Serena Williams Just Gave Birth to Her Second Daughter and the Name She Chose Is a Winner: Learn About It and More Like It

Tennis superstar Serena Williams has once again made headlines, this time off the courts. The iconic athlete and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple has chosen an equally unique and beautiful name for their newborn: Adira River Ohanian.

The world is buzzing with excitement over this new addition to the Williams-Ohanian family. Adira River’s arrival adds to their familial joy and brings a wave of interest in unique baby names like Adira. Discover some appealing appellations as we delve into the significance of Adira’s name and explore more distinctive names that might steal your heart.

Learn About the Name Adira

Adira is a name of Hebrew origin that means “strength.” The appellation is given only to a handful of baby girls in the US each year. This thoroughly approachable and charming name has flown under the radar for decades.

More Notes on Adira

Adira is a timeless name like the appellation chosen by Williams for her first daughter, Olympia. Olympia was once popular in the US, but you’ll have to turn back the clock 100 years for that to be true. Little Olympia will be turning six next month! Now, let’s explore other unique names (mostly of Hebrew origin) that deserve more attention from American parents.

Other Options Similar to Adira

Atara

Atara is one of the most attractive Old Testament names yet to enjoy wide acclaim. The name is mentioned in the Book of Chronicles. The name can be found spelled as we have suggested or as Atarah. This Biblical baby name for girls with Hebrew origins means “crown.”

Beulah

Beulah was once a top 500 name in the US but has fallen in popularity since its glory days and has a decidedly retro sound today. We find that appealing. Biblical Beulah is a place, not a person, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. The land of Beulah has sometimes been viewed as a reference to heaven. Beulah began to be used as a given name in England at the time of the Reformation and was used by the seventeenth-century Puritans. This Hebrew name means “married.”

Damaris

In the New Testament, Damaris was an Athenian woman converted to Christianity by St. Paul. Known for her charitable work, her name was a darling among the Puritans. Having fallen off the bottom of the top 1000 in 2012, Damaris might be worthy of more attention from parents in search of a New Testament name that is unusual but accessible. Damaris has Greek origins and means “dominant woman.”

Elisheva

Elisheva was the original name of Aaron’s wife in the Book of Exodus. The name brings us a more popular option today, Elizabeth. Elisheva has never been popular in the US, but you will find it popular among Jews in Russia and Israel. This Hebrew name means “pledged to God.”

Galilee

Galilee is a highly significant place name, a vast region in northern Israel, the home of Jesus for at least thirty years of his life, and where he cured a blind man. The Sea of Galilee gets its name from the area. This Hebrew name is criminally underused and means “the province.”

Hadassah

This Hebrew name of Queen Esther is beloved in Israel, especially for girls born around the holiday of Purim. In the US, it is the name of a Zionist women’s charitable organization. Formerly considered hyper-religious, this name entered the top 1000 in 2007. Parents will find the nickname Haddie quite attractive. Hadassah is a Hebrew name that means “myrtle tree.”

Havilah

Though a few men named Havilah in the Bible, it’s also a Biblical place name that can be a unique choice for modern girls. The name for boys means “to dance,” which is lovely. But, as a place name, this Hebrew treasure means “stretch of sand.” We wish this name could find a home in the US today because it is lovely.

Helah

Helah is the wife of Ashhur, father of Tekoa in the Bible’s Old Testament. This baby name for girls could be a perfect alternative to Hannah or Helen! Helah has Hebrew origins, meaning “rust” or “to pierce.”

Hosannah

A name fitting for a baby girl born around Palm Sunday, Hosanna might be the ideal offbeat choice for religious parents. “Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” is a passage that comes to mind. Hosanna is often translated as “Please Save Us.” It is a Greek word “ὡσαννά” that most scholars believe is the transliteration of two Hebrew words- יָשַׁע- “yasha,” which means “to save or deliver” and אָנּאָ – “anna” which means “please, I beseech.” 

