahita is very similar to the meaning of "Aditi".
See http://www.farhangsara.com/names.htm#girls for additional Persian names
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes! Azizi

****
Arabella, Arabelle, Orabella; Orabelle
where dose the name arabella come from origally
-frankie; 4/1/2008

Editor:
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Arabella: "The girl's name Arabella \a-ra-bella, arab(el)-la\ is pronounced AIR-a-bell-ah. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "prayerful". From "orabilis". "
Also, see http://www.20000-names.com/female_a_names_6.htm: "Arabella - Italian female name, and Arabelle, French form of Arabella". Both mean "answered prayer"
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes! Azizi

****
Arham
I want to know the meanings of the two names; Arham and Shayan kindly provide all the information available. Thanks.
umbreen; 3/12/1008

Editor,
Umbreen, see the meaning that I found for the name "Shayan" in the "S" section of this page. 
See this meaning for the name "Arham" from http://muslimwoman.bloghi.com/2005/12/27/muslim-woman-muslim-names.html: Arabic, [gender]  Boy, [meaning] Merciful

I also found this name on this website of Hindu male names: http://www.boygirlnames.com/boys-names-starting-with-a.htm "Arham Other name of Arihant Parmatma (Jain)" . "Arihant" is a Hindu name that means "one who has killed his enemies" and "Parmatma" is a Hindu name that means "highest or divine truth". Here's an excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism about Jainism: Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म), is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a religion and philosophy originating in ancient India...Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for over two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (व्रत, vratae) is vital for attaining omniscience (Kevala Jnana) and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul's true nature.

A Jain is a follower of the Jina, or spiritual victor. Per ancient and contemporary usage, as well as dictionary definitions, a follower of Jain Dharma, or Jainism, is called a Jain.."
-snip-
Thus the name Arham is a powerful, spiritual name for a male. It calls on a person to be a merciful, fighter of those who are the enemies of the spirit.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

Btw, Umbreen, I've found that your name is a female name, but I'm not been able to find its origin or meaning. I think it's Arabic or Hindu or Persian. I'd appreciate any information you or others could share with me and other Cocojam readers about your name.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes! Azizi

****
Arredondo
Hello , I would like to get the meaning for the last name Zambrano and also Arredondo. Thank You
Monica, 6/22/2008

Editor:
See information for the surname {last name} "Zambrano" under "Z" on this page. See this information for the surname {last name} "Arredondo": http://www.houseofnames.com/xq/asp.fc/qx/arredondo-family-crest.htm: Arredondo "first found in Castile, an important medieval kingdom in Northern Spain. Variations of this name include de Arredondo; Arredonda; Redondo, Redonda, Redondale; Rodo' and many more..."
-snip-
Also see http://members.tripod.com/~GaryFelix/index6.htm#Arredondo
'New Spain A to B; The following is a list of names found on public documents in Northeastern
Mexico before 1724: Arredondo - Spanish meaning "round" ; From the town of the same name in Ramales Cantabria"...
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes! Azizi

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Ashunti
What does my name mean?
-Ashunti; 3/12/2007

Editor:
Ashunti is probably a version of the name "Ashanti" {ah-SHAHN-tee}. Ashanti is the name of a wellknown ethnic group {tribe} of people who come from Ghana, West Africa.  See this excerpt from an online article about the Ashanti people of Ghana, West Africa http://www.africaguide.com/country/ghana/culture.htm :

"Ghanians come from six main ethnic groups: the Akan (Ashanti and Fanti), the Ewe, the Ga-Adangbe, the Mole-Dagbani, the Guan, and the Gurma.

Ashanti Tribe
The Ashanti tribe of the Akan are the largest tribe in Ghana and one of the few matrilineal societies in West Africa. Once renown for the splendour and wealth of their rulers, they are most famous today for their craft work, particularly their hand-carved stools and fertility dolls and their colourful kente cloth. Kente cloth is woven in bright, narrow strips with complex patterns; it's usually made from cotton and is always woven outdoors, exclusively by men. The Ashante are part of the Akan tribes who speak various dialects of Twi. The language is very rich in proverbs, the use of which is taken to be a sign of wisdom.
-snip-

The ethnic group name "Ashanti" is also spelled "Asanti" or "Asante" but pronounced like "Ashanti"
As you can see in the excerpt that I've provided, that group name is also spelled "Ashante". Btw {by the way}, this word "Asante" is not the same as the word "asante" which means "thank you" in the Swahili language of East Africa & Central Africa.

I'm not sure what the word "Ashanti" means. Although it doesn't really mean "queen" or "beautiful African queen", perhaps you might want to give it that meaning, since the Ashanti people still have traditional kings and queens {though I believe that the queen mother {mother of the king} is more important than the king's wife}.

See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Ashanti
The girl's name Ashanti \a-shan-ti, ash(a)-nti\ is of Ghanaian origin. From the name of a powerful African empire (17th to early 20th century). Today, names associated with the empire bring to mind power and victory. The name is used as a surname by the Akan people of Ghana, and also in modern American black families as a link to the African past.

Ashanti has 15 variant forms: Asante, Ashanta, Ashantae, Ashantay, Ashante, Ashantee, Ashaunta, Ashaunte, Ashauntee, Ashaunti, Ashuntae, Shantee, Shanti, Shauntae and Shauntee.
-snip-

See the entries for the name Shante below for other possible origins & meanings of the female names Shaunte, Shante', Shanti etc.

The name Ashanti has gained in popularity because of the Grammy 2003 award winning Ashanti {Douglas}. For more information on the singer Ashanti, click http://www.who2.com/ashanti.html
--Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Asmeret; Azmera
what does the name "Asmeret" mean?
-Langston ; 8/30/2007

Editor:
"Asmeret" is an Eritrean {Tigrinya language?} female name. I think that it means "unity". This is purely a guess based on the meaning of "Asmera" {the capital city of Eritrea, which is usually spelled "Asmara".  See this excerpt about the literal meaning of that city's name: "Although it would be easy to think of Asmara, the Eritrean capital, solely as an Italian built colonial city, its origins actually reach back some 700 years. Originally, it is said, there were four clans living in the Asmara area on the Kebessa Plateau: the Gheza Gurtom, the Gheza Shelele, the Gheza Serenser and Gheza Asmae. Encouraged by their women, the men united the four clans and defeated the bandits who preyed on the area. After the victory, a new name was given to the place, Arbaete Asmara which literally means, in the Tigrinya language, "the four are united." [italics given for emphasis]. Eventually Arbaete was dropped and it has been called Asmara, though there is still a zone called Arbaete Asmara. Another legend tells that in this region the Queen of Sheba gave birth to the son of Solomon, Menelik I.
-snip-
See  http://www.sf.airnet.ne.jp/ts/language/number/tigrinya.html  for the Tigrinya word for "four"-

