Isabella [1] - Isabelle [105] - both names are fresh and pretty to my ears. I think part of Isabella's rise is the desire for Bella's because of Twilight. But that's not all. I'm sure it's partly just generally -a love. Also, I bet that if you totaled up all the Isabels and Isobels, Isabelle would rise a little (I mean, Isabella would also have Izzabela and whatever, but, it's already in first spot!)

Sophia [2] - Sophie [59] - both are fresh and lovely to me. I think maybe to some Sophia feels more complete, and Sophie is more of a nickname? I don't necessarily agree with that, but I can imagine others feel that way.

Olivia [4]- Olive [546] - to me, Olive is held back by feeling "old" (not even dated, just "old" - which is part of why it's having a mini-revival) AND Olive Oyl. Olivia both feels prettier, more feminine, and I think at least a small amount of its popularity must be due to the Olivia Benson character on Law and Order, SVU, that show's been on forever, is hugely popular, and she's a very likeable main character.

Alyssa [20] - Alice [172] - this is one I can see tipping in the next few years. Alyssa is lovely but is feeling very much like an 80s name, and Alice, while kind of "old", is moving rapidly toward vintage charm, and Tina Fey named her baby this. They're really quite different names. How is the comparison for Alicia and Alice? To me those are also quite different.

Julia [55] - Julie [389] - to me, Julia is a classic, whereas Julie feels dated from the 1970s.

Maria [86]- Marie [575] - ditto, Maria feels classic, Marie feels like it was everyone's middle name for the 1960s-1980s for a while.

Adriana [129]- Adrienne [696] - I think Adrienne is the more attractive name here, but I think people pick Adriana for additional distance and clarity over Adrian.

Daniella [150]- Danielle [195] - these are really quite close in ranking the grand scheme of things. How's Daniela? I'm sure 20 years ago Danielle was way ahead. Danielle feels dated now like Michelle, Daniella in comparison is fresher. I wonder if this is mildly influencing Isabella/Isabelle?

Elena [163] - Elaine [799] - I think at least a small part of this is Spanish-speaking families using Elena a lot. I'm sure Anglo families do too, but I'd think they might be more likely to go with Eliana or Helena. Elaine is definitely dated, again, if you go back in time, this would be totally reversed. To me, these names are pretty different. How's Elaina doing?

Diana [191]- Diane - Diane is definitely a name for a woman in her 40s or 50s to me, whereas Diana feels relatively timeless.