Jahel

You can go about this fabulous name in a few different ways. You can spell it Jahel, Jael, Yael, or Ya’el. However you get there, this name is pronounced yah-ehl. It’s a popular gender-neutral option in Israel, meaning “mountain goat” or “to ascend.”

Jescha

A rare Biblical name belonging to a niece of Abraham. Jescha means “to behold.” Jescha is thought to be the origin of the English name Jessica, which Shakespeare invented for a character in his 1596 play The Merchant of Venice. This name is also spelled Iscah, but neither it nor Jescha have ever been popular in the US.

Junia

Juno is hot, June is showing signs of a comeback along with other month and day names, whereas Junia, the name of the first-century Christian referred to by the apostle Paul as an apostle, is yet to be discovered. Junia was once popular in the US in… 1883. It is time to bring this gem, which means “born in June,” back!

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Mahala

Mahala, sometimes spelled Mahalah, is the sister of Machir and daughter of Hammoleketh and identified as the granddaughter of Manasseh, Joseph’s first-born son. This name shares Hebrew and Arabic origins, meaning “tender.” How precious is that?

Prisca

Prisca is a New Testament name; it was Priscilla with whom the apostle Paul stayed while spreading the gospel in Corinth. It was common in the ancient Roman world and later was a favorite of the seventeenth-century Puritans. Prisca and Priscilla can be used interchangeably as they are two variations of the same name. Prisca has Latin origins and means “ancient.”

Tirzah

Tirzah is one of Zelophehad’s five daughters. We have no idea why this charming and energetic name has never been adopted. Tirzah is pronounced teer-zah, so perhaps the “tear” sound is scaring new parents away. We love this Hebrew baby name that means “delight.” It means “delight,” folks.

Eliora

Eliora will be the perfect choice if you love names containing just about every vowel sound, as this lyrical name is somewhat of a mouthful. Eliora has Hebrew origins and means “the Lord is my light.” This name has never appeared in the top 1000 in the US, and we chose it because of its unique sound and as a potential alternative to Eleanor or Ella.

Shira

A popular Israeli choice ripe for adoption here in the US, Shira is a perfect name. It has an elegant sound similar to Kiera but with a sophisticated SH-beginning. Why this Hebrew name has not taken off in America is a mystery. It means “my song.”

Ayala

If you’re after something softer than Jahel, consider Ayala. Ayala is one of the most popular names in contemporary Israel for baby girls. This name has not seen much favor in the US, however, and that’s a shame because this subtle animal name means “doe” or “gazelle.”

Shoshana

Shoshana is an exotic and lovely form of Susannah commonly heard in Israel. As with a great many names on this list, you won’t hear it often in the US. Shoshana is completely gorgeous with a beautiful meaning to match, “lily.”

Aviva

Aviva is vibrant and exceptional, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have become more popular. Aviva has Hebrew origins and means “springlike.” So, if you are expecting a baby girl this spring, this name is already teed up for you.

Chava

Chava is a lovely variation of Eve or Ava popular for families that speak Hebrew or Yiddish. This name thanks both traditions for its origin. As with Eve and Ava, Chava means “life.”

Frayda

An old favorite in traditional Jewish families, Frayda is a Yiddish name that means “joy.” We must admit, the name certainly sounds full of happiness. With the rise of the name Freya over the last couple of years, Frayda could be a welcome alternative that also honors your heritage.

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Hila

Hila is a name that has grown in popularity in recent years, placing it firmly within Israel’s Top 20 for girls. In Hebrew tradition, the name means “halo.” It is sometimes written as Hilla or Hilah. In Pashto, it means “hope” and is also spelled Heela.

As we wrap up, it’s clear that naming a baby is a significant and personal decision. Whether you’re inspired by the mighty name Adira River, chosen by Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, or drawn to other unique names we’ve explored, remember that every name carries a story and a legacy. Like Serena, you can choose a name that resonates with your hopes and dreams for your child. As you embark on this incredible journey of parenthood, may the name you select be a beacon of individuality and strength for your little one.