Also, I'm wondering if the name "Asmeret" is related to the female/male name "Azmera". See this meaning for Azmera from a number of sources including  http://www.mybaby-name.com/babynames/gender/f/55 "Male and female name in both Amharic and Tigrinya languages of Ethiopia. It means 'harvest.' "

Note: I've guessed about the meanings I have posted for "Asmeret". I'd love for someone who knows about Eritrean and Ethiopian names to write in to confirm or correct this information. Also, I've noticed that a number of Eritrean/Ethiopian names end with "et". I'd love to know what that ending means, if anything.
Thanks!
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Assabouh
I would like to know the origins and the meaning of the following surname (last name): Assabouh. Would you please tell me, because no one knows and also no website mentions this last name
-Asmae ; 10/11/2006

**
I would like to know something more about the last name assabouh thank you
-SaSa;  6/4/2008

Editor:
I don't know what the origin & meaning is of the last name "Assabouh." "Assabah" is a region of southeastern Mauritania. "Assabah" is also the name of a daily Arabic language newspaper that is published in Morocco. It's very possible that "Assabouh" is related to the word "Assabah".

It's probably less likely that the name "Assabouh" is related to the Hebrew male name "Asa" which means "physician". I found mention of a similarly spelled surname "Assayag" listed on this site http://www.genealoj.org/ENtexte/page15.html. That site indicates that this name is among a number of North African trade or craft names that are not specifically Jewish. "Assayag" means "jeweller".

I encourage any Cocojams reader who may have information about the name "Assabouh" to share it with us. If I find out any information, I will post it here.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Augustine
See this excerpt http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Augustine
"The boy's and girl's name Augustine is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "great, magnificient." Diminutive of August; English form of the Latin name Augustinus, which is itself a derivative of Augustus".
-snip-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminutive provides a definition of the term "diminutive".

When added to a name, the ending elements "ine", "ina", "ita", and "ito"  form diminutives of those names. The suffixes "ie" and "y" also form diminutives {nicknames} of many "English" names.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Avis
Would you forward information regarding the meaning of the name Avis. Thank you,
-Avis; 9/2/2006
 
Editor:
See this information: http://www.2babynames.com/baby-girl-names.shtml
Avis {Latin}; meaning:  a bird
-snip-

Think of the beauty of birds, the characteristics of different birds, and what birds symbolize, and you'll get a deeper understanding of the meaning of this name.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ayan
My son is named Ayan. I would love to know what this name means. Thank you.
-Aditi; 6/7/2007

Editor:
http://www.sarbadhikari.com/ayan/ayanmng.htm has a number of meanings from various cultures for the name "Ayan". Among those meanings are: "In Tamil: 'Ayan' is the name of Brahma, the Creator...'Ayan' in Turkish, means "obviously" or "clearly"...'Ayan' [Urdu/Persian.] with the last 'n' not pronounced fully... but half i.e. nasal tone sound..)... means something that is open and clear /something like : "something vividly clear on the face of it" or prima-facie...In Somalia 'Ayan' means "the lucky one". However, in Somali, 'Ayan' is the female form of the name, and 'Ayanle' is the male form...In Sanskrit this also means "Speed" in English or "Gati" in Hindi...Narayan - the Sanskrit word, is explained as Nara + Ayan = Narayan. ie.,Nara meaning human being and Ayan meaning the mirror. In essence it is the reflection of self - the soul"...
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ayanna
"Ayanna" is an East African {Swahili?} female name which means "beautiful flower". "Ayanna" is also a  Hindu {Indian} female name meaning "innocent" http://www.indianchild.com/hindu_baby_names_girls.htm 
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ayinde
The Yoruba [your-RU-bah} West African male name Ayinde is pronounced ah-YEN-day {or} eye-YEN-day. This name means "We prayed {to God} for him and he came".

****
Aziz
Aziz is usually considered to be an Arabic male name meaning "powerful". This name is also found in other languages. See this information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aziz :
"Aziz, originally a Syriac word and name, is also an Arabic name, and spans other areas such as Russia. Aziz may be translated into English as 'darling', 'dear one', or 'mighty one'. Al-Aziz is one of 99 name’s of god in the Islamic religion. Abdulaziz came from two words "Abdul" which mean slave of "alaziz" (Allah).

Aziz is a common name for people ranging from Assyrians to Kurds, and there are many famous people who went by the name Aziz.... The name Aziz is close in sound to the Hebrew name Isaac, but the two names are not of the same origin: Isaac comes from Hebrew Yitskhak, "he shall laugh," whereas Aziz is a cognate of Hebrew oz -"might," "strength," "power." It is also said that it derived from Arabic 'azza' meaning "to be powerful" or "to be cherished". Although now a rare name, Aziz is found over a vast geographical territory, spanning from Mediterranean areas to Europe and Asia, including Russia, Armenia, and others (such as New Zealand)"...
-snip-
For all those who have the name "Aziz", wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Azizi/Aziza
Editor:
 I received these two messages from Noushaba in Pakistan about my adopted name "Azizi":
"Let me tell you that your name is an Arabic word which is commonly used in Arab world as well as in Iran.It means 'the powerful' but it is also used to call a dear one, a brother or a sister as they call' ya azizi' to some dear one"
-Noushaba, 7/20/2006

"This is regarding your name which is an Arabic word meaning 'the powerful', generally used for a friend or a dear one in the Arab world and in Iran,
It is a beautiful soft word with deep meanings of dear relationship.."
-Noushaba, 7/21/2006

Editor:
Thank you for that information, Noushaba!  I appreciated receiving a message on 5/2/2006from an Algerian sister named Azizi A___. who told me she has this name. I very much appreciate receiving information from you about what the meaning of the name "Azizi". A friend gave me this name in 1967. He told me that "Azizi" meant "one who is rare & precious} and that it was from the Swahili {Kiswahili} language of East & Central Africa.

The name Azizi is related to the Arabic male name Aziz. I've met a number of people who told me that "Azizi" is a male name.

http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Aziza indicates that Azizi is a variant form of the name "Aziza":
"The girl's name Aziza is pronounced ah-ZEE-zah. It is of Arabic, Swahili and Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "beloved; precious; mighty." Aziza has 2 variant forms: Azize and Azizi."

