Aeronwy

Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.

Aisha

A popular South Indian name that gained international attention when Aishwarya Rai became Miss World in 1994.

Aishwarya

The original male name Alban is a lot sleeker and more usable. 

Albinia

Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type." 
 Alice is quite distinct among traditional <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls’ names</a>—more feminine and dainty than Mary and Helen, more substantive than Ann or Jane, yet with more lightness and innocent charm than Margaret or Katharine. 
 
Alice has been riding a fresh wave of popularity, not only in the US and other English-speaking countries but in places as diverse as Italy, France, Brazil, and Sweden. That makes Alice a remarkably international choice.
 Alice is a darling of literature, from the immortal heroine in Alice in Wonderland to an unusual number of fine modern writers like Alices Munro, Walker, Sebold, Hoffman, McDermott, Adams, and Elliott Dark. In other fields, there were First Daughter Alice Roosevelt, painter Alice Neel, food innovator Alice Waters, and literary figure Alice B. Toklas, to name a few.
 As a British royal, Alice was Queen Victoria's second daughter, the princess who shocked her Victorian mother by breastfeeding her baby. More recently, Tina Fey helped popularize the name when she chose it for her daughter.

Alice

Alicia is a Latinized variation of Alice, a name ultimately derived from the German Adalhaidis. It emerged in the 19th century, but the 20th saw many spelling evolutions for Alicia, including Alecia, Alisha, Aleesha, and Alysha. Alyssa originated as a form of Alicia.
 
Alicia was more popular than its mother name for several years, adding a lacy, more balletic feel to the original. But their fortunes have reversed in recent years, with Alicia sinking down to its lowest rating since World War II while Alice has soared to the Top 100. Taken for its sound alone, Alicia is a lovely, feminine name, but parents should be aware that its innumerable phonetic versions have robbed it of some of its character.
 Two high-profile Alicias are actress Silverstone and soul singer Keys; in the past there were ballerina Markova and the great Spanish classical pianist de Larrocha. Alicia is the birth name of Jodie Foster, and the singer known as Pink was originally Alecia. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, who won an Oscar for her role in The Danish Girl, pronounces her first name "ah-LISS-ee-ah."

Alicia

If you love both <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/317/unique-baby-names">unique baby names</a> and flower names for girls, Amaryllis might be a perfect choice for you. 

A showier flower name than Lily, but in the same botanical family, Amaryllis is not as outre as it might at first sound. It was used in Greek poetry as the appellation of pure pastoral beauties; Amaryllis is the heroine of Virgil's epic poem Ecologues, after whom the flower was named. 

Other references are characters in the George Bernard Shaw play Back to Methuselah and The Music Man. James Bond-creator Ian Fleming had a half sister named Amaryllis Marie-Louise Fleming, who was a noted British cellist.

Amaryllis

Friendlier french form of ancient Germanic royal name Amalric or Emmerich.

Amaury

A common Middle Eastern name, the general title for an elevated official. Amir has rising in use since the late 70s, and is now in the Top 200. The feminine variation Amira is also on the rise. Amir is in the Top 100 in France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Belgium.

The widespread popularity of the name Amir around the world has led to a large number of notable Amirs in history and present. The name Amir was chosen for his son by actor Omar Epps. Amir is also the name of the young narrator and protagonist in the award-winning novel Kite Runner.

Amir

Greek name more familiar here in its feminine form, Anastasia, the masculine version bears further consideration. Traditional nicknames are Sakis and Staas.

Anastasios

ANDREW

One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
 Andromeda Tonks (nee Black), is a Harry Potter character
 Cousin name Andromache belonged to the tragic wife of the Trojan Hector, appeared in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida and was the subject of plays by Euripedes and Racine.

Andromeda

Strongly identified with peace-accord-seeking Egyptian president Anwar el-Sadat. 

Anwar

With mythological names rising, the handsome son of Zeus and god of medicine, music, and poetry among many other things might offer an interesting, if high-pressure, option. 
 
But if Romeo and Venus are now deemed baby-appropriate, why not Apollo? Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno might inspire some parents. And now that it's been chosen by Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, it could take off as their first son's name—Kingston—has.
 Other cool associations include NASA's Apollo program, from 1961-72, that succeeded in putting the first humans on the moon when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed their lunar module and walked on the moon's surface. There's also the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, on whose stage the careers of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Artetha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes, the Jackson 5, and countless others were launched.

