BRIGHT AND BRAVE SPUNKY GIRL NAMES

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

If Sam can make it as a girl's name, why not Max? Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's eldest daughter Maxima goes by Max, but you could also use it as a short form for Maxine, Maximilienne or even Margaux.

The name of an area in northern Greece, known in the era of Homer's Odyssey as Aeolia, Thessaly makes a spirited and pretty place name. Reminiscent of Tessa, Rosalie, and Thea, the name likely derives from that of an ancient tribe, though the exact meaning isn't known.

This popular Japanese name has many various meanings (bright, clear, autumn), depending on the combination of kanji used to spell it. The final element is the character ko, meaning "child", which features in many Japanese feminine names. Akiko is one of the best unique names for autumn babies.

Avra is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Hebrew, it relates to Abraham, meaning "father of many," while in Greek it can mean "breeze" or connect to the word "avrio" meaning "tomorrow." This cross-cultural name carries a sense of freshness and possibility with its airy sound and positive associations. Relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Avra offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Ava or Eva while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Avra projects gentle strength and optimism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and accessible.

A rarely heard Hebrew name whose zippy first initial Z transforms it from dated Yetta-like image to more lively Catherine Zeta Jones-like appeal.

Out-of-the-way place name (it's an antiquated holiday spot on England's south coast) that might make a brilliant choice. Actor/director Jon Favreau named his daughter Brighton Rose.

Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, and the harvest, growth and nourishment, was Zeus's sister and Persephone's mother. Variation Demetria is the full name of actress Demi Moore. Though familiar, Demeter is not one of the Greek goddess namesthat's finding widespread modern favor.

Stormy is on the rise following the birth of Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi, although the starbaby's spelling has taken over the lead.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.

Akari is a gender-neutral Japanese name used fairly evenly between the sexes in the US.

Kallisto is a feminine name derived from ancient Greek mythology. It originates from the Greek word "kallistos," meaning "most beautiful." In mythology, Kallisto was a nymph who was transformed into a bear by the goddess Hera and later placed among the stars as the constellation Ursa Major. This alternate spelling of the more common Callisto adds a distinctive visual element while maintaining the mythological connection. The name has seen very limited use, making it an unusual and exotic choice. It carries connotations of celestial beauty and cosmic significance, particularly with Jupiter's moon Callisto named after the same mythological figure. Parents attracted to names with classical origins and astronomical associations might find Kallisto especially appealing.