-snip-

Also, see the entry for "Azizi" from http://www.babynamesworld.com/meaning_of_Aziza.html "Gender: (female); Origin: Swahili, Turkish ; Meaning: precious"

-snip-

As I mentioned, "Azizi" isn't the first name that was given to me at birth. "Azizi" was given to me in 1967 by my [then] significant other. This is my "African free name".  "African free name" is the term that was used in the late 1960s-mid 1970s or so to refer to those "African" names that were given to afrocentric African Americans or selected by afrocentric African Americans to be used in place of their "slave names". "African" here includes "Arabic" names. "Slave names" meant first and last names that were of European or Hebrew origin. By taking on traditional African names, Black Americans {and I'm sure other people throughout the African Diaspora} were demonstrating their pride in their African heritage.

This custom of taking African names was popularized during the 1960s and 1970s by famous Black jazz musicians such as Yusef Latif and Rashann Roland Kirk and by famous Black athletes such as Mohammed Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabar. It should be noted that many people who were given or selected African first names {including me}, retained their given or married last name which was usually of non-African descent.

It may also be of interest to folks here to note that, because Arabic names were more familiar to many African Americans than other names used in Africa, the majority of "African free names" and African names given at birth to African Americans are from the Arabic language. I believe that Swahili names are the second largest category of African free names and African names that are given at birth to African Americans. As it turns out, my name "Azizi" is KiSwahili.

Btw, most of the African Americans {including me} who have Arabic or Swahili names are not Muslims. But given the fact that Islam {and hence the Arabic language} first came to sub-Saharan Africa in the 7th centuries AD, I believe it is proper to say that Arabic names are "real" African names.

**
See the entry above for the male name "Aziz"

For all the those named Azizi, Aziza, Azize, or Aziz, I hope that we all will wear "our" name proudly!
Best wishes, Azizi.

****
Barak; Baraka; Barakah; Barack
1. http://www.20000-names.com/male_egyptian_names.htm -"Baraka-Egyptian male name meaning blessing, gift" 

2.http://www.ummah.net/family/masc.html & other sources: Arabic male name meaning "blessing"
-snip-
Barack is a variant form of this Egyptian name. I believe this name entered the Arabic language from the the Egyptian use of ba-ra-ka. Visit this web page for interesting reading on ba ra ka, the importance of names, and spirituality in ancient Egypt: http://www.hwt-hrw.com/Bodies.php

3.http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Barak: "The boy's name Barak \b(a)-rak\ is pronounced ba-RAHK, BARE-ek. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "flash of lightning". Biblical: a valiant fighting man who cooperated with the prophetess Deborah to win victory in a battle against overwhelming odds"
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi.

****
Basim; Basem; Baseem
What does my name mean?
-Basem; 6/28/2007

Editor:
See http://bangladesh2000.com/baby/muslimboyname.html : Basim is an Arabic male name which means "Smiling, Happy"
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Batina; Battina; Bettina; Beteena; Betiana; Betina; Bettine
What does Batina mean and what is its origin?
-Batina F.; 6/30/2008

Editor:
Batina, your name is probably a variant form of the female name "Battina". "Battina" is a form of the name "Bettina" which is a member of the large family of female names & nicknames that come from the Hebrew female name "Elizabeth". "Bettina" is a Latin female name of the name "Betty". The name "Bettina" is found in both the Spanish & Italian languages.  See http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Bettina for mention of the name "Battina" and other variant forms of "Elizabeth".

Variant forms of a name that has an established meaning are usually given that meaning. See this excerpt from http://www.behindthename.com/name/elizabeth: "Elizabeth:  From Ελισαβετ (Elisabet), the Greek form of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע ('Elisheva') meaning "my God is an oath" or perhaps "my God is abundance". The Hebrew form appears in the Old Testament where Elisheba is the wife of Aaron, while the Greek form appears in the New Testament where Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist".
-snip-

In contemporary times, the meaning "oath of God" is often given as "God is my oath". A person who is given as an oath to God is said to be consecrated or dedicated} to God. "God's promise" is another meaning that is given for the name Elizabeth and all the other names that are derived from it. All these meanings are connected because the belief was {is?} that if a child was given as an oath {dedicated, consecrated} to God, then, presumably, God would especially watch over that child. That child would therefore be blessed by God {more than other children}, and would therefore receive many of the material {economic} and spiritual blessings that God could bestow. Because she was blessed by God, a female named Elizabeth-or any of that name's derivatives-would live an abundant life, or as it's phrased in many Christian churches, she would live "life in abundance". 
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Brandy; Brandi
I want to request information on the meaning of the name Brandi.
-Brandi; 6/11/2009

Editor:
See this excerpt from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Brandy: "The girl's name Brandy... is pronounced BRAN-dee. It is of English origin. The name of the distilled wine, which comes from the Dutch term "brandewijn", used as a given name"...
-snip-
One meaning for the name Brandy/Brandi could therefore be "a female who is alluring & stimulating" or "a female who has an intoxicating personality."
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Brianna, Brionna, Brione; Brie:
what does Brione name mean?
-Brione; 4/9/2007

Editor:
See http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Brianna: "The girl's name Brianna \b-rianna, bri(an)-na\ is pronounced bree-AHH-ah. It is of Irish, Gaelic and Celtic origin, and its meaning is "high, noble, exalted". May also possibly mean "strong". A contemporary feminine form of Brian, found occasionally in England since the 16th century. See also Brionna.

Brianna has 45 variant forms: Brana, Breanna, Breanne, Bree, Breeann, Breeanna, Breeanne, Breena, Bri, Bria, Briahna, Briana, Briand, Brianda, Briane, Briann, Brianna, Briannah, Brianne, Brianni, Briannon, Briauna, Briaunna, Brie, Brieann, Brieanna, Brienna, Brienne, Brieon, Brina, Briney, Brinn, Brinna, Briny, Bryana, Bryann, Bryanna, Bryanne, Bryauna, Bryn, Bryna, Brynna, Brynnan, Brynne and Breayanna"

http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Brionna: The girl's name Brionna \b-rionna, bri(on)-na\ is pronounced bree-AHN-ah. Variant of Brianna. Brionna has 5 variant forms: Brieon, Briona, Brione, Brionne and Bryonna. Baby names that sound like Brionna are Breonna, Brinna and Brienna.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Bolanle; Bolaji
Here's two Yoruba {Nigeria, West Africa} names for your collection: Bolanle {pronounced boh-LAHN-lay}, feminine meaning "born to wealth" and "Bolaji" {pronounced boh-LAH-gee] masculine meaning the same thing {"born to wealth"}."Bola" {BOH-lah} is the nickname for both of these names. There's more  Nigerian names than this that include "Ola". These are just two of them.
-Bola; 8/26/2006

Editor:
Bola, thanks very much for that information. I had read that the element "Ola" means 'wealth" and/or "honor" in the Yoruba language. I appreciate you sending in these Ola names.

