Gender: Masculine
Origin: Arabic فادي
Meaning: “saviour.”
(FUH-DEE)
The name comes directly from the Arabic word for saviour and is a very popular name among Middle Eastern Christians. Al-Fadi (the saviour) is an appellation used for Jesus.
Currently, Fadi is the 470th most popular male name in Quebec, Canada (2010).
The feminine form is Fadia فادية.
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The name is a compound of Marie and Ange, it is used in reference to an epithet of the Virgin Mary St. Mary of the Angels.
It is currently the 454th most popular female name in Quebec, Canada (2010).
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Gender: Masculine
Origin: Slavic Мирко
Meaning: “peace.”
(MEER-koh)
The name is derived from the Slavic element mir meaning “peace.” It has historically been used as a Croatian form of the Germanic name Emmerich, although unrelated etymologically.
It is currently the 491st most popular male name in Quebec, Canada (2010).
The name was borne by Prince Mirko of Montenegro (1879-1918)
The feminine form is Mirka.
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Gender: Feminine
Origin: English
The name comes directly from the English word and has been in usage since the Middle Ages due to the popularity of a cult of sister saints, Hope, Faith and Charity.
Its popularity was in enhanced in the 17th-century due to its usage among the Puritans.
Currently, Hope is 245th most popular female name in the United States, (2010). Its Spanish cognate of Esperanza is currently the 75th most popular female name in Chile and the 948th most popular in the United States, (2010).
Other forms of the name include:
Gender: Masculine
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “god’s gift.”
The name is derived from the Greek Theodoros (Θεοδωρος) which is composed of the elements θεος (theos) meaning “god” and δωρον (doron) “gift.” The name was borne by several early saints, two popes and three tsars of Russia.
In recent American history the name was borne by President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) of whom the Teddy Bear was named for.
It is currently the 263rd most popular male name in the United States, (2010).
An interesting fact: Dorothy is derived from the same Greek roots but in reverse order.
Other forms of the name include:
Its feminine form of Theodora was very popular in Byzantium, it was borne by at least five Byzantine Empresses including Empress Theodora who is also revered as a saint.
Other feminine forms include:
Gender: Feminine
Origin: Greek
Meaning: “good news.”
Eng (ee-VAN-je-LEEN)
The name is derived from the Greek ευ (good) and αγγελμα (news; message). Evangelos (masculine) and Evangelina (feminine) have always been popular names in Greece. Evangeline seems to be particularly common among French-Canadians and the Acadians of Louisiana since the 16th-century. The name was used for the title character in Henry Longfellow’s 1847 poem Evangeline, which recounts the trials and tribulations of the Acadians after their expulsion from Canada.
A parish in Louisiana was named in the character’s honour.
Currently, Evangeline is 333rd most popular female name in the United States, (2010).
Other forms of the name include:
Masculine forms include:
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Gender: Masculine
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: “savior.”
The name is derived from the Spanish word for Savior and is used in honour of Christ. It is currently the 457th most popular male name in the United States, (2010). Its Italian cognate of Salvatore is the 895th most popular male name in the United States, (2010).
Other forms of the name include:
Feminine forms include:
Gender: Feminine
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: “star.” (Sp. ey-STREY-yah)
The name comes directly from the Spanish word for star and has been in use since the early Middle Ages. It was used by Spanish Jews as a form of Esther and among Christians, it was used in reference to an epithet of the Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea.
Currently, Estrella is the 420th most popular female name in the United States, (2010).
Izar is the Basque cognate.
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Gender: Feminine
Origin: Latin
Meaning: “glory.”
Eng (GLAWR-ee-ə)
The name comes directly from the Latin word for glory and its usage as a given name is relatively recent in naming history. Its first appearance seems to be the name of the protagonist of E.D.E.N. Southworth’s 1891 novel, Gloria: A Novel.
Born Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte, Southworth was a popular novelist of her time, and seems to have had a habit of bestowing interesting names on her female characters, particularly names which come directly from Latin words. Her most famous example being her tomboyish character, Capitola Black in her most famous work, The Hidden Hand (1889).
Gloria was used again by George Bernard Shaw for a character in his 1898 play You Never Can Tell.
Due to its seemingly religious connotations, the name skyrocketed among Catholic families during the Depression Era. In this case, the name may have been used in reference to the Great Doxolgy or hymn sung during Catholic masses Gloria in Excelsis Deo.
Currently, Gloria is the 503rd most popular female name in the United States, (2010).
Other forms of the name include:
An obscure Italian diminutive is Gloriuccia.
There is also a very obscure masculine Italian form: Glorio.
Famous bearers include:
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Originally this post was entitled Christmas names, but I decided to change the topic to Holiday season names in general. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Devali, Hanukkah, Yuletide, Kwanzaa or even Yalda, below are a list of names that have a seasonal feel. Enjoy!
Have a Happy Holiday and a Merry Christmas!
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