Girls names that tickle my fancy.

Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin put Ireland on the map when they chose it as a first for their daughter, saying that geographic names were a family tradition. And it seems they were a bit ahead of the curve (or trendsetting)—Ireland has been among the fastest-rising names of recent years. Other Irish place names include Shannon, Kerry, Galway, and Dublin.

We can't account for the popularity of this name, for either a boy or a girl, given the first syllable, the tacky connotations with a luxury car, and the range of other options which are more harmonious to the ear. Nonetheless, nearly 200 girls were names Bentley in the US in 2015.

Caraleigh is a feminine name that appears to be a modern blend of the prefix 'Cara' (beloved in Italian or Irish) and the suffix 'leigh,' a popular contemporary spelling variation of 'lee' (meadow or clearing). This type of combination name became increasingly common in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, reflecting parents' desire for unique yet familiar-sounding names. The name has a melodic quality and carries positive associations through its first element. While not traditionally found in naming histories, Caraleigh follows naming trends that favor names ending with the 'lee' sound. The name might appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet approachable, with a gentle sound and positive meaning implications.

Adalley is an uncommon feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be a modern variation of Adeline or Adelaide, both of Germanic origin meaning 'noble' or 'nobility.' Alternatively, it could be a creative blend of Ada (meaning 'ornament' or 'nobility') and the popular '-ley' suffix seen in names like Ashley and Hailey. While not historically traditional, Adalley has emerged in recent decades as parents seek distinctive names with familiar sounds. The name remains relatively rare, giving it a unique quality while maintaining an accessible pronunciation. Its melodic quality and contemporary feel make it appealing to parents looking for something distinctive yet familiar-sounding.

South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.