See the entry for the name Ola Mae on this page.

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Brandi
I'd like to know what my name means, and a good nick name
-Brandi; 10/18/2006

Editor:
See this excerpt from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Brandy
"The girl's name Brandy is pronounced BRAN-dee. It is of English origin. The name of the liquor used as a given name, with contemporary variants. Also probably invented as a feminine version of Brandon. Brandi is also an Italian surname form of Brand, meaning "sword."
-snip-

One woman I know whose name is Brandy says it means "the intoxicating one" . That's intoxicating in the positive sense of the word meaning alluring and exciting. That meaning works for her, and it might work for you too! As to your question about a "good nickname", well, whether a nickname is "good" or not depends on you. I would suggest that you use your creativity and self-determination to come up with a nickname that you would like, best on the sound of your name or another name you like, or based on your personality or physical description. Of course, you can always change your nickname. And you can also change your first name {either informally or formally}. Besides all this, your family and friends may give you one or more nicknames that may "stick" for your entire life. But you also can have some control over this since-at a certain age-you can request or insist that you be called by the nickname or name that you prefer. Whatever nickname you choose, remember to wear it proudly!
-Wear your name proudly, Best wishes, Azizi

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Brock
Do you have the origin for the name Brock? All the references I can find only site it as meaning "badger", but one time I found it in reference to "brook" with some type of musical meaning. Can you confirm this? Thank you,
-Kimberly; 2/15/2007

Editor:
http://www.last-names.net/surname.asp?surname=Brock
provides this information:  "Brock-From the Saxon Broc, a badger. Broch, in Gaelic or Irish, Cor. Br. and Welsh, has the same meaning".
-snip-

Of course, when the name "Brock" is also given as a personal name {usually masculine first or middle name} it has the same meaning.

http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/animals2.htm provides this symbolic meaning for the badger "Supernatural power, mischief, playful. Other world, wisdom, caring".
See the meaning of the name Brook below.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Brook
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Brooke "The boy's and girl's name Brooke \b-roo-ke\ is pronounced bruk. It is of Old English and Old German origin, and its meaning is "water, small stream". Also [given as] a surname."
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Bryan; Byron
See the entry for Brianna and Byronna

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Byronna
i want to know what my name means in different languages
-Byronna; 9/18/2007

Editor:
Bryonna, your name is a version of the name "Brianna". See the entry for that name and other versions of that name that are listed.  All of these names mean "noble" or "strong" {or "noble" and "strong". Each of these names -and any other versions of these names that isn't listed-have that meaning regardless of because they all come from the Gaelic male name "Brian" {Bryon, Bryan}. Brian means "noble" or "strong."  However, the question you may be asking is "What are some other female names in other languages that mean the same thing as Byronna?" There are certainly names in many languages throughout the world that have the same meaning as "noble" and "strong". However, I've chosen not to answer these types of questions since searching for those examples would overwhelm my ability to answer questions about the origin and meanings of specific names. I encourage you to look on this page, look on the websites whose links I have provided, and read baby name books to find examples of names in other languages that have the same meaning/s as your name.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

**
Cocojams readers-Other readers have asked what their name means in other languages. There may be versions of a specific name in different languages. All of those versions have the same meaning. Take for example the Hebrew male name "Joseph". Three versions of that popular name in different languages are Jose' {Spanish}; Giuseppe {Italian} and Yusef {Arabic}. All of these names mean the same as the original Hebrew name-"God increases" {adds to the family by giving us a son}. There are male names in other languages which have that same meaning or a similar meaning. For instance, the Yoruba {Nigeria, West Africa} male name "Ayinde" {ah-YEN-day} means "we prayed [to God] for him and he came". This meaning is similar to the name Joseph. Yet it would be incorrect to say that Ayinde is the name Joseph in the Yoruba language. I hope this helps to clarify the distinction between names from different languages which have similar of the same meanings, and versions of the same name in different languages.

C,D
Candace; Kandace; Candice; Kandance
What does my name mean?
-Kandance; 6/10/2008

Editor:
"Kandance" is a form of the ancient Ethiopian title for "queen". See this excerpt from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Candace: "The girl's name Candace... is pronounced KAN-diss. It is of Ethiopian origin. Also possibly (Latin) "clarity; whiteness". An ancient hereditary title used by the Ethiopian queens before the fourth century, as Caesar was used by the Roman emperors. One of the queens is mentioned in the Bible." [the book of Acts]
-snip-

Also see this excerpt from http://blackhistorypages.net/pages/candace.php:
"In the kingdom of Kush (called Ethiopia by classical authors), particularly during the Meroitic period, women played prominent roles in affairs of the state, occupying positions of power and prestige, the natural outgrowth of which was the development of a line of queens. Unlike the queens of Egypt who derived power from their husbands, the Queens of Kush were independent rulers, to the extent that it was often thought that Meroe never had a king. Four of these queens—Amanerinas, Amanishakhete, Nawidemak and Maleqereabar—became distinctively known as Candaces, a corruption of the word Kentake.  The word is a transcription of the Meroitic ktke or kdke, which means "queen mother."...
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Carissa
does anyone know any nicknames for the name carissa apart from chris!!! please help!!!!!!
-Carissa; 8/19/2006

Editor:
Off the top of my head, I can think of "Rissa" ,"Cassie", and "Ree Ree". Others can probably think of other nicknames for the name "Carissa". Use your imagination & creativity and you can think of a nickname too. Of course, nicknames don't have to have anything at all to do with the spelling or sound of your "proper" name.
Here's some information about the origin & meaning of the name "Carissa":
from http://www.babynamesworld.com/meaning_of_Carissa.htmlGender: (female)
Origin: Greek ; Meaning: beloved
-snip-

This meaning is based on the view that "Carissa" comes from the name "Cara". Here's another opinion from: http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Carissa
"The girl's name Carissa is pronounced ka-RISS-ah. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "grace." Simplified spelling of Charissa, from Charis. Also possibly an elaborated form of Cara or Carys.
Carissa has 9 variant forms: Caresa, Caressa, Carisa, Carrisa, Carrissa, Charissa, Karisa, -Karissa and Kharissa."
-snip-

