Thousands of Names and the Blessings They Can Impart This unique guide includes 6,000-plus names from all corners of the globe, and each entry illuminates the name’s distinctive spiritual, historical, and cultural background — its poetry. Names, from the traditional to the newly coined, are fully explained. Pronunciation guide, origin, alternate spellings, and meaning are enhanced by the affirmation carefully chosen for each name. Lists of names by meaning, names by ethnicity, and most popular names by decade provide easy reference. Whether your aim is to honor ancestors, capture a child’s essence, or convey parental hopes, Inspired Baby Names from Around the World will help you greet and bless your new baby with heartfelt meaning. “A child’s name is a prayer all the angels know.” — Daniel Ladinsky, bestselling author-poet “Impeccably researched, Neala Shane’s book is a treasure of wonderfully matched quotes and fascinating information to help you name your child — one of the first and most meaningful gifts we ever bestow.” — Betsy Chasse, author of Tipping Sacred Cows , cocreator of What the Bleep Do We Know?! , and mom to Elorathea (“goddess of light”) and Maximus Theodore (“greatest divine gift”) “It is said that when you say your name, you call in the soul. Choosing your baby’s name is a sacred act. Neala Shane has created a timeless gem. What a loving, eloquent gift this is to all mothers- and fathers-to-be.” — Renée Peterson Trudeau, author of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family “A beautiful and inspiring resource — not only for parents searching for the perfect name, but for all who are interested in one of the roots of who we are in the world. The quotations alone make this a wonderful book.” — Janet Conner, bestselling author of Writing Down Your Soul and The Lotus and the Lily “ Inspired Baby Names from Around the World is a wonderful guide for the joyful and sacred task of discovering your child’s ‘true name.’...Light a candle, sip some tea, and enjoy the exploration!” — Denise Roy, author of Momfulness and My Monastery Is a Minivan Neala Shane ’s religious studies led her to research the meanings behind names. Over time, this became her full-time pursuit. She lives in Vancouver, Washington. Inspired Baby Names from Around the World 6,000 International Names and the Meaning Behind Them By Neala Shane New World Library Copyright © 2015 Neala Shane All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-60868-320-8 Contents Introduction, Naming Customs, Meditations, Name Change, Abbreviations Key, Pronunciation Guide, FEMALE NAMES, MALE NAMES, Most Popular Names by Decade, Grandparent Names, Most Popular Pet Names, Names by Meaning Index, Names by Ethnicity Index, Affirmation Authors and Sources, Acknowledgments and Permissions, About the Author, CHAPTER 1 NAMING CUSTOMS The Lord said ... you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name. — EXODUS 33:17B (NEB) Bestowing a name on a child is one of our most important acts as parents, and through a naming ritual we can celebrate and bless our children. A blessing is an acknowledgment of the child's essential nature, the affirmation itself being a gift from the parent to the child. Some rituals are traditional, harkening back thousands of years, while others may be newly created just for this child and this family. Celebrations can take place in the hospital after birth, at home, out of doors, or in a church, mosque, temple, shrine, or any sacred or special setting. They can be done shortly after birth or when the child is old enough to exhibit unique qualities of his or her personality. This section includes but a few examples of such rituals, which serve as a reminder to take every opportunity to celebrate these special milestones. AMERICAN INDIAN CUSTOMS According to Wilma Mankiller (1945–2010): "Native Americans regard their names not as mere labels, but as essential parts of their personalities. A native person's name is as vital to his or her identity as the eyes or teeth." American Indian names describe the bearer in some way or tell of an event or action in which she or he took part. Wilma means "determined protector, steadfast guardian." The surname Mankiller refers to a traditional Cherokee military rank. According to Mankiller: "Cherokee women didn't have titled positions. The men had those. But the women had the Women's Council. They had a lot of control.... With the Iroquois the chief was a man, but the women chose the chief, they nurtured him, they installed him. Women could take him out." As the first woman chief of the Cherokee tribe, Mankiller was indeed a warrior woman who protected and guided her people. I find it fascinating that Wilma Mankiller's name was so appropriate to her mission and service in life. Ella Deloria, a Dakota Sioux anthropologist, has stated: "In Dakota, you do not say ... 'What is your name' but, 'In what manner do they say you?' That means 'According to