Apollo

Araminta is an enchanting eighteenth-century invention familiar in Britain and just beginning to be discovered here. It was used in 1693 by William Congreve in his comedy The Old Bachelor, and in 1705 by the versatile Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace as well as a playwright, for his comedy The Confederacy.
 In the Enid Bagnold novel National Velvet, Araminta is the name of the central character's mother.

Araminta

Arran Island (not to be confused with the Aran Islands in Ireland) is a large island in Scotland's Firth (or bay) of Clyde. Attractive name, long popular in Scotland, but elsewhere would be forever be mixed up with Aaron.

Arran

Although it could well sound masculine, Artemis was actually the Greek goddess of the moon, the equivalent of the Roman Diana. Also spelled Artemas and Artemus, this name has a mythological, historical, Three Musketeer-ish ring.


Artemis

Long more associated with the New York Waldorf- hotel and the neighborhood in Queens than as a baby name, Astoria is finally beginning to emerge from their shadow and find favor with parents looking to move beyond Brooklyn. The name Astoria is drawn from the surname of titan of industry John Jacob Astor, theorized to mean "hawk."

Astoria

Atticus, with its trendy Roman feel combined with the upstanding, noble image of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, is a real winner among <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">boy names</a>. Atticus entered the US Top 1000 in 2004 and is a firm Nameberry favorite. 
 
The reason for the popularity of Atticus is less its ancient roots than Atticus Finch, the upstanding hero of To Kill A Mockingbird.. In fact so many people have been inspired by the character embodied by Gregory Peck that Atticus Finch was voted the greatest hero of American film by the American Film Institute. Harper Lee's recently-released novel Go Set a Watchman paints Atticus Finch in a less flattering light, though that doesn't seem to have impacted the rising popularity of the name.
 
Atticus derives from the Greek Attikos, meaning "from Attica," the Ancient Greek region that contained Athens. Atticus is a literary name in more ways than one. Before it became synonymous with Atticus Finch, the name Atticus was associated with Titus Pomponius Atticus, a Roman literary figure.
 Daniel Baldwin and Isabella Hoffman were ahead of the curve when they chose Atticus for their son born in 1996; since then Summer Phoenix and Casey Affleck named their little boy Atticus, and Tom Dumont made it the middle name for his son Rio.

Atticus

Since Aurelius was given the supermodel seal of approval by Elle Macpherson, this is one of the Roman emperor names, like Augustus, now in the realm of possibility. Like the female Aurelia and Aurora, Aurelius has a particularly warm golden aura.
 In ancient Roman history, the name is associated with Marcus Aurelius, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180 AD, the last of the so-called "Five Good Emperors." He is also considered one of the most important Stoic philosophers. He granted his name en masse to citizens of the empire who didn’t have one, making Aurelius a common and default nomen (family name) towards the later years of the empire.

Aurelius

Aurelle

BASEL

This fanciful Irish extension of Bridget is known here through the wacky Amelia Bedelia books for kids -- an association your child may or may not like.

Bedelia

BELLONA

BloodRayne is a series of action-adventure video games, but the heroine's name is actually Rayne, a much more usable appellation for a non-vampire, non-animated child.

We hope no-one uses this for their child.

Bloodrayne

Bronwen is widespread in Wales, but still rare enough here to sound somewhat international — we think Bronwen is a real winner. (Note: the Bronwyn spelling is an Anglicization, since the -wyn ending is masculine in Welsh).

 Bronwen Morgan is the lovely heroine of the classic novel and movie How Green Was My Valley. In Welsh mythology, Bronwen was the daughter of Llyr, the god of the sea.

 Close cousin Branwen appears in Welsh medieval literature as a tragic figure who was turned into a bird. The ancient Welsh worshipped her as the goddess of the moon and love.

Bronwen

Bryannah

Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it would not be the easiest name for a girl lacking such qualities. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. While Americans usually pronounce this name with a long I sound and the emphasis on the second syllables, Greeks pronounce it with the emphasis on the third syllable -- ka-lee-OH-pee.


