I've only met one person named...
- Merrilee
Origin:
English, word name or combination of Mary and Lee, or Scottish place-nameDescription:
Merrilee has several different origins. It's an alternative spelling of the unusual word name Merrily, as well as a variant of the smoosh name Marilee (Mary + Lee). Merrilee, Merrilees or Mirrlees are also found in Scotland, deriving from a Scottish place name. Merrilee hit the Top 1000 for a few years in the 1940s, but disappeared from the charts completely back in 2007. In 2023, however, 5 baby girls were given name, as it joined a number of vintage revivals making a reappearance in the US.
- Nadav
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"generous"
- Dietrich
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"ruler of the people"Description:
This form of Theodoric, familiar via Marlene, is a possible German import. It is an Anglicized ancestor of Derek and all its variations. A noted bearer was acclaimed classical German baritone and conductor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and there have been Dietrichs in Henry James's The Princess Casamassima,/em and more recently on the TV show Psych.
- Kenyatta
Origin:
African hero nameDescription:
Used to honor Jomo Kenyatta, the first president of the independent Kenyan republic. The problem: with the name Kenya now used largely for girls, along with the vowel ending, Kenyatta sounds fairly feminine.
- Kalpana
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"fantasy"Description:
Kalpana is a strong name with a great namesake in Kalpana Chawla: the first woman of Indian origin in space. Perfect for the intrepid explorer baby!
- Hiam
Origin:
Arabic, possibly "adoration, life"Meaning:
"adoration, life"Description:
Hiam is best known as the name of Hiam Abbass — a Palestinian actress and director currently in Succession. It make come from the Arabic word haya meaning "life" or from hiam meaning "adoration, passion".
- Eaven
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"beautiful sheen"Description:
Anglicized form of the Irish name Aoibheann, which is also in use in Ireland itself. Eavie/Evie would make an adorable short form.
- Juergen
Description:
Juergen is a masculine name of German origin, representing an alternative spelling of Jürgen, which itself is the German form of George. The name ultimately derives from Greek 'georgos,' meaning 'farmer' or 'earth-worker.' The spelling 'Juergen' accommodates English keyboards that lack umlauts while preserving the pronunciation. Common throughout Germany and German-speaking countries, Juergen gained some international recognition through notable bearers like football manager Jürgen Klopp and German photographer Juergen Teller. The name conveys a strong, reliable character with Germanic cultural connections. While maintaining popularity in German-speaking regions, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, where it carries an air of European sophistication and cultural heritage.
- Cache
Description:
Cache is an uncommon feminine name derived from the French word meaning 'hidden' or 'stored away.' In computing, a cache refers to a component that stores data for faster retrieval, adding a modern, technical dimension to the name. This short, one-syllable name is sleek and contemporary, combining French sophistication with practical simplicity. Cache remains exceptionally rare as a given name, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unusual yet easy to pronounce and spell. The name has a subtle elegance while maintaining a modern edge, potentially appealing to parents in technical fields or those who appreciate names with multiple layers of meaning. Its rarity ensures a child named Cache would have a truly unique identity.
- Kajol
Origin:
Variation of Kajal, SanskritMeaning:
"kohl, eyeliner"Description:
Kajol and kajal are terms for the kohl that was used as eyeliner in ancient India. Indian actress Kajol Devgn is the most notable bearer.
- Kyler
Origin:
Modern invented name, combination of Kyle and Tyler, or DutchMeaning:
"archer"Description:
Used for baby girls every year since the 80s, Kyler provides an alternative for parents wanting something with the sounds or style of Skyler, Carter, Kaia, Kylie, and Kyla.
- Abrielle
Origin:
Short form of GabrielleDescription:
Sometimes, a new name is created by lopping off the first letter or letters. Such is the case with Abrielle, which feels like Gabrielle without its shirt.
- Deneb
Origin:
Astronomy, ArabicMeaning:
"tail"Description:
A rare, astronomical choice, Deneb is a blue supergiant star in the "tail" of the Cygnus constellation. Derived from the Arabic dhanab, it is borne by Deneb Karentz, a Biology professor in the US.
- Zakia
Origin:
Arabic and HebrewMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Strong cross-cultural name that could be a feminine spin on the Zachary family.
- Afreen
Description:
Afreen is a feminine name of Arabic and Persian origin meaning 'praise,' 'blessing,' or 'admiration.' Widely used across Muslim communities in South Asia, the Middle East, and among Muslim diaspora populations worldwide, the name carries connotations of beauty and wonderment. In Urdu poetry, 'afreen' is often used as an exclamation of praise or to express appreciation for something exquisite. The name has moderate popularity in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh but remains relatively uncommon in Western nations. Afreen has a melodious quality with its soft sounds and flowing pronunciation, making it increasingly attractive internationally as cultural barriers diminish. Its positive meaning and elegant sound combine to create a name that is both meaningful and aesthetically pleasing.
- Nautica
Origin:
American from LatinMeaning:
"pertaining to ships or sailors"Description:
Nautica is derived from the English word "nautical," which itself comes from the Latin nauticus. It was first recorded as a baby name in 1992 when the American clothing brand had become a national sensation. It ultimately peaked in 1999 when 246 baby girls were given the name.
- Shoval
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"trail"Description:
Occasionally heard in Israel, but probably wouldn't work as well in the US.
- Dafna
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"laurel"Description:
The Hebrew form of Daphne, typically only heard among Jewish families in the US.
- Urvi
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"wide"
- Hatcher
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"one who lives near a gate"Description:
A fresher, less preppy alternative to Thatcher — one without Prime Minister associations.
