By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 776 pages
of 776
Variation of Noelle and Noel, French
"Christmas"
Noelle may be literally 15 times as popular, but Noella was given to more than 100 baby girls in the US last year, a not insignificant number. The growing popularity of Nola may increase the…
Variation of Romy, English, German, Dutch
"rosemary"
A variation of Romy often seen in the Netherlands. Dutch model Romee Strijd is a notable bearer.
Word name; variation of Storm
Stormy is on the rise following the birth of Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi, although the starbaby's spelling has taken over the lead.
Hindi river name; Hebrew
"rain"
Refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India.
Sanskrit
"First ray of the sun"
A beautiful Indian name that fits in well with popular names like Amaya and Aniyah, and with a beautiful meaning — perfect for a first born daughter.
Greek
"goddess, godly"
Theia is the Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. She is the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos. The name is more familiar in its Anglicized version,…
Caliyah is a feminine name that appears to be a modern creation, possibly influenced by the popularity of names ending in '-iyah' or '-yah,' a sound pattern that has roots in Hebrew where 'Yah'…
Place name, Latin from Welsh
"Wales"
Most names that start with Cam- are on the upswing, so why not this obscure term for Wales as well as for a prehistoric time period.
Emrie is a modern feminine name that has gained traction in the 21st century, particularly in the United States. This contemporary creation appears to be a variation of names like Emery or Amery,…
Irish
"wild"
Fiadh is the fastest-rising girls name in Ireland, derived from the ancient root word for "wild". Sassy but gentle at the same time, it also entered the England and Wales Top 1000 in 2020 and has…
Spanish
"gem"
The Italian Gemma is rising, and Spanish Gema is following suit. More fresh and exciting than Emma or Ruby, Gema is a lovely alternative.
Latin
"youthful or sky father"
This variation on the Julia theme has stayed in play due to the popularity of Julianne Moore, though it now sits at the bottom of the US Top 1000.
Latin, Feminine variation of Junius
"born in June"
Juno is hot, June is showing signs of a comeback along with other month and day names, whereas Junia, the name of the the first century Christian referred to by the apostle Paul as an apostle (and…
Danish and Norwegian variation of Christine
"a Christian"
Kristen may be somewhat past its fashion high point, but it remains forever crystalline clear. Possible problem: confusion with the similar Scandinavian names Kristin, Kirsten, Kirstie, et al.…
"love, desire"
The name of a heavenly planet and the Roman goddess of beauty and love was an intimidating no-no until tennis champ Venus Williams put an athletic, modern spin on it. Associated with the Greek…
English, Lithuanian
"noble strength; storm"
Used primarily in Scotland, and represented here by singer Audra McDonald, the girls' name Audra has been overshadowed by the return of the classic Audrey. Audra may be to Audrey what Jenna is to…
Feminine version of Hermes, Greek
"messenger, earthly"
Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own. In…
Jamaican
"positive and powerful"
A name used in the Caribbean, taken from the Rastafarian term that translates best to "positive and powerful." Rastas often greet each other by saying, "Are you feeling Irie today?"
English
"citadel; weary; my light"
Lilting and light, Liara is a contemporary choice with a well established sound. First appearing in the US stats back in the 90s,it took off in 2012 when the final game in BioWare's Mass Effect…
English or Latin
"from the north; or, the pattern"
Invented for Bellini's opera, Norma had some star quality in the silent-screen and Marilyn Monroe days, but at this point it's a graying grandma in baby name limbo.