Calliope

With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. 
Derived from a Scottish surname which in turn comes from the name of a West Highland Clan, Cameron means “crooked nose” in Gaelic. 
Not the best of meanings, perhaps, but it is likely to have originated from a nickname given to an 8th century member of the clan. Such nicknames were common in Highland culture, and it lends the name a rugged, outdoorsy feel. 
Used sporadically in the early half of the 20th century, Cameron became a popular choice in Scotland from the 50’s onwards. Shortly afterward, it began to accelerate up the US charts, really taking off in the 90’s, and peaking at #31 in the year 2000. 
Its popularity spread to Australia, England and Wales, Canada, and to France too, where it remained a top choice into the early 2010’s. Since then, it has been on a mostly downwards trajectory, though it is still given to 5000 boys – and 600 girls – in the US every year. 
Many will associate it with Cameron Frye, the anxious, slightly awkward, but good-hearted best friend in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Actress Cameron Diaz is another memorable namesake, whose fame popularized Cameron as an option for girls too. 
A favorite in the sporting world, the name is worn by American footballer Cameron Jerell Newton, tennis player Cameron Norrie, and Olympic swimmer Cameron McEvoy, just to list a few. 
These sporty associations help to give Cameron an energetic vibe to complements its soft and calmer sounds, giving it a more “all-rounder” feel. 
Enjoy Cameron, but feeling put off by its meaning or popularity? You could try Camden, Caspian, Callum, Callahan, Cormack, or Cambell instead.

Cameron

Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related trending, Cassiopeia may be an unusual route to a stylish name.

With the rise of other otherworldly and mythical choices, from Apollo to Jupiter to Juno, Cassiopeia may just feel more possible for mortals now than ever before in its long history.

Some sources say the meaning relates to the cassia berry or tree, and may be "cassia juice," making this a botanical as well as a mythological name.

Cassiopeia

Cataleya is the name of a genus of orchids that gained visibility as a baby name after it was used for the character played by Zoe Saldana in Colombiana. Part Caitlin, part Aaliyah, and part Leah, Cataleya is a trendy choice that just might transcend its momentary popularity. It is a spelling adaptation of Cattleya, named after the British horticulturalist William Cattley.

Cataleya

This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour. 

Ciro

This name of the goddess of peace creates a lovely ideal. 

Concordia

In ancient Rome, Cornelia was considered the paragon of womanly virtue, making it a handsome name with an excellent pedigree. It's rare today, so if you want a name no one else is using, somewhat reminiscent of Amelia and the Shakespearean Cordelia, Cornelia should be on your list. Cornelia's short forms might include Cora, Nelia or Nell--anything but Corny.
 The name of the mother of famous second century Roman reformers, Cornelia emerged in England in the seventeenth century, probably brought in by Dutch immigrants. The painter Jan Vermeer had a daughter named Cornelia.
 Cornelia has not made a mark on the U.S. popularity list since 1965--so she's more than due for reconsideration. In the meantime, it's been associated with contemporary socialite Cornelia Guest, giving the name an elite image.

Cornelia

COVENTINA

Crescentia

Peaking at #9 in 1982, Crystal's popularity in the 70s and 80s stems from its sparkling natural namesake and several notable bearers, like country music singer Crystal Gayle and Dynasty character Krystle Carrington. But it has since lost some of its luster for American parents, now ranking in the mid-600s. Ruby, Gemma and Pearl are fashionable alternatives, but nowadays Crystal could actually be a more unexpected choice for your little gem.

Crystal

Cullen is an appealing Irish surname name that upped its cool factor considerably when it became the Twilight family name of Edward et al. It's considerably less popular than it was at its peak in 2010, but is still widely used. 
 Cullen Jenkins was a defensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Cullen

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 <a href-="https://nameberry.com/list/624/gorgeous-greek-goddess-names-for-babies">Greek goddess names</a>that's finding widespread modern favor.

