Simplicity and pleasant associations give the word Bell real possibility as a first name -- but somehow it seems better for a girl, a la Belle.

These days, it's more likely you'd call your daughter the popular Belle or Bella.

A child named Peale may have to endure more than a few banana jokes, but the Peales were a distinguished family of artists.

Most often heard as an Italian surname, this might be an unusual yet musical option. While it's not among the traditional Italian names for girls, it can fill that role.