It's finally raining in California (at least in the Bay) and I've had "Singin' in the Rain" stuck in my head all morning. Also acceptable musical choices - "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" and "It's Rainin' Men." A dear friend suggested I write about about names for rainy days, so here we go!
Image via Pixabay
Rain
Why not start with the obvious? Though it's never ranked on the top 1000, Rain has been used for girls since 1956, and for boys since 1971. It's a simple, sleek nature name that would also work as an unexpected middle choice.
Rainbow
Generally regarded as too girly or too bohemian, Rainbow's image may be changing. There are more Rainbow's than ever, from pop culture to celebrity status, and even the oldest Rainbow's (born in 1971) are only 45 years old. This may be a name to watch!
Storm
Strong in sound and meaning, Storm was first recorded for both boys and girls in the same year - 1946 (Any theories on why that year?). The name is also popular for boys in Scandinavia, and there's a female Storm in the X-Men.
Gray/Grey
With Grayson and Grace among 2010's favorites, why not pick a similar-sounding understated color choice? Grey currently ranks at #916 for boys, but the sophisticated moniker works for all genders. Like Rain and Storm, this would also make an attractive middle name.
Names that mean "rain"
Euria
A feminine Basque option, Euria has never been recorded in US name history. It's euphonic and melodic, and doesn't sound like many other names out there (with the exception of Slavic Yuri). For more Basque options, check out this list - Basque Names.
Indra
In its original Sanskrit usage, Indra was given to boys. But in the United States, more girls than boys have been given this elegant, substantial name. Indra refers to the Hindu god of lightning, storms, and rain - dynamic, but not too daunting.
Mazin
An Arabic name for boys, Mazin sounds like an amped-up alternative to popular Mason - and it may get mistaken as a "kre8tiv" spelling. Its meaning is "rain clouds", and it's originally pronounced "Mah-zahn" - though that may get corrupted in the US.
Varsha
This pretty Hindi choice gained more popularity via Bollywood star Varsha Usgaonkar - thirty girls in the United States were given the name last year. Varsha is soft and unique, yet still accessible to English speakers - a multicultural choice, perhaps?
Names that mean "rainbow"
Iris
Both vintage and contemporary, Iris is a pretty botanical choice that doesn't come across as overly feminine. The name for the flower comes from the name of the Greek goddess of the rainbow, and there's a beautiful van Gogh painting of irises - great for a nursery!
Itzel
Also spelled Ixchel, Itzel is the Mayan goddess of midwifery and medicine. The name is popular with Latin American families, and now ranks at #492 on the top 1000. The "Itzel" spelling helps with the pronunciation, and the name is definitely fresh and vivacious.
Keshet
An uncommon Hebrew name that's yet to be recorded in the US, Keshet ("Keh-shet") has a sound outside the norm. The "sh" sound softens the name, but the "k" and "t" sounds on the ends give it some substance. While Keshet may require some repetition, it's truly a lovely choice.
Walken
No, not like the actor Christopher Walken. This Australian Noongar Aboriginal name is pronounced "Wall-ken," and is used for boys. Though the explanation might grow to be tiring, this is a cool pick to fit in with "en" trends and similar name Walker.
Ziazan
An Armenian name in recent pop culture news - a short film with a character and title Ziazan premiered in 2014 - this choice is bold and adventurous. Nicknames Zizi or Zaza make it even more fun!
Other names related to this lovely weather: Raina, Misty, Cloud, Thunder, and Autumn
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