A modern, multifaceted name, Sage is short, sweet, and strong. A unisex possibility, it is also a virtuous word name associated with wisdom, and a nature name linked to a fragrant herb.

Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth -- but it's now firmly established as a standalone. American parents can't seem to make up their mind about it though: it was one of 2013's fastest-rising names, entering the Top 200 for the first time since 2000, but then it tumbled again.

O-ending boy names are on trend, and the Welsh language provides some interesting lesser-used ones...such as Beuno. St Beuno lived in the sixth century, established a monastery in North Wales, and is recorded as having restored several people from the dead. Eleven churches in Britain now bear his name, including several on the ancient pilgrim route to Bardsey Island.