"Grace" here may have meant "God's grace {God's mercy}. "Grace" can also mean
'graceful' as in walking or dancing gracefully. The name Carissa can therefore mean "one who is beloved", and "God's grace, and "the graceful one"
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Carlene
What is the meaning of the name Carlene?
-Susan S; 12/4/2006

Editor:
"Carlene" Teutonic {English/German} and French female form of the male name "Charles" {"Carl"; "Karl"}. The "ene" suffix is a diminutive ending for children that shows affection. "Charlene" is another form of this name. For more female forms of the name Carl {Charles} see the entry for the name "Carren" below. Also, see the entry for the name "Sharlene."
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Carren
I would like to know about the name Carren but for a boy. Thank you.
-theresea; 11/17/2006

Editor:
See this information found in the website:  http://forums.govteen.com/showthread.php?t=165742 :
"Carol: English unisex name. It is a nickname for French Caroline, the feminine form of Carolus, the Latin form of French Charles, which itself came from Old German Karl, meaning "man." Variants include Carel, Carey, Cari, Carla, Carleen, Carlene, Carley, Carlin, Carlina, Carline, Carlita, Carlota, Carlotta, Carly, Carlyn, Carlynn, Carlynne, Caro, Carola, Carole, Carolena, Carolin, Carolina, Carolinda, Caroline, Caroll, Carolyn, Carolynn, Carolynne, Carri, Carrie, Carroll, Carrolyn, Carry, Cary, Caryl, Caryll, Charla, Charleen, Charlena, Charlene, Charlotta, Charlotte, Charmain, Charmaine, Charyl, Cherlyn, Cheryl, Ina, Karel, Kari, Karla, Karleen, Karli, Karlie, Karlina, Karlinka, Karlote, Karlotta, Karole, Karolina, Karyl, Karyll, Karryl, Karryll, Kerril, Kerryl, Keryl, Lola, Loleta, Lolita, Lotta, Lotte, Lotti, Lottie, Sharleen, Sharlene, Sharline, and Sharmain."
-snip-

The movie star Cary Grant is a well known example in the United States of a man with a form of the name "Carol".  Admittedly, many more American males nowadays are given the name Cary than are given the name Carol, or Carren. However, every version of the name Carol shares that name's meaning. Instead of the meaning "man/manly", the versions of this name which are usually given to females can be said to mean 'female or one who is feminine". Thank goodness, in a number of contemporary societies there is an expanded recognition that many attitudes & behaviors that were thought to be "manly' or 'feminine' are actually unisex.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Cassidy
Well, my name is Cassidy and I would love to have another name besides Cass!
What name should I choose?
-Cassidy

Editor:
If you are thinking of changing your name either informally or legally, than the decision about which name to select is yours to make or yours to give to someone else to make for you. I appreciate you asking me to select another name for you, but I respectfully decline that responsibility.  If you are seriously thinking of changing your name, I would suggest that you choose a name that you like. You can find lists of names all over the place-including the names listed on this page and the names featured on the websites which have been referenced on this page.  You have plenty of choices. You can take one of these names without making any changes to it. Or you can tweak the name you select, making spelling or other changes to suit you better. Or you can make up a name that you might like better than the name you were given at birth. Use your self-determination and your creativity. If you select a name, and find that you don't like it, than drop that name, and select another one until you find one that 'fits'. Obviously, I am speaking here of the informal use of a personal name and not a name that would become your legal name. I would certainly suggest you trying out your new name to see if it fits you for a time before legalizing it. Since in the USA anyway, it's easier to change nicknames than first names, perhaps you could think of this new name as a nickname, and ask folks to call you by your new nickname. Then if you really want to change your first name legally, after you have acclimated yourself to that name, you could do so. But I think that it is usually not wise to rush to legalize a new first name. Btw, if you decide to choose another name, the name you choose doesn't have to have the same meaning as the name Cassidy. But for your information, http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Cassidy gives the following information for the name "Cassidy":

"The boy's and girl's name Cassidy is pronounced KASH-ih-dee. It is of Irish, Welsh and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "curly-headed; ingenious, clever."

Cassidy has 4 variant forms: Cass, Cassady, Cassedy and Cassidey.

For more information, see also the related name Kassidy".
-snip-

http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=cassidy has this information:
Cassidy; Gender: Feminine & Masculine; Usage: English ; Pronounced: KAS-i-dee 

From an Irish surname which was derived from Ó Caiside meaning "descendent of Caiside". Caiside is a first name meaning "curly haired" from Gaelic cas.

-snip-
Cassidy is also a last name {surname}.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Cashor, Cashorphe, Cashor-phe; Castor; Castorphy
Do you happen to known the meanign of Cashor-phe? It is a West African name-Sierra Leone specifically. Thanks in advance.
-Cashor; 4/27/2007

Editor:
My guess is that the name Cashor and Cashorphe {with or without a hyphen} is a form of the name "Castor".  http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Castor gives this meaning for the name Castor:

"The boy's name Castor \c(a)-stor, cas-tor\ is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "beaver". In classical myth, along with Pollux, one of the heavenly twins immortalized in the constellation Gemini. They were considered the patron gods of seafarers, appearing to them in Saint Elmo's fire".
-snip-

The beaver is considered a symbol of hard work, determination, perseverance, and creativity in Native American, Canadian, and other cultures.

Although it's listed as a male name, the name Castor, in its original or revised form, could be given to females as well as males as a personal {first or middle} name. However, currently, the name Castor is most often found in English speaking countries as a last name.

So how could this name derived from the Greek language but used by English speaking people come to be given to a person from the West African nation of Sierra Leone? Well, people living in Sierra Leone have access to information about Greek mythology just as other people around the world do. It's possible that the name Castor could have been taken from Greek mythology and its spelling either purposely changed or changed over time. It's also possible that the name Castor or a variant form of this name could have been a last name that Black people in Sierra Leone remembered from the time when their ancestors lived in the USA or Great Britain before they came to Sierra Leone. I'm not sure. I'm guessing about the meaning of this name. I'll keep alert to any additional information or different information that I might find about the name Cashor and I'll post it here if I find it.
-Wear your name proudly. Best wishes, Azizi

****
Cary- see entry for Carren

****
Cedoni
I really what to know what Cedoni actually means and if it really is from India
-Cedoni

Editor:
I also did a search of numerous books and websites on names to see if I could find the name "Cedoni" or a name similar to it {for instance, similar names spelled with "S" or Ch".  I had no luck finding "Cedoni" this name in any listing of East Indian names. Since so many female and male East Indian names beginning with "C" or "S" actually begin with "Ch" or "Sh", it's doubtful that "Cedoni" is an East Indian name. I've not found the name "Cedoni" listed as an American Indian name either.  But I did find "Cedoni" included in a 1997 listing of female names in the Canadian province of Alberta. The name "Cedoni" is also listed as an Italian last name.

