10 Thai Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Deep Shah via Dribbble

While researching for this post, I was surprised at how many Thai names would assimilate well into American culture. It's astonishing we don't hear them more! There are loads of beautiful, melodic choices--it was hard for me to cut my list to just ten. That being said, I think I have ten really wonderful names for you all today. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Isaree- Isa- names are very fashionable by today's standards, so why not add another one to the list? Isaree a gorgeous Thai name that would assimilate easily into the American name pool. She means "freedom."

Kannika- For those of you looking for interesting K names, Kannika is a fantastic option. She's a name used throughout Southeast Asia--in fact, it's the name of a 1947 Indian film. If you're fond of nicknames, Nika is the obvious choice, but Kiki would be fun as well.

Kasira- Isn't Kasira lovely? I've never been a fan of K names, but Thailand has so many good ones! She's a bit of a mysterious name--there's not much information out about her--but if you want a truly unusual yet beautiful name for a daughter, Kasira would be great.

Lawan- Lawan is simple yet stunning. She means "beautiful," so if you like your names with meanings to match, take a look at Lawan.

Malai- Speaking of meanings, meet Malai! Longtime readers know that I don't put much stock into name meanings, but I appreciate a quirky one. Malai means "garland of flowers," which is so sweet! Lately Americans have been loving lyrical M names (think Maya, Mila, etc.), so Malai will fit right in.

Mayura- Darling Mayura is another Thai name that I could see catching on in the US. She has the easy-access nickname May, which makes her all the better. Mayura means "peacock" (wouldn't that make a fun nursery theme?)

Nim- Nim is most commonly associated with the book and movie Nim's Island, but Nim is actually a female Thai name (as well as a male name in other cultures). Maybe it's because of the movie, or possibly my love for Pimm, but Nim really seems like a girl name to me. She'd be wonderful in a children's literature themed sibset.

Preeda- Cheerful and sophisticated Preeda would feel so stylish on an American baby. Add that to her ease of pronunciation and spelling, and we have ourselves a fabulous Thai-American crossover. Preeda is one of my favorites of today's list. Does anyone else love -da names as much as I do?

Sirinya- It's hard to think of a name more stunning than Sirinya. She just oozes beauty and elegance. Some notable namesakes: Selina and Sirinya are a Bangkok-based folk band, and Sirinya "Cindy" Burbridge is a Thai-American model and actress.

Suree- Suree may be slim, but she has substance. Thanks to sound-alike sister Suri, she's perfectly wearable on an American baby girl. Plus, Suree means "sun," which is always a nice meaning.

10 Hawaiian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Mele Kalikimaka friends! Our last Wednesday post of 2015 is all about Hawaiian names for girls. Enjoy!

Ailani- Sweet, lyrical Ailani makes a lovely name for a baby girl--Hawaiian or not. She means "cheif," which is a strong and empowering sentiment.

Ekika- Ekika is the chirpy Hawaiian form of Edith. She's a fun and unusual way to get to Kiki, but still fits in with the three-syllable-ends-in-"A" name trend. Ekika is a downright cheerful choice--I'd love to see her used on a baby.

Huali- Huali may sound like she means "hula," but her real denotation is "pure, bright, polished, and gleaming." Either way, she's bound to conjure up images of the beautiful dance for some people. Huali is the name of an electric van company in China, but if you live anywhere else, she's more than usable.

Inoa- All you name nerds, are you looking for a name that sums up your obsession? Inoa could be your girl--she means "name" or "name chant." Noa is currently becoming more popular among girls--Inoa is a great way to use that name while distinguishing her from all the male Noahs.

Iolani- Unlike many other Io- names, Iolani's first syllable is pronounced like an "E," ee-oh-LAHN-ee. Her meaning is somewhat debated. Nameberry (my go-to for reputable information) says she means "hawk of royalty," while other sites claim "bird of heaven" or "to fly like a hawk" as her meaning. No matter what the case, Iolani definitely counts as a bird name, and a mighty one at that.

Kalea- Kalea is Hawaii's answer to Claire, though unlike her "light" sister, is said to mean "joy" or "happiness." She's a simply gorgeous name--one of my favorites back in the day. Kalea would wear well back on the mainland. I can see many parents embracing her--much like they have with Leilani.

Kilikina- I love a name that's fun to say, and Kilikina is just that! She's the Hawaiian variation of Christina, but feels like a more contemporary choice. Kiki or Kina would make cute nicknames.

Moanna- Moanna is a beautiful, beachy name meaning "ocean." She's quite similar to the Maori name Moana--meaning "sea"--which is also used in Hawaii. Moana is also the name of a princess in an upcoming animated movie.

Noelani- It wouldn't be a Hawaiian name post without three names that end in -lani. Noelani, though she means "heavenly mist" is an especially appropriate name for a baby born around this time of year. The easy-to-spot "Noel" makes her a Christmas name of sorts.

Silivia- Silivia seems like a made-up mash-up of Silvia and Olivia, but she's authentically Hawaiian. She is the Hawaiian form of Sylvia, and is said to mean "woman of the woods." Silivia is a unique and appealing name--I wonder if she'll ever catch on in the U.S.