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  1. Arvel

    • Description:

      Arvel is a masculine name with varied origins. Some sources connect it to Old Norse elements, possibly derived from 'arr' meaning 'eagle' combined with 'valdr' meaning 'ruler.' Others suggest it may be a variant of Arvid, meaning 'eagle tree' or 'eagle wood.' In some regions, Arvel is considered a diminutive form of Arvell or a variant of Orville. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, experiencing brief periods of minor usage in the United States during the early 20th century. Arvel carries a rustic, somewhat old-fashioned charm while maintaining distinctive character. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents, though it appeals to those seeking a name with historical depth and unique quality.

  2. Mercy

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "compassion"

    • Description:

      The quality of mercy makes this lovely Puritan virtue name a quiet favorite today. Although it was most popular in the late nineteenth century, Mercy is on its way to a comeback -- it rose 143 spots between 2012 and 2013, making it one of the year's fastest-rising names. Right now, it's still stylish and distinctive, a rare and wonderful combination.
  3. Valiant

    • Origin:

      English word name from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "brave"

    • Description:

      While still very rare, the name Valiant was given to six baby boys in the US last year. And it's an inspiring choice.
  4. Mim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Miriam

    • Description:

      A hum of a name occasionally heard. Madame Mim was a villain in Disney's "The Sword in the Stone."
  5. Fay

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "fairy"

    • Description:

      Fay, also spelled Faye, who had been napping quietly since the 1930's, has, like cousins May/Mae and Ray/Rae, sat up and started rubbing her eyes, ready for a mini-comeback, especially as a middle name. In 2014, Faye hopped back onto the US Top 1000, though Fay is used much more quietly as a first name.
  6. Kal

    • Description:

      Kal is a concise, powerful masculine name with diverse cultural roots. In Norse mythology, Kal relates to 'cold' or 'frost,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'time' or 'black.' The name also appears as a diminutive of Kalman or Kaleb in some traditions, and resonates with Superman fans as the birth name of the superhero (Kal-El). This cross-cultural versatility gives Kal a global appeal while maintaining a strong, distinctive sound. The name's brevity makes it punchy and memorable, following the modern trend toward shorter masculine names. Despite its ancient roots, Kal feels contemporary and has gained modest popularity in recent decades. Its simplicity makes it work well internationally while its varied cultural connections give it depth and character.
  7. Crimson

    • Origin:

      Color name

    • Meaning:

      "rich deep red"

    • Description:

      Crimson could be a possible competitor for Scarlett's success, though it's lacking that Johansson charm.
  8. Kalel

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Khalil

    • Description:

      Kalel first entered the US Top 1000 as a one-off appearance in 2009, then reentered in 2013. It's possible that some parents see it as a spelling variant of the classic Arabic name Khalil, meaning friend. Or maybe some—Nicolas Cage, we're looking at you—were inspired by the birth name of Clark Kent, AKA Superman, Kal-El. Cage was long associated with attempts to remake a big screen story about the Man of Steel. He and wife Alice Kim gave the name to their son in 2005.
  9. Nira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "light, or furrow, plowed field"

    • Description:

      Symbolic name given to girls born on TuB'Shevat, the New Year of the Trees.
  10. Lin

    • Origin:

      Chinese, Arabic, Burmese, Korean, English

    • Meaning:

      "forest; jade, green gem; soft, tender; clear, bright; neighbor; pretty, lake"

    • Description:

      Concise, multicultural, and well travelled, Lin is a deceptively simple looking choice with its roots in a variety of languages.

      As a Chinese name, it is a unisex option, pronounced as LEEN, and typically attributed either the meaning "forest" or "fine jade, green gem", associating the name with the color green in both its transcriptions. From its Arabic roots however, it is a variation of the pretty Lina, meaning "soft, tender". As above, it would be pronounced as LEEN.
  11. Moon

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Description:

      The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
  12. Dee

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of any girl name that starts with D

    • Description:

      Dee is a slight midcentury nickname that might be short for Deanna or Denise, but might be too slight for today's strong, independent female.
  13. Kelby

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the farm by the stream"

    • Description:

      This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.
  14. Jovan

    • Origin:

      Slavic variation of John Latin

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious; Jove-like, majestic"

    • Description:

      Jovan, the name of the supreme Roman deity, seems more extraterrestrial now -- and it's also firmly attached to a perfume label. Some parents may see it as a variation of Giovanni, the Italian for John. It is in fact the Slavic variation of John and may be an original way to honor an ancestral John.
  15. Mandela

    • Origin:

      African surname

    • Description:

      An African family name ripe for adoption in honor of Nelson Mandela, the South African activist imprisoned for almost thirty years for his antiapartheid activities.
  16. Lore

    • Description:

      Lore is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In German tradition, it's a shortened form of Eleanor or Lorelei, while in Spanish it can be a diminutive of Dolores. The name literally means 'knowledge' or 'wisdom' in Latin, giving it an intellectual connotation. In folklore contexts, 'lore' refers to traditional knowledge and stories passed through generations. This gives the name a mystical, storytelling quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, Lore has a simple elegance and cross-cultural appeal. Its brevity makes it distinct while remaining easy to pronounce across language boundaries. The name's connection to wisdom and cultural traditions makes it appealing for parents seeking a name with depth and subtle sophistication.

  17. Immy

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "maiden"

    • Description:

      Diminutive of Imogen, rarely given as a standalone even in the UK, where Imogen is a Top 50 pick. 2023 however saw a slight spike in usage, when Immy was chosen for twelve girls — more than double the number ever given the name in a single year before — while Immie was also chosen for nine girls.
  18. Nevis

    • Origin:

      Place-name

    • Description:

      Highly unusual name of a small, tranquil island in the Caribbean; chosen for her daughter by singer Nelly Furtado.
  19. Radell

    • Description:

      Radell is a masculine name of uncertain etymology, though it may be related to the Germanic element 'rad' meaning 'counsel' or 'wisdom,' or possibly connected to the Slavic root 'rad' meaning 'joy' or 'happy.' The name appears to be a modern construction or variant that combines traditional elements with the fashionable '-ell' ending seen in names like Darrell or Terrell. Radell is quite rare as a given name, making it an uncommon choice that stands out. The name has a contemporary sound while maintaining a connection to traditional naming elements. Its rarity means that cultural and historical associations are limited, allowing the bearer to define the name's significance largely through their own personality and achievements.
  20. Tim

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Timothy, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "honoring God"

    • Description:

      Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.