Demeter

Edgar is an Old English name historically associated with the tenth century English king known as Edgar the Peaceful. There was also a King Edgar of Scotland.
 Edgar has been a stalwart on the US <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular-names">popular names</a> lists, not dipping below the Top 400 until 2022, and is especially popular (as is Edgardo) with Latino families.
 Edgar plays a key role in King Lear and has had several distinguished namesakes, including artist Degas, Tarzan creator Edgar Rice Burroughs, and author and poet Edgar Allan Poe. In terms of style, however, most would rate it a distant third to Edward and Edmund. 
 Trivia tidbit: Joan Rivers' daughter Melissa named her son Edgar after her father, but he is called by his middle name Cooper.

Edgar

This Welsh nature name that can be pronounced exactly like the male Ira. Or, to avoid confusion, you could just name her Snow. 

Eira

This marvelously medieval name had a moment in the 1910s and 1920s but has dropped completely off the radar now.

Eldred

Though the tragedies of the Greeks and Eugene O'Neill that used this name are filled with incest and murder, Electra is still a brilliant choice. Isabella Rossellini chose the gentler Italian verson, Elettra, for her now grown daughter.


Electra

Ellisif

A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.

The traditional Cornish pronunciation is with stress on the middle syllable: eh-LOW-en. But most English speakers seem to pronounce it with first-syllable stress, perhaps on the example of more familiar names like Eleanor and Elodie.

Elowen

EMILIA

First-wave Irish name and place name—the poetic name for Ireland—now supplanted by newer alternatives such as Maeve and Delaney. 

Erin

The name of the Greek winged god of sexual love may seem a lot to live up to, but like other deity names, it's on the rise. He appears in DC comics as an ally of Wonder Woman, and is the alias of Marvel's Starfox character. Eros is also the name of an asteroid in our solar system. The name is more popular in Italy, where it's been in the Top 200 in recent years, 

Eros

Eryx has a sci-fi sound and deep roots. In Greek mythology, Eryx was the son of Poseidon and Aphrodite and a king in Sicily. He was a great boxer, but was eventually beaten by Heracles. He probably got his name from Mount Eryx in Sicily, now known as Erice.

Never used before 2005, this could be a mythological gem to watch - and an alternative way to honor an Eric.

Eryx

Evanthe is a pretty Greek name not often heard outside its native culture.  With its stylish Ev-begining, Evanthe could make an interesting choice if you're looking for a generic flower name.

Evanthe

Ever is a name we first heard via the now grown-up Ever Carradine, daughter of Robert. It's a truly unusual and simple name with an evocative meaning. Milla Jovovich and Paul Anderson chose it for their daughter.
 Ever has ties to (primarily male) names in the Scandinavian and Hebrew cultures.
 The psychic protagonist of Alyson Noel's YA fantasy novel Evermore is named Ever Bloom.

Ever

FALAK

Does Fay really need that e at the end? We vote no, but modern parents disagree: The Faye spelling was used for nearly 300 girls in 2014, vaulting the name back onto the Top 1000 after a 35-year absence, nearly ten times as many babies as received the Fay spelling.
Some people may feel spelling it Faye makes the name more balanced and complete, as Anne of Green Gables famously said about her name. The original Fay, Morgan le Fay, was a sorceress of the Arthurian Legends. Faye may also be used as a short form of Faith.

Faye

Fiammetta, from the Italian word for flame, has both femininity and fire. Fiammetta could make a good alternative to more conventional Italian girls' names like Giovanna. 
 Fiammetta has some romantic, if not fiery, references. It was the pseudonym of Boccaccio's beloved in the Decameron and other works (the subject of a famous Pre-Raphaelite painting by Dante Gabriel Rossetti); and another Fiammetta was a famous courtesan and lover of Cesar Borgia. Currently there is an Italian model named Fiammetta Cicogna.

Fiammetta

Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents. 
 Francesca made an appearance in Dante's Inferno and then, centuries later, in the best-selling novel The Bridges of Madison County, played on screen by Meryl Streep and co-starring Clint Eastwood, who went on to name his daughter Francesca. Other dads of Francescas include Martin Scorsese, Erik Estrada, Jason Bateman and (stepdad) Ringo Starr.
 Francesca is also having a big renaissance in Italy, its country of origin.

Francesca

Gabriel has become a biblical favorite, an angelic choice that's lighter and less patriarchal than some of his Old Testament brethren. Derived from the Hebrew name Gavri’el, Gabriel is taken from the elements gever, meaning "strong," and ’el, in reference to God.
 
In Abrahamic religions, Gabriel is the archangel who heralded the news of Jesus' birth, and appears in Christian, Jewish and Muslim texts. He presides over Paradise, serving as the angel of mercy, life, joy, judgment, truth and dreams. 
 In addition to all his other responsibilities, Gabriel is the patron saint of broadcasters and diplomats, and he governs Mondays and the month of January, making Gabriel one of the top <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/629/71-wonderful-names-for-january-babies">January baby names</a>. 
 
Gabriel has proven itself a friendly and appealing alternative to Michael, that other, long-reigning archangel. Gabriel enjoys remarkable international popularity, ranking in the Top 100 in countries as diverse as Israel and Iceland, Chile and Croatia. It is currently the Number 1 boys' name in France.
 Parents of Gabriels of varying ages include Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, Daniel Day-Lewis and Isabelle Adjani, Jason Alexander, Meredith Vieira, and Mia Farrow.

Gabriel

Astrological sign with enough rhythm to make a plausible astral name. 

Gemini

Considered ultra debonair in the silent-movie era, Gilbert then went through a nerdy phase, a la Gilbert Gottfried. Now though, like Albert and Alfred and Walter and Frank, it could be in for a style revival. 
 Gilbert has always been on the US popularity list, reaching as high as Number 90 in 1930. The Normans introduced Gilbert to England, where it was common during the Middle Ages; it was the name of a 12th century English saint.
 Gilberts have appeared in such books as Henry James's Portrait of a Lady, Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, and Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, and on screen in The Incredibles and as embodied by the young Johnny Depp in What's Eating Gilbert Grape?. The most famous portrait painter of George Washington was Gilbert Stuart. 
 Nickname Gil could come back along with Hal, but even more appealing are Gib or Gibby.

Gilbert

Originally a unisex nickname for a redhead -- red hair is called "ginger" in Britain -- or for the name Virginia, Ginger perennially wears pink gingham and spike heels. 

Ginger

This attractive Scottish surname choice, has a certain amount of glamour thanks to feisty British-born red-haired forties Academy Award winner Greer Garson, who was born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson--Greer was her Irish mother's maiden name).
Greer was chosen much more recently by Kelsey Grammer for his daughter and by Brooke Shields in the Grier form. As a surname, it's associated with feminist writer/activist Germaine Greer.
 Greer makes a good, strong, sophisticated and distinctive middle-name prospect.

Greer

If you want to honor your grandfather Hal but can't work up much enthusiasm for his full name Harold, consider the more stylish (if a bit pretentious) capital of Nova Scotia. 

Halifax

Just as Seamus/Seumus is Irish for James, Hamish is the Scottish form &mdash; one that's not often used here, but still redolent of Olde Scotland. If you're ready to go further than Duncan and Malcolm, out to Laird and Ewan territory, this may be worth consideration. It also sounds just like the Yiddish word for homey.
 In Scotland, where it became popular in the second half of the nineteenth century, Hamish is a nickname for a Highlander, and it's a high-ranking name in South Australia, where it's currently in the Top 50.
 Some people may have become familiar with Hamish via one of the grooms in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Hamish

Hannah is one of the nation's top biblical girls' names—it surpassed Sarah in 1998, and ranks in the Top 50 along with Elizabeth, Abigail, Chloe, and Naomi. Hannah is a name with many sources of appeal: Old Testament roots, soft and gentle sound, and a homey yet aristocratic image.
 Hannah originated as a variation of the Hebrew name Channah, derived from the word channan, meaning "grace." In the Old Testament, Hannah is the mother of Samuel. 
 
Names including Anne, Anna, Nancy, Anya, Annika, and Annabel are all related to Hannah. Alternate spellings such as Hana, Hanna, and Chana are also used.
 The TV show Hannah Montana was a huge TV teen sensation from 2006 to 2011, and more recently was the name Lena Dunham chose for her own character in her hit series Girls. Hannah Baker is a central character on the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why.
 Hannah is also a name that in its varied versions, which include Hana and Hanna, has roots in many cultures, from Hebrew to Arabic, European to Asian. All in all, Hannah is still a wonderful if widely used name.

