By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 409 pages
of 409
Spelling variation of Harley, English
"the long field"
This invented spelling is much less popular than its biker counterpart. Regardless, it entered the US Top 1000 since 2012 and hung on there for more than a decade.
Variation of Melanie, Greek
"black, dark"
Lobbing off the final E makes Melanie more modern.
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…
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…
Malay, Modern invention
"to experience, to live; the heavens; from Gilan"
Traditionally a boys' name in Malaysia, a notable bearer being Olympian Jalani Sidek, Jalani's popularity for girls in the US is likely due to its similarity in sound to the likes of Leilani, Kalani,…
Spelling variation of Bailey
Like other "ee" names, Bailee is starting to lose its shine, slowly slipping down the charts.
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…
Biblical place name; Hebrew
"the Lord is my teacher"
Where Abraham took his son Isaac to sacrifice him. Taylor Hanson chose this as the middle name for his son Viggo, his fourth child, but most will see it as a girls’ name . Make life simpler and spell…
Alternative spelling of Sunny, English word name
"sunny"
An alternative spelling to the cheerful Sunny, Sunnie may lend it a more 'name-y' feel as in the case of names like Scarlett, Daisie, Journee, and Saