The Ds of Persian names

Male names:

Dalir means “brave.”

Dara means “wealthy.”

Darab means “wealth, power, glory.”

Dariush/Daryush is the modern form of Darayavaush, an Old Persian name that means “possessing goodness.” The Greek form, Darius, is the standard Western name of King Darius the Great of the Achaemenid Empire.

Davud is the Persian form of David, which means “beloved.” This name is also Bosnian and Azeri. Other Persian spellings are Davood and Davoud.

Derafsh means “the standard.”

Female names:

Darakhshan means “shining, luminous, brilliant.”

Darya means “ocean, sea.” This is a completely different name from the Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian name Darya, which is a feminine form of Darius.

Delara means “adorning the heart.”

Delaram is the modern form of Dilaram, which means “quiet-hearted” or “peaceful-hearted.”

Delbar is the modern form of Dilbar, which means “one who captures hearts.”

Diba means “brocade.”

Dil means “heart.”

Donya means “world.”

Unisex names:

Dana means “wise.” This is a completely different name from the popular English name.

Delshad means “happy heart, cheerful.” This is a rare name.

Didar means “vision, sight” or “encounter, visit, meeting.” This is also a unisex Kazakh name, and male in Turkmeni.

Dildar means “one who holds a heart.” I’d obviously recommend avoiding it in the Anglophone world, since it could invite teasing on account of the proximity to the word “dildo.”

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All about Arthurian names, Part V (Female names, A–F)

The Lady of Shalott (1888), by John William Waterhouse

Acheflour, sometimes spelt Acheflow, is probably corrupted from the French name Blanchefleur/Blancheflour, which means “white flower.” In Sir Perceval of Galles, Acheflour is King Arthur’s sister.

Ailleann marries King Arthur in the Irish romance Céilidhe Iosgaide Léithe (The Visit of the Grey-Hammed Lady) when she takes him and the Knights of the Round Table to the underworld. She’s the daughter of fairy king Daire and granddaughter of the King of Iceland.

Alemandine may derive from the Old French word alemandine (a deep red gem), which is in turn corrupted from the Latin alabandicus (Alabandic stone). This was a type of carbuncle in the city of Alabanda in Asia Minor (now near the village of Doğanyurt in Turkey). Alabanda means “horse victory” in the extinct Carian language, from roots ala (horse) and banda (victory). The name may also be derived from the Medieval Occitan and Gascon Alamanda, which comes from Alemannia, the Latin word for Germany. Alemandine is a queen in the 13th century romance Floriant et Florete.

Alyne is a form of Aline, a Medieval nickname for Adeline, with the ultimate Ancient Germanic root adal (noble). She’s the daughter of King Pellinore.

Illustration of Enid in Idylls of the King (1913), by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

Amena, or Amene, may derive from the German name Amoena/Amöna, which comes from the Latin root amoenus (pleasant, charming, delightful). It may also possibly come from the Arabic name Amina, which means “feel safe.” Amena is a queen helped by Gawain’s son Wigalois (Guinglain, Gliglois) in the German romance Wigalois.

Ampflise is the name of two characters in the German romance Parzival, including the Queen of France.

Antikonie is the Middle German form of the Greek name Antigone, which derives from roots anti (against, like, compared to) and gone (offspring, birth). She’s the sister of King Vergulaht of Ascalun and falls in love with Gawain, which makes Vergulaht so angry he attacks Gawain. Later, Antikonie marries King Dulcemar of Tandernas and becomes the mother of Tandareis, a Knight of the Round Table.

Arcade is the French form of the Greek name Arkadios (of Arcadia), which comes from the root arktos (bear). She’s a high-born maiden whom Pelleas falls in love with but whom she spurns. When Pelleas sends Gawain to try to woo her by proxy, Arcade falls in love with Gawain instead. Ultimately, Arcade marries Pelleas.

Artesia probably derives from Artois, a region in France which gave its name to artesian wells, and ultimately Atrebates, a Belgic tribe in Gaul and Britain during the time of Julius Caesar. In turn, the tribe’s name is a cognate of the Irish word aittrebaid (inhabitant). Artesia is the sister of Saxon leader Ostorius in the Elizabethan play The Birth of Merlin.

Howard Pyle Illustration for The Lady of Shalott (1881)

Beaflurs means “beautiful flower” in French. She’s a fairy in Parzival, and the mother of Queen Ampflise’s page Liahturteltart.

