Australian writer Wendy Orr put this name on the map with her hit Nim's Island" series of children's books, about a smart young girl who lives on an island in the South Pacific. Abigail Breslin played Nim in a 2008 film adaptation of the book.

Since so many of the biblical prophet names -- Daniel, Jonah, Nathan, Samuel -- are overused, you might want to consider this distinctive alternative. Hosea was the author of the book of prophesies bearing his name, whose underlying message was a promise of restoration. The Talmud claims that he was the greatest prophet of his generation.

Nelle, typically pronounced like the one-syllable Nell, is an elegant form of the name used by author Nelle Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill A Mockingbird. With whatever spelling, Nell/Nelle is a charming old-fashioned nickname name currently on the rise again.

Colon is a masculine name with Latin origins, derived from the word 'colonus' meaning 'farmer' or 'settler.' It shares etymological roots with words related to colonization and cultivation. While uncommon as a first name in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly as a variant of Colón, which was the Spanish rendering of Christopher Columbus's surname. The name's pronunciation differs from the anatomical term (the colon punctuation mark derives from Greek 'kolon' meaning 'limb' or 'part'). As a given name, Colon remains rare, ranking outside the top 1000 names in popularity charts across most countries.

The lead character of the Captain America movies, played by Chris Evans, is occasionally called Cap, short for "captain," but even he has a real name. (Steve Rogers, ICYC)

This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.

Vella is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. It has roots in Latin, meaning "beautiful" or "lovely," and also exists as a surname derived from locations in Italy and Spain. In some contexts, it relates to the Latin word "vellum" (animal skin prepared for writing). Vella appears in Greek mythology as well, connected to a nymph. While never extremely common, the name has maintained a quiet presence throughout history, experiencing modest usage in English-speaking countries. Vella appeals to parents seeking a short, melodic name with vintage charm. Its cross-cultural associations with beauty and its soft, flowing sound make it an elegant yet distinctive choice that balances uniqueness with accessibility.

Fielding is a surname style name, originally given to someone who lived in the country or worked in the fields, however it might also be considered a word name relating to sports (cricket and baseball specifically) or with the term for dealing with something difficult by evading it.

Lim is a concise masculine name with significant multicultural presence, primarily recognized as a common surname in East and Southeast Asia. As a given name, Lim has particular prominence in Korean culture, where it can mean 'forest' or 'woods,' symbolizing growth and natural beauty. The name also appears in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian naming traditions, though meanings vary by language and specific characters used. Beyond Asia, Lim occasionally serves as a shortened form of names like William or Liam in Western contexts. Its brevity gives it a clean, modern feel that transcends cultural boundaries. Though simple in structure, Lim carries substantial cultural weight in many communities and offers the practical advantage of being easily pronounced across different languages, making it an increasingly global choice.

The rural Imo State in southeast Nigeria is named after the Imo River, which runs through it. An obscure but intriguing possibility as a first name.

Fleet is one of the uncountable number of new word name possibilities, and a particularly cool choice at that. Connoting speed, Fleet beats Rush any day. Might be short for Fleetwood, but we prefer it on its own.

Medora is a Greek name much less common here than, say, Melanie or Melissa. It has some literary references, including as the beautiful and passionate heroine of Lord Byron's poem The Corsair, and in Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence, there is a character named Marchioness Melora Manson.

Octave shortens Octavius to a more manageable length, keeping the "eighth" meaning. In English speaking countries, however, people could easily confuse this with the musical and poetrry term octave. This, however, might not be considered a bad thing, or even an accident. Cadence, Lyric, Poem, and Anthem had seen increased interest, so why not this musical word?

The name appeared in the US stats in 2024 for the first time since the late 60s, when it was given to 6 boys.

Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.

Dropping the final "k" of Frederick definitely makes it a more user-friendly classic boys' name. It streamlines it and also hints at Frederic's status as a French variation of the Germanic Frederick. Either way, this is a strong classic to consider if you're not afraid of a little dusty residue.

This vintage name is still used today among the Amish.

Adline is a feminine name that likely developed as a variation of Adeline or as a combination of the prefix 'Ad-' (meaning 'noble' in Germanic origins) with the suffix '-line.' The name has a delicate, refined quality that balances traditional elements with a slightly more modern feel. Adline may also have connections to Hebrew origins, potentially relating to 'adornment' or 'beauty.' This uncommon name offers a streamlined alternative to the more popular Adeline, Madeline, or Caroline, while maintaining a similar classic elegance. Adline has never achieved widespread popularity but occasionally appears in different cultural contexts, particularly in communities that appreciate names with a timeless quality. The name's simplicity gives it versatility, allowing it to suit different personalities while remaining distinctive enough to stand out.

Dessie is a charming feminine name with multiple origins. Primarily considered a diminutive of Desdemona (from Greek, meaning 'ill-fated'), it's also used as a nickname for names like Desirée (French for 'desired') or Odessa (derived from a Ukrainian city name). Additionally, Dessie is the name of a city in Ethiopia, giving it geographical significance. The name peaked in popularity in the early 1900s in the United States, particularly in southern regions, and carries a sweet, vintage quality. With its soft sounds and approachable nature, Dessie evokes a friendly, warm personality. Though relatively uncommon today, it maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name with historical roots and a gentle, feminine quality.

Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.