It also occurs to me that the name "Cedoni" may have been derived from the ethnic name & place name "Macedonia". Among African Americans, "Macedonia" is a very common name for Baptist Churches.  As to what "Macedonia" means, I'm not sure. The closest I could find was that the land was named after the Ancient Makedones (, [pronounced ‘makethnÉ’ (a as in about, e as in bet, É as ea in eat’)], a Greek-speaking people.  Source: http://www.macedonian-heritage.gr/FAQ.html

I'm sorry that I could find no definitive answer for your question. But, it may mean that there is no established meaning for the name "Cedonia". If that's the case, you have been given the gift of an opportunity to be creative and come up with a meaning. Why not? Go for it!
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Celestine
pls can you help me with the meaning of Celestine And Augustine. Thanks
-uju peace; 11/10/2006

Editor:
"Celestine" is a French and English form of the female name "Celeste".  http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=caelestis provides this information for the name Celeste: root name-Caelestis; Gender: Masculine; Usage: Late Roman [Italian] ; from a Late Latin name which meant "of the sky, heaven"

-snip-

Also, see http://www.behindthename.com/nm/c2.php for information about the names Celestine, and Celestina. It's interesting to note that the name Celeste has changed gender. Although it started out as a masculine name, it is now almost exclusively a female name. The suffix {ending element} "ine" is a common French/English diminutive. A similar Spanish and Italian ending for female names is "ina" and "ita". These diminutives add the meaning "little dear one" on to the basic meaning of a name. 

See the entry for the name "Augustine" above.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi 

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Cerise
See the entry below for Cherise

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Chandra
http://utopianvision.co.uk/services/indian-names/?cat=&letter=C :
"male", meaning: Moon".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chandrashekhar
http://utopianvision.co.uk/services/indian-names/?cat=&letter=C :
"male, meaning: One who holds [the] moon in his hair knot.
-snip-
http://www.indolink.com/Library/boyName.html gives this meaning:
"Lord Shiva"
-snip-
Visit http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses/shiva.htm for information on the Hindu god Shiva.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Chanee'
I named my daughter Chenee'(Shanae)I just spelt it the way I wanted so it sounded more french like Renee'. Anyway I have found that it means God is gracious but I can't find a firm confirmation of it's origins, one site says it's American, another says it is hebrew same as Shana or associated to it and means year, change, study, teach, repeat, Rose , Lily. I would like a definate answer of it's origin and what it means. Thanks
-Shelley; 6/27/2008

Editor:
Shelley, I gathered from your message that you used your creativity to create the name "Chanee".
If you are American, that means that the name you created is a contemporary American name. The reason why some people might say that the name "Chanee" means "God is gracious" or that "it is Hebrew and means the same as Shana"  is that the name "Chanee" is spelled like if not pronounced like the name "Shana" and "Shana" is a female form of the masculine name "John". See this excerpt http://www.behindthename.com/name/john "John-from English form of Iohannes, which was the Latin form of the Greek name Ιωαννης (Ioannes), itself derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning "Yahweh is gracious". -snip-

Shelley, newly created names have no established meanings. If you used your creativity to make up the name Chanee', then you can also use your self-determination to choose a meaning for this name. You could give the Chanee' any name you choose, although some people might thing it makes a lot of sense to consider Chanee' to be part of the huge family of John names, including the female names Shana, Jean, Jan, Jane, Janet, Joan, Joni, Joanna, and more {maybe also including Chanice}.  In any event, I hope that your daughter wears her name proudly.
-Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chanice; Shanice
What does the name Chanice mean, and where did it originate?
-Nicci , 2/16/2006

what does my name mean?
-Chanice;  5/2/2006; also 2/6/2007
 
Editor:
"Chanice" is a relatively modern female name that may have been created from the combination of  the prefix "Chan" {pronounced "Chahn" and the suffix "ice" {pronounced "ees"}.  This name may also be spelled "Shanice".

"Chanice" and "Shanice" are relatively newly created female names of American {probably African American} origin. I don't believe that these names have any fixed meaning. However, the names "Chanice" or "Shanice" may have inspired by number of older female names that do have fixed meanings. See the entries on this page for Chantal; Shan, Shaina, Shanice,  and Shani.

If your name doesn't have any fixed meaning, you can choose whichever meaning you like the best or whichever meaning suits you the best. After all, that's what creativity &  self-determination is all about!
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chantal; Chantel
See this excerpt from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Chantal:
The girl's name Chantal is pronounced shahn-TELL. It is of Old French origin, and its meaning is "stone." [stony place] Also possibly "singer"... {variant forms] Chantrell, Chauntel, Shantal, Shantalle, Shantel, Shantell, Shantelle, Shontel and Shontelle."
-snip-
Also see the entries for Shan and Sean.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chanel {Shanelle}
Chanel is a female name whose literal meaning has nothing whatsoever to do with its contemporary meaning.
See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Chanel :
"The girl's name Chanel is pronounced sha-NELL. It is of Old French origin, and its meaning is "pipe, channel." Contemporary usage of the French surname may be due to the influence of the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel, and a number of famous perfumes."
-snip-

In spite of its literal meaning, the name Chanel has come to refer to luxury, expensive perfume and fashion. See this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chanel
In my opinion, the meaning of Chanel {Shanelle} can be given as "one who has good tastes, and or one who likes quality perfume, fashion,  and surroundings.
 -Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Charles
See the entry for Sharlene; Sharline; Charlene; Charlynn

****
Chasey {Chase}
What do you think the name Chasey means?
-Chasey; 12/29/2006

Editor:
If you are male, the name "Chasey" probably is a form of the name "Chase".
See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Chase:

"The boy's name Chase is pronounced chayce. It is of English and Old French origin, and its meaning is "huntsman". [It is also a] Surname [last name], and originally a nickname for a huntsman.
-snip-

Whether you are male or female, it's also possible that the name "Chasey" is a blend of the name "Chase" and the name "Casey". See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Casey
"The boy's and girl's name Casey is pronounced KAY-see. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "alert, watchful". From the male Gaelic name Cathasaigh. Also variant of Cassie. Made famous by the song about the engineer of the Cannon Ball Express, Casey Jones. Caycee and Cacia are short forms of Acacia.