Belacane is the mother of Parzival’s halfbrother Feirefiz.

Bellicent is the Old French form of the Ancient Germanic name Belissendis, which probably derives from roots bili (decent, proper, suitable, fitting, amiable) and swind (brave, strong, powerful). She’s King Arthur’s halfsister and Gareth’s mother in the 13th century story Arthour and Merlin.

Brangaine probably derives from the Welsh name Branwen, which comes from Old Welsh roots bran (raven) and gwen (beautiful, white, fair) and means “beautiful raven.” She’s Isolde’s handmaiden.

Brisen may derive from Old Norse root brisinga (glowing, twinkling). She’s a witch.

The Uninvited Guest (1906), by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

Clarissant is the daughter of King Lot and Queen Morgause and the mother of Guigenor. In one story, she’s Gawain’s sister.

Cundrie is the name of two characters in Parzival.

Dindrane probably derives from the Welsh name Danbrann, which in turn comes from Middle Welsh roots dawn (gift) or dwn (brown, dark), and bran (raven). She’s Perceval’s sister, and frequently called only the Grail Heroine.

Dioneta is the name of two characters in the fragmentary 14th century Welsh text The Birth of Arthur. One is King Arthur’s halfsister, and the other is Mordred’s sister and King Lot’s daughter.

The Lady of Shalott Reaches Camelot (before 1887), artist unknown

Eglatine is probably a Middle French version or misspelling of the English name Eglantine, which is the name of a flower also called sweetbrier. It comes from the Latin word aquilentum (prickly). Eglatine is the daughter of King Machen of the Lost Island, and raises her stepson Dodinel, a Knight of the Round Table, like her own child.

Elaine is an Old French form of Helen, which comes from the Greek Helene and probable root helene (“corposant” or “torch”). Some sources believe it may be related to selene (moon). Elaine is Galahad’s mother, Lancelot’s lover, and Pelles’s daughter.

Elyabel is an Old French form of Elizabeth, which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheva and means “my God is an oath.” She’s Tristan’s mother.

Elyzabel is a cousin of Queen Guinevere.

Enid, or Enide, probably comes from Welsh root enaid (soul, life, spirit). She first appeared as Erec’s wife in the 12th century, and later usually became Geraint’s wife.

Illustration of Enid in Idylls of the King (1913), by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale

Esclarmonde is probably a Middle Provençal form of the Old French name Claremonde, which may derive from the Latin root clarus (bright, clear) and Ancient Germanic mund (protector). Folk etymology attributes it to Old French esclair (light) and monde (world); thus, “light of the world.” Esclarmonde is a Muslim princess and lover of Sir Huon de Bordeaux.

Esmeree possibly derives from Old French root esmer (to respect, love, like). She’s a Queen of Wales who’s turned into a snake, then changed back by Guinglain.

Ettarre is probably a corruption or variant form of Arcade, since both characters are loved by Pelleas.

Evaine is Elaine’s sister, Sir Bors’s wife, and the mother of Sir Lionel and Sir Bors, Jr.

Florisdelfa probably derives from the Latin root flos (flower) and the Greek adelphe (sister). She’s an enchantress trained by Merlin in an Italian version of the Tristan and Isolde story, and so in love with Tristan she constantly sends him presents to try to win his heart.

All about Arthurian names, Part I (Male names, A-F)

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, painted by Évrard d’Espinques ca. 1475

When I did a series on names invented for literature a few years ago, I deliberately left out name from Arthurian legends and stories because I wanted to do a separate series about them. Some of these names existed prior to their use in Arthurian stories, while others were created just for the stories.

FYI: These names come exclusively from classic Arthurian works, not modern films, TV shows, and games.

Accolon, sometimes spelt Accalon, is of unknown origin. He’s a Gaulish knight and a lover of Morgan le Fay.

Aeddan is the Welsh form of the Irish name Aodhán, which is a diminutive of aedh and means “little fire.” He’s an enemy of King Arthur.

Aelens is the King of Iceland and father of King Arthur’s follower Escol.

Agravain is a nephew of King Arthur.

Agrestes derives from the Latin word agrestis (rural, wild, rustic, brutish), which in turn comes from ager (farm, field). He’s an ancient King of Camelot.