Hannah

Haven is a recently invented safe-harbor name that appeals to an increasing number of parents who don't want to voyage quite as far as Heaven. 
 Haven Kimmel is the author of the bestselling memoir A Girl Named Zippy, and Haven Denney is a medal-winning skater. There was also a supernatural TV series called Haven.
 
Jessica Alba's younger daughter and middle child is named Haven, sister of Honor and Hayes. Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson named their daughter Haven, twin of Hudson.

Haven

It all started in 1946, when Hayley Mills was given her mother's maiden name. Now that spelling is in third place, after Hailey and Haley, with all three adding up to one of the most popular names in the country. Hayley  is the most used spelling in Australia.

Hayley

The name of the Greek goddess of youth, daughter of Zeus and Hera, is rarely used today but may be ripe for revival considering the rejuvenation of the rhyming Phoebe. We'd call it one of the <a href-="https://nameberry.com/list/624/gorgeous-greek-goddess-names-for-babies">Greek goddess names</a> ripe for modern use.

Hebe

The ancient name Horace sounds fustily fuddy-duddy, and yet, with the resurrection of Homer, and the new interest in old Roman names...who knows. 
Its early popularity--it was in the Top 100 at the turn of the last century-- was spurred by admiration for the Roman poet Horace (born Quintas). Influential in American culture were newspaper editor Horace ("Go west, young man") Greeley and educator Horace Mann; Horace Silver is a jazz legend. There's also a Harry Potter character named Horace Slughorn.

Horace

Hilary is now too connected to a single personality, but this version offers a fresh and interesting alternative.
 
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin (born Hillary Lynn Hayward-Thomas) chose this variation of Hilaria's adopted name for their third daughter, Ilaria Catalina Irena.

Ilaria

Iolanthe is known primarily through the 1882  Gilbert & Sullivan operetta of that name, in which the title character is a fairy. Iolanthe is a softer version of Yolanda, and is the kind of multi-syllabic classical name once considered too weighty for a modern baby girl, but now within the realm of possibility--this one as a dramatic twist on Violet. The biggest drawback is its variety of legitimate pronunciations in English.

Iolanthe

Iseult

Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.

Adding to the confusion, the name is a twin of the Spanish word for island, which is pronounced EES-la. Isla is part of a trend for simple, old-fashioned <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls’ names</a> that start and end with a vowel: Ava, Ada, Ella, Emma, Eva, Ida, Ivy. 
 
Red-haired actress Isla Fisher, married to Sacha Baron Cohen, propelled the name to stardom. Isla Black Hitchens is a Harry Potter character; Queen Elizabeth has a great-granddaughter named Isla Elizabeth Phillips. 
Some other similar names that are not as trendy as Isla: Islay and Ailsa.

Isla

Jason, the Number 3 name for the entire decade of the 1970s -- thus the title of our original baby-naming book, Beyond Jennifer & Jason -- is more likely to be dad's name now than baby's, but it's still a widely used name. 
 
Jason's megapopularity definitely launched stylish newcomers ranging from Jacob to Mason to Jackson. It's easy to forget, given its trendiness, that Jason is actually one of the classic <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/508/greek-names-for-boys">Greek names for boys</a>.
 In Greek myth, Jason is the leader of the Argonauts who went in search of the Golden Fleece, while in the Bible he was an early Christian who was hospitable to St. Paul.
Jason figures in the novels of William Faulkner, especially in The Sound and the Fury. Famous Jasons include Jason Bateman, Jason Segal, and Jason Kidd.

Jason

KATANA

Konstantin

Kyle is still appreciated by thousands of parents each year for its combination of simplicity, strength, and style; it was in the Top 20 for most of the nineties. As a Scottish surname, it dates back to the fifteenth century. 
 Kyle Broslofski is one of the enduring kid characters on South Park, and Kyle MacLachlan is a busy actor.

Kyle

Lacie

This Scottish place name and surname was more popular for boys in the US until the mid-1940s; in the UK, the Leslie spelling is predominantly masculine, with Lesley 
widely used as the feminine variant. Now ranking in the mid-400s for girls and not at all for boys in the US, it could be time to bring this smart, subtle nature name back, especially considering the current popularity of -ley names for both sexes. Trivia tidbit: Both President Gerald Ford and comedian Bob Hope were born Leslie, while Gone With The Wind actor Leslie Howard was actually born Laszlo, according to some sources.

Leslie

A Scottish place and surname that was once adrogynous but now leans about 20 to 1 toward the girls' side, Leslie has a pleasant, heathery feel that kept it in or near the Top 100 for several decades; the Lesly and Lesley spellings are also frequently used, especially in Britain. While Leslie may not be the freshest name in the bunch, it's become a modern classic and is one of the surprising names always to have ranked among the US Top 1000 for girls.
 Trivia tidbit: Both President Gerald Ford and comedian Bob Hope were born Leslie, and Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart used the name for their daughter, in honor of actor Leslie Howard.

Lettice is still occasionally heard in upper-class British families, but we fear it would cause too much salad-green teasing to be considered in the U.S.  Calling your little Lettice Lettie could help make the name more user-friendly, or go all the way to the original Letitia. 

Lettice

LEXINGTON

Liana is a pretty and graceful name — it's a flowering tropical vine — that may be making a quiet comeback. 

Liana

Lilith is derived from the Akkadian word lilitu meaning "of the night." In Jewish folklore she is portrayed as Adam's rejected first wife, who was turned into a night demon for refusing to obey him. Lilith is unrelated to most other Lil- names, with the exception of Lilita, which is the Latvian variation.
 
In spite of its gently pleasant sound, Lilith had for the most part been rarely heard outside of reruns of Cheers and Frasier until its recent rise up the charts. It entered the Top 1000 in 2010 and has risen in recent years.
 Lilith's demonic aura has followed her through popular culture in various fantasy novels including George MacDonald's 1895 Lilith, comics such as Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, TV shows like True Blood, comics, anime, and numerous video games.
 But that could be changing, in part due to Lilith Fair, the all-female traveling music festival organised by Canadian singer Sarah McLaughlin, which has raised millions for women's charities. Lilith may also ride the coat-tails of the resurgence in (non-related) Lily names.

Lilith

Livy

Lucas is a Top 10 boys' name with a slightly-less-popular almost-identical twin brother, Luke. Like Elijah and Elias, Lucas and Luke come from the same root and have the same meaning and so feel even more popular than they are.
 
The Latin derivation of the Greek Loukas, the name's meaning references Lucania, an ancient territory in Southern Italy. Along with Luke, Lucas is also related to international name star Luca, while the similar Lucius and Lucian derive from a different root and have a different meaning.
 Lucas is enjoying tremendous international success, popular throughout the English-speaking world as well as in a diverse range of countries throughout Europe and Latin America, including Scandinavia, France, Germany, Spain, and Brazil. This makes Lucas the perfect choice for a cross-cultural family.
 Lucas has long been a favorite of TV scriptwriters, from the early black-and-white days of The Rifleman (Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain) to the schoolteacher series Lucas Tanner to the more contemporary One Tree Hill. On the literary side, the name appears as Lucas Beauchamp in William Faulkner's Intruder in the Dust and Light in August.
 Lucas Cranach was an important German Renaissance painter and printmaker; Lucas Samaras is an eccentric Greek-born American contemporary artist. Some will associate the name with director George Lucas.

Lucas

Sophisticated Gallic version of Lucian, Lucien may appeal to parents attracted to this meaning over that of Lucas and Luke, which have a different root, and also looking for a more unusual choice. Lucien joined the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2023, given to over 200 baby boys.

Lucien

Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell -- theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings -- and as such has long been on the forbidden list for religious parents.  Still banned in New Zealand, Lucifer is occasionally used in the contemporary U.S.: Six boys were given the name in the most recent year counted.


Lucifer

Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. It was the name of three popes, appears in several Shakespeare plays, and, like all the names beginning with 'luc' relates to the Latin word for light.It was one of a limited number of forenames used in ancient Rome, and because of its meaning was often given to boys born at dawn.
 In the Bible, Lucius is the name of three people; Shakespeare used it for the son of Titus in Titus Andronicus, a young servant of Brutus in Julius Caesar, a lord in Timon of Athens and a Roman general in Cymbeline.
 Other fictional bearers of the name can be found in Le Morte d'Arthur, The Golden Ass, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, Faulkner's The Reivers, Batman, Talladega Nights, and The Incredibles. Lucius Malfoy, the father of Draco, is a Harry Potter villain, and other Luciuses have been portrayed on screen by Morgan Freeman, Joaquin Phoenix and Luke Wilson.
 Real-life namesakes include renowned World War II General Lucius B. Clay, and writer, photographer, and bon vivant Lucius Beebe.

