Soft, simple, and far more unusual than Tara or Farrah. As a Japanese place name, it's been used occasionally as a surname and is beginning to be used as a first. Nara is also the name of a Hindu (male) God and the name means "man" in Hindi.

One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.

A variation of Nila, a name spread through African by the substantial Indian population there. Also a variant of Neala and Neila.

Simple but sophisticated, Nisha is a pretty Sanskrit choice that hit the popularity charts in England in the late 1990s. The meaning "night" adds a slightly mystical element to name and it is a hugely popular choice in India, used across multiple languages.

More unusual alternative to Tiara.

Sleek, and fresh, Navin is a Hindi name that could fit in with the currently popular in/an/en/on-ending boys' names.

It is said that if one wears a flawless blue sapphire, it can remove poverty and provide health, wealth, long life, happiness and prosperity.

A name associated with the Indian prime minister.

If you want people to appreciate this choice, you're going to have to explain how it's not Neil.

Another name for the Hindu god-Vishnu.

Derived from the Sanskrit word nalini meaning "lotus", Nalin holds spiritual significance in Hinduism where it is associated with divine beauty and spiritual awakening, while in Buddhism, it symbolizes enlightenment and the victory of the spirit over the senses.

Sweet and feminine Eastern flower name.

Hip-swayingly evocative.

When you see it written out and know the meaning, it seems more distinctive than Neil. Pity everyone will understand it as simply, Neil or Neal.