Amaethon derives from the Brittonic name *Ambaχtonos (ploughman-god, Divine ploughman). He’s the Welsh god of agriculture and an Arthurian warrior in the late 11th century legend of Culhwch and Olwen.

Amr, or Amhar, is King Arthur’s son in the 9th century chronicle Historia Brittonum.

Andret is the nephew of King Mark of Cornwall and an enemy cousin of Tristan.

Anfortas probably comes from the Old French word enfertez or enfermetez (infirmity). This is the name of the wounded Fisher King in the 12th century Arthurian epic Parzifal.

Anguish is the King of Ireland and Iseult’s father.

Arthur may derive from the Celtic roots *artos (bear), and *wiros (man) or *rīxs (king). It may also come from the Roman family name Artorius. The jury is still out on whether King Arthur were a real person, based on a semi-legendary figure, or entirely fictional.

Bagdemagus is the King of Gorre and a Knight of the Round Table. Some scholars believe Bagungus, the name of a character who only appears in Laghamon’s 1190 epic poem Brut, is a corruption of Bagdemagus on account of its rarity.

Balin is one of King Arthur’s knights.

Bedivere comes from the Welsh name Bedwyr, which may derive from roots bedwen (birch) and gwr (man). He’s one of King Arthur’s original friends, and throws the sword Excalibur into a lake to fulfill King Arthur’s dying wishes.

Bellangere derives from the Ancient Germanic name Berengar, which in turn comes from roots bern (bear) and ger (spear). It may also have been inspired by French roots bel, beau (beautiful, great, fine) and anger (anger), and thus means “righteous anger.” He’s a Knight of the Round Table.

Bors comes from the French name Bohort and possibly the Old French root behort or bohort (“jousting lance” or “jousting”). He’s a Knight of the Round Table.

Brunor probably derives from the Ancient Germanic root brunna (armour, protection) or brun (brown). Several Arthurian characters bear this name, including Sir Galehaut’s father.

Cador is probably a Cornish form of the Welsh name Caderyn, which means “battle king” and derives from Old Welsh roots cat (battle) and tigirn (monarch, king). He’s Lady Guinevere’s guardian, King of Cornwall, and the father of King Arthur’s successor Constantine.

Calogrenant, sometimes spelt Colgrevance, is a Knight of the Round Table.

Caradog, or Caradoc, comes from Old Welsh name Caratauc and ultimately the Brythonic name *Caratācos, which derives from Old Celtic root *karu (to love) and means “loved.” He’s a Knight of the Round Table.

Claudas is an opponent of King Arthur.

Culhwch means “hiding place of the pig” in Welsh. He’s a cousin of King Arthur.

Dagonet possibly derives from the Old English word dæg (day). He’s a Knight of the Round Table, usually described as foolish and witless. Eventually he evolved into King Arthur’s belovèd court jester.

Dinadan may derive from Dinn Eidyn (Castle of Edin), the old name for the Scottish city of Edinburgh. He’s a Knight of the Round Table and a good friend of Tristan.

The Knights Of The Round Table Summoned To The Quest By A Strange Damsel (The Summons), by Edward Burne-Jones

Ector is King Arthur’s foster father and Sir Kay’s foster father.

Edern derives from Old Welsh root edyrn (heavy, immense; wonderful, prodigious, marvellous). Previously, it was wrongly believed to come from the Latin word aeternus (eternal). Edern is a Knight of the Round Table and one of King Arthur’s most important counsellors during a battle between Saxons and Danes.

Elyan probably ultimately derives from the Roman family name Aelius, which in turn may come from the Greek word helios (sun). He’s a Knight of the Round Table and the son of Sir Bors. In some stories, he’s also a cousin of Sir Lancelot.

Escanor may derive from the Old Irish name Escae, which in turn comes from Proto–Celtic Eskyom and ultimately Proto–Indo–European H,eysk, which means “to shine, to glitter” and is usually associated with the Moon. King Escanor the Large is an antagonist killed by King Arthur’s nephew Sir Gawaine.

Escol is a follower of King Arthur.

Evelake derives from Evalach, which is probably corrupted from the Middle Welsh name Afallach and the word afall (apple). It may also be a form of the Celtic name Abellio, which some scholars believe ultimately comes from Apollo and thus may be related to the Indo–European root *apelo- (strength). King Evelake of Sarras is the first person to possess the shield destined for Sir Galahad.