Casey has 33 variant forms: Cacey, Cacia, Cacie, Caisee, Caisey, Caisi, Caisie, Casee, Casi, Casie, Caycee, Caycey, Cayci, Caycie, Caysee, Caysey, Caysi, Caycie, Kacey, Kacie, Kacy, Kacyee, Kasey, Kaycee, Kaycey, Kayci, Kaycie, Kaysee, Kaysey, Kaysi, Kaysie, Kaysy and Kaysyee"
-snip-

While It doesn't appear that the name "Chase" and "Casey" came from the same source, these two names are compatible as a skilled hunter has to be alert & watchful.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chaquita-see Saquita

****
Cherise; Charise; Sherise; Sharise; Cerise
I believe that the female name "Cherise" was probably coined by African Americans as a modern way to spell the French female name "Cerise". The spelling "Cherise" {Charise; Sharise} is in compliance with the very popular "Sha" or "Cha" prefix {beginning syllable} for African American females and, to a lesser extent, for African American males. While African Americans don't usually consider name meanings when selecting a name for a baby, my sense is that the meaning that most people would prefer for the English female name "Cherise" is the meaning of the name "Cherie" {dear, darling} rather than the meaning for the French female name "Cerise" {cherry, red"}. See http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Cherise, and http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Cerise for thinkbabynames.com opinion about the origin of the name "Cherise".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Cheyenne
See the entry below for Shyan

****
Chico
What does the name Chico mean?
-Nick; 10/24/2006

Editor:
Chico means "boy" in Spanish. "Chica" is Spanish for "girl". Chico is one nickname associated with the Spanish and Portuguese male name "Francisco". {"Cisco" is another nickname associated with that name]. Francisco is a form of the male Latin name "Francis". That name means "free". Therefore, the nation "France" means "land of the free". And the nickname "Chico" can be said to mean "a free man". However, the nickname "Chico" may not be associated in any way with the name Francisco. For instance, I know a man who was given this nickname because he is said to resemble the singer Chico DeBarge. Btw, the name Chico became more widely known in the USA as a result of the American television program Chico And The Man which was originally broadcasted from 1974-1978.
- Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Chloe; Kloe
Does the name Chloe' mean anything?
-Vicky; 8/16/2006
**
where does the name chloe originate from?
-frankie ; 4/1/2008

Editor:
See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Chloe
"The girl's name Chloe is pronounced KLOH-ee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is "blooming." From Khloe, originally used in the classical period to symbolize the fertility goddess Demeter. May be connected with Chloris. Appears in the Bible, and as a name in literature, especially in the tale of Daphnis and Chloe, set to music by Ravel. Adopted by Puritans in the 17th century...Chloe has 6 variant forms: Clo, Cloe, Cloey, Khloe, Khloey and Kloe."
-snip-
In this context, "blooming" refers to grass and flowers that start to grow & bloom in the spring time. "Chloe" is therefore a name that stands for spring time, hope, life, and new beginnings. 
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

****
Ciara; Kierra; Cierra
See this information from http://www.rampantscotland.com/forenames/blnames_c.htm:
"Ciara: From the Gaelic word "Ciarán" meaning "little dark one" the name has been popular for 1,500 years as the male first name Kieran and its variants but the feminine form Ciara (pronounced 'keera') has become popular in recent times and was the 85th most popular given name in 1998 but dropped out of the top 100 in 1999.
-snip-

See this information from http://members.tripod.com/ciara_n/ciaraworld/
The name Ciara is generally ancient Celtic. It is taken from the old Gaelic word "kir", meaning black (as in the night). The male version of Ciara is Ciaran, which is the early form of Kevin...
"Ciara is pronounced "Kyr-ra".

****
Also, see this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Ciara :
"The girl's name Ciara \cia-ra\ is pronounced kee-ARR-ah, see-ARR-ah. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "black". Modern coinage. Feminine form of Ciaran, the name of two major Irish saints...
Ciara has 11 variant forms: Ceara, Chiara, Ciaran, Ciarra, Cieara, Ciera, Cierra, Kiara, Searra, Siara and Sierra."
-snip-

With regard to name meanings, "little dark one" or "black as night" or black probably usually refers to hair & eye color rather than dark skin color. However, in my opinion, the name alludes to the fact that  black is beautiful.
For an alternative origin & meaning of the name Cierra {pronounced see-AIR-rah and not KEER-rah},  see the information on the name Sierra below.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Condolezza
This female name comes from the Italian con dolcezza: "with sweetness."

****
Corey
trying to figure out he origin and meaning of my birth given name , Corey
-corey, 2/27/2008

Editor:
Corey is usually given as a masculine name. However, in the USA, at least, it is also given to females. Origin {Gaelic, meaning Irish, Scottish}; Meaning " a person who lives by a hollow or misty stream} Sue Browder's The New Age Baby Book :
"The name Corey is also given the meaning:  "a person who lives near a ravine." See this meaning for ravine: {Old French} A deep narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water.
[note: I have also seen the meaning "raven" given, but this probably is a misinterpretation of the word "ravine"] .
Variant forms of Corey are usually given as Cory, Cori, Korey & Korrey.
Also see this information from http://www.babynamebox.com/c0020.htm:  "Corrianne-Variant of Cory meaning variously: from the round hill; seething pool; ravine. Female; Irish"
-snip-

However, the female name "Corinna" is almost always given a different origin & meaning than Corey.  See that entry below.
-Wear your name proudly. Best wishes, Azizi

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Corinna
information from http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=corinna :
Gender: Feminine; ..Pronounced: ko-REEN-a ; From the ancient Greek name Κοριννα (Korinna), which was derived from κορη (kore) "maiden". This was the name of a Greek lyric poet of the 5th century BC. Also, the Roman poet Ovid wrote love poems about a woman named Corinna "
-snip-
"Maiden" here means "a young woman". Some variant forms of Corinna are "Corina", "Coreen" & "Corine."

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Damian; Damion
http://www.behindthename.com/php/view.php?name=damian :
Gender: Masculine; Usage: English, Polish
Pronounced: DAY-mee-an (English), DAHM-yahn (Polish)
"From the Greek name Δαμιανος (Damianos) which was derived from Greek δαμαω (damao) "to tame". Saint Damian was martyred with his twin brother Cosmo early in the 4th century. They are the patron saints of physicians. Another saint by this name was Saint Peter Damian, an 11th-century cardinal and theologian from Italy."

