By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 1823 pages
of 1823
Modern invented name
Less popular than spelling variation Jazlyn. The extra n does not make this name any better. Nonetheless, this spelling entered the US Top 1000 in 2007 and peaked at Number 573 in 2011.
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name
"blue"
Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the…
Zulu, Malay, Arabic
"it is raining; soft, delicate"
A gentle, evocative, and multicultural choice, Liyana is both a Zulu name associated with rainstorms and a Malay and Arabic name, meaning "soft, delicate". In a recent year, it has been a rising star…
Albanian, Arabic
"love, prayer"
Dua is one of those names that has been popularized in English speaking countries by a single celebrity: British-Albanian model-singer Dua Lipa. It's simple, modern, appealing, and may find a wider…
English variation of Helen
"torch; shining light"
An medieval English form of Helen, the sensitive but clear-eyed Ellen has swung in and out of style for centuries, often alternating with the parent name. Ellen was the more common in medieval…
Italian, diminutive of Daniela, Arabic
"God is my judge; close, near"
Dania is a fun, offbeat name with international flair that would be a wonderful choice to honor a Danielle, Daniel, or a Dana. It is both an Italian diminutive of Daniela and a spelling variation of…
Hawaiian, English, Greek
Kalia is name of Hawaiian origin, light, sparky, and easily accessible in various languages. It could be a variation of Kalei meaning "the flower wreath" or "the child"; a form of Kalea, meaning…
Irish
"brave in battle"
One of the original unisex Irish surname names, energetic Casey bounced onto the scene in the 1960s, then peaked in the 1980s for both boys and girls. Today Casey is having a resurgence for both…
Italian
"light, clear"
Chiara is a lovely and romantic Italian name that's familiar but not widely used here: a real winner. You might consider Chiara instead of Claire, Clara, Cara, or even Keira. Santa Chiara, Aglicized…
Spelling variation of Bailey
Like other "ee" names, Bailee is starting to lose its shine, slowly slipping down the charts.
English variation of French Henriette
"estate ruler"
Harriet has long been considered a stylish, upscale name in England, but it's still waiting to be revived in the US—though some parents seeking a solid, serious semi-classic are beginning to consider…
Spelling variation of Cara or Norse mythology name
"wild stormy one"
Kara and the soundalike (though not necessarily related) Cara are among the most multi-cultural names around. Cara has roots in Latin, Italian, Irish, Spanish, and Portuguese, and Kara can be viewed…
Spelling variation of Caitlin
"pure"
One of the most popular of the trendy Caitlin variations, Katelyn points directly to components Kate and Lyn --making it a bit more traditionally feminine.
Variation of Naila, Arabic
"attainer; gracious"
Top 100 choice in Puerto Rico.
Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese
"ruby; precious gemstone, lapis lazuli + beautiful"
The Spanish and Portuguese form of popular Ruby is another addition to the list of attractive gem names for girls, that might sometimes be used by English speaking parents who want their child's name…
Braden (and Braeden) had his heyday in the early part of the 21st century, giving rise to many offshoots for both boys and girls. But Braelyn and siblings are now on a long downward slide.
Irish literary creation
Would make a truly original alternative to the overused Sarah.
Variation of Air, Ayra, or Ara, English, Sanskrit, Finnish, Lithuanian
"air; noble; messenger; river place name"
Playful but concise, Aira has become a rising star in England and Wales in recent years. Light and well, airy, it has also been trending upwards in the US. while in the US. Short and simple as it may…
Feminization of Carl, German, Carlo, Italian, and Carlos, Spanish
"free man"
While Charlotte and Caroline are considered stylish and classic members of the Charles family, this Germanic form peaked in the US at Number 76 in 1965. It fell out of favor in the 2010s, but recent…
Arlett is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Charlotte or Arlette. With French and Germanic roots, it may be connected to words meaning 'eagle' or 'strong.' This concise yet…