Feirefiz is the halfbrother of the title character in the abovementioned epic Parzifal.

A name fit for a Divine goddess

American singer Diana Ross, born 26 March 1944

Diana is a name like Sarah—it’s found in a plethora of languages, but there aren’t a vast variety of forms like other names. The letters and sounds which make up the name are the same across numerous languages, so there’s not much need for divergent spellings. However, there are still some variations.

Diana is a derivative of diva or dia (goddess), and as such means “Divine, goddesslike.” Its ultimate root is the Indo–European *dyew- (“shine” or “sky”), which is also where the name Zeus comes from. Diana is used in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Romanian, German, Dutch, the Scandinavian and Slavic languages, Georgian, Armenian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Albanian, Welsh, Gascon, Sicilian, Corsican, and Galician.

Variant forms are Diána (Hungarian), Díana (Icelandic), and Diāna (Latvian). Outside of English, the name is typically pronounced Dee-ah-nah.

British writer, book reviewer, and fascist Diana Mitford, later Lady Mosley (1910–2003)

Diana was the Roman name for Artemis, the Greek goddess of the Moon and hunting, and Apollo’s twin. (Artemis has a completely different etymology!) Diana came into use as a personal name during the Renaissance, and became very popular in the Anglophone world thanks to Walter Scott’s 1817 novel Rob Roy.

The name has been on the U.S. Top 1000 since records began in 1880 (apart from 1888, when it failed to chart), and slowly but steadily rose into the Top 100, which it entered in 1941 (at exactly #100). In 1942, it was already #68, and by 1945, it was #43.

Diana Churchill, daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, with her son Julian (1909–63)

Diana remained on the Top 100 through the 1970s, and after a few years with slightly lower ranks, it returned to the Top 100 in 1981 (for reasons probably everyone can guess!). It dropped out of the Top 100 again in 1991, then returned in 1993, dropped out again in 1995, returned in 1997, left in 1999, and briefly returned at #90 and #100 in 2004 and 2005. In 2021, it was #225.

The name also enjoys popularity in Portugal (#19 in 2018), Italy (#50 in 2020), Poland (#61), Switzerland (#63), Hungary (#75), the Czech Republic (#78 in 2016), and Spain (#81).

French noblewoman Diane de Poitiers, 1500–1566

Other forms of the name include:

1. Diane is French and English. It was on the U.S. Top 100 from 1937–1971, and in the Top 20 from 1946–59. Its highest rank was #14 in 1955. In France, the name was #90 in 2021.

2. Dijana is Macedonian, Serbian, Slovenian, and Croatian.

3. Dajana is Serbian and Croatian, reflecting the English pronunciation.

4. Daiena is an archaic Romani form.

5. Deana is modern Romani.

6. Deanna, or Deana, is either a possible English variation of Diana or a feminine form of Dean. If the latter, it would have a completely different etymology.

7. Dianedda is a Corsican diminutive.

8. Diviana is an ancient Italian form.

9. Diyana is Uzbek and Bulgarian.

10. Dziyana is Belarusian.

11. Kiana is Hawaiian.

The Ds of Ukrainian names

Male names:

Daniyil is a form of Daniel, which comes from Hebrew name Daniyyel (God is my judge).

Danylo is another Ukrainian form of Daniel.

Datsko is a folk form or diminutive of an unknown name.

Davyd is the Ukrainian form of David, a Hebrew name meaning “belovèd.”

Demko is an older folk form or diminutive of Damian, which comes from Greek name Damianos and word damazo (to tame).

Denys is the Ukrainian form of Dennis, which derives from Greek name Dionysos. Its roots are Dios (of Zeus) and Nysa (the region where wine god Dionysos was raised).

Dorosh is a folk form of Greek name Dorotheos (gift of God).

Dmytro is the Ukrainian form of Demetrios, which derives from Greek name Demeter (possibly meaning “earth mother.”

Female names:

Dariya is the Ukrainian form of Darya, a feminine form of the Latin name Darius. It in turn derives from Greek name Dareios and ultimately Persian name Dārayavahush (to possess goodness). One of the diminutives is Daryna.

Domakha is a folk form of Latin name Domna and in turn a feminine form of Domnus, which derives from root dominus (lord, master).