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A contemporary version of the meaning "to tame" could be "the civilized one" or "one who is civilized {in manners and outlook on life".
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Damarion, Demarion
In my opinion, the names Damarion and Demarion are masculine names which are of contemporary African American origin.  Demarion may be pronounced the same as Damarion {day MAHR-ee-ohn}. Or Demarion may be pronounced dee-MAHR-ee-ohn}. In my opinion, both of these names probably owe their creation to the name Omarion {see the entry for that name on this page}. The name Damarion was probably created by rhyming the name Omarion. Demarion can be said to be a variant of Damarion.  The meaning of Damarion and Demarion can be given as a combination of the meanings for Damion and Omari: "The  civilized one, the first son, one who will have long life; one who is eloquent, one who follows the most high God."
See the entries for both of those names on this page.

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Danae
http://www.zelo.com/firstnames/findresults.asp?name=DANAE :
"Gender: Female; Origin: Greek; Meaning: Showered With Gold"
-snip-

Danae is the name of the mythological mother of Perseus by Zeus.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Dante; Donte, Dontae
See this information from" http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Dante The boy's name Dante is pronounced DAHN-tay. It is of Spanish, Italian and Latin origin, and its meaning is "lasting, enduring...Dante has 7 variant forms: Dantae, Dantay, Dantel, Daunte, Dontae, Dontay and Donte."
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Daijah; Dasha; Daysha; Dajah
What does my name mean?
-Daijah; 5/24/2007

Editor:
"Daijah" is usually pronounced "DAY-shah". This name may be a contemporary form of the name "Dasha" Shah" . According to http://www.foreigndocuments.com/a9_1.html, Dasha {Darya} is a female name of Persian King Daria. The name comes from the old Persian and means "the winner."
-snip-
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Dasha indicates that Dasha is a form of the female name Dorothy. "The girl's name Dorothy \d(o)-ro-thy\ is pronounced DOR-a-thee. It is of Greek origin, and its meaning is 'gift of God'."

The name "Daijah" may also be related to the Hebrew male name "David". David is usually said to mean "beloved" or "beloved of God". Any, some, or all of these name meanings may be used as the meaning of the name Daijah.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Demetria; Demetra
http://www.20000-names.com/female_d_names.htm: "Greek myth, name of goddess of agriculture,
derived from Doric Damater meaning "earth mother" 

-snip-
Also see this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Demetria : "The girl's name Demetria \d(e)-met-ria, dem(e)-tria\ is pronounced da-MEE-tree-ah. It is of Greek origin. Feminine form of Demetrius. Greek mythology: Demeter was the goddess of corn and harvest, and mother of Persephone. Her Roman name is Demetrius, from the root word for "cereal".

Btw, Demi is one nickname for the name Demetria.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Deepa; Deepta; Deepti
"Deepa" is an Indian {India} female name whose meaning is usually given as "lamp". The meaning of the Indian female name "Deepta" is usually given as "shining". The meaning of the Indian female name  Deepti" is usually given as "flame, lustre".

Here are three online sources for Indian names that include a number of female names that are similar to Deepa, Deepta, and Deepti: http://www.pickbabynames.com/Indian/D/Deepa.html and http://www.iloveindia.com/babynames/girl-d.html and http://www.nriol.com/babynames/gdd.asp
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Denee
What does my name mean?
-Denee; 5/29/2007

Editor:
If the name Denee is pronounced den-NAY, then that name could be a modern name that was formed by substituting a "D" for the "R" in the French female & male name "Renee" {pronounced ren-NAY}.
Renee's meaning is "reborn". If the name "Denee" came from the name Renee it could be given the same meaning as that name. However, in actuality, Denee probably doesn't have any fixed meaning.  

Denee may have been created from the French female name "Denise". See this information from http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Denise : "The girl's name Denise \d(e)-ni-se\ is pronounced de-NEES. It is of French origin, and its meaning is "follower of Dionysius". 
-snip-

"Denis" is the male form of the name "Denise".  In Greek mythology, Dionysus, the son of Zeus, was the god of wine & ecstasy.  A modern meaning for the names Denise, Denis and possibly Denee is "one who likes to have fun".

It's also possible that the name "Denee" is a variant form of the English female name "Deneen". According to http://www.babynamecorner.com/babynames/d/24/ ,the name Deneen is a form of the English female name "Deana" and means "divine". The name Denee {and the name Deneen} could also be a form of the name "Dena". http://www.babynamecorner.com/babynames/d/24/ indicates that "Dena" is a Hebrew female name which means "judged" or "avenged". That same website also indicates that "Dena" is an English female name which means "valley".

These are only a few of the names that are spelled like the name "Denee". You have the freedom to select one or more of these name meanings as the meaning of your name, or choose another meaning that you fits you better.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Despereaux; Devereux
hi! its my friends name...what does Despereaux mean?
-Sarah ; 11/20/2007

Editor:
"Despereaux" is the name of the main character in Kate DiCamillo's award winning children's book "The Tale of Despereaux".  In Kate DiCamillo's book, a brave mouse named  Despearaux does not despair. He has a number of adventures and triumphs in the end of the story. See http://www.movieweb.com/movies/film/11/4511/synopsis.php for a summary of the plot of this book.

Since that book was written in 2003, unless your friend is very young, it is unlikely that he {I am assuming that your friend is male} got his name from this book. I thought this name was coined {created} by that author from a  combination of the word "despair" and a form of the suffix "eau" {aux}.  The definition for despair as given by http://www.thefreedictionary.com/despair is " the feeling that everything is wrong and nothing will turn out well". The meaning of "eau"  is "water: Thus this name literally means "watery despair".  Since water is associated with emotions, this name can be said to mean "emotional despair".

However, Sarah, I'm wondering if your friend's name is a actually a variant {form of} the name "Devereux". http://www.searchforancestors.com/surnames/origin/d/devereux.php indicates that "Devereux" is a surname {last name} that is of French origin. This name was originally written as "D'Evereux" and is a place name [a name associated with a geographical location} that means " from Evereux, a town in Normandy." 

The last name Devereux can also be given a first name. http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/1/Devereux gives this information about this name: "The boy's name Devereux \d(e)-ve-reux\ is of Old French origin. Probably a place name having to do with water "eau", or related to Everard (Old English) "board hardness".
-snip-

I would translate "board hardness" as {a male who is} strong [as a board]. So, the names "Devereux" and Despereaux may be said to mean "a person who is strong and a person who overcome odds to succeed in life". 
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Dev
Dev is a masculine Indian name which is derived from Sanskrit देव (deva) meaning "god". This name is usually used in combination with another name which proceeds it. See Rajeev below.
-Wear your name proudly! Best wishes, Azizi

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Devon; Devin; Devonte; Devontay
http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Devon: "The boy's and girl's