Lucius

Lyra is a name with ancient and celestial roots that's finding new popularity thanks to its starring role in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, seen in the movie The Golden Compass. Simple yet unique, Lyra hits the sweet spot between too popular and too unusual.
 
Lyra is a constellation name taken from the lyre of Orpheus. It contains the star Vega and thus could make a melodic choice for a parent interested in music, astronomy, or mythology. It has more depth and history than Lyric, is more unusual than Lila (which it rhymes with). It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015.
 Lyra was chosen for their daughter by Ed Sheeran and Cherry Seaborn, as well as Sophie Dahl and Jamie Cullum. And then there's Lyra Belacqua, the heroine of His Dark Materials and The Golden Compass.

Lyra

Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary cred comes from one of the two star-struck young men in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as one of the twin sons (the other being Lorcan) of Luna Lovegood, whom we learn about in the Harry Potter epilogue.
 Previously confined to the nurseries of Mayfair and Belgravia, we think Lysander could easily emigrate to the playgrounds of Park Slope.

Lysander

In the Aristophenes comedy, Lysistrata is the Athenian woman who organizes her fellow wives to end war in their country by denying their husbands sex until a peace treaty is signed.  Interesting thought, but rather unwieldy as a baby name.

Lysistrata

This ancient Roman family name, first borne by the distinguished Marcus Claudius Marcellus and later by two popes, is a possibilty in the hot new category of names from antiquity.

Marcellus

MAYFAIR

Megan originally evolved from Meg, which itself derived as a nickname for Margaret. Margaret ultimately comes from the Greek word margarites, meaning "pearl." Megan is no longer a common nickname for Margaret—it is most often used as a full name. Other spellings include Meghan, Meagan, Megyn, and Meaghan.
 
One of the most popular <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/172/welsh-names">Welsh names</a> ever in the US—it was Number 10 in the 1990s—Megan is still widely used today, but waning. It fell to its lowest ranking in 50 years in 2017. Actress Megan Fox has upped its glam factor. We've yet to see how the popularity of the new Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, affects all the spellings of her name.

Megan

Miranda, a shimmeringly lovely, poetic name that was invented by Shakespeare for the beautiful and admirable young heroine of his play, The Tempest, is still a recommended choice even though its popularity peaked in the 1990's, partially as an antidote to Amanda. But while Amanda now sounds dated, Miranda retains a good measure of its charm.
 Miranda made a big impression in Sex and the City and The Devil Wore Prada and was also a Harry Potter character--Miranda Goshawk, author of a Book of Spells. She was a Bond Girl in Die Another Day.
 Attractive real life Mirandas currently on the scene include actress Cosgrove, singer Lambert and model Kerr.

Miranda

Mitchell has had something of a roller coaster ride, showing some panache in the forties and fifties, when it was seen as a sharper alternative to Michael with its cool Mitch nickname, slipping a bit, then resurfacing in the 90s when it reached as high as Number 71. Mitchell Pritchett is one of the leading characters on the TV sitcom Modern Family.
 Mitchell is an English/Scottish surname name, derived from a medieval nickname of Michael.

Mitchell

Since Morgan is used as--or more--frequently for girls as for boys, this feminization has fallen by the wayside. It drew some brief attention via the pop singer Morgana King. 
The similar Morgiana appears in Tales from the Thousand and One Nights.

Morgana

MORTICIA

Intriguing Old Welsh name being revived there, but would have major pronunciation problems here. 

Myfanwy

This name of a subtribe in the Great Sioux Nation could make an inventive twist on the overused Dakota. 

Nakotah

This ancient Egyptian queen's name would be best saved for a cat. 

Nefertiti

Lyraslife's list "Lyra's Wonderful Names" of 152 great name ideas: Aeronwy - Zvezda!

Lyra's Wonderful Names

These are just names I like, have used and want to use. Either to roleplay~ or sims~. 