Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the nineteenth century, possibly influenced by William Makepeace Thackeray's novel The History of Henry Esmond.

Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.

Could be confused with the much less captivating Leanne.

In the US it might be read as a creative spelling of '50s hit Luann, but in France Louane is pronounced the rhyme with "swan" — preferable for a modern baby.

Common Japanese male name notably borne by Masashi Kishimoto, the manga artist behind Naruto.

An inspired way to get to Ellie.

Soft and appealing, with a whiff of vanilla.

Feminine but strong name heard in Israel.

Parul sounds almost like Pearl to the Western ear, which makes it a friendly cross-cultural Indian name. The flower the name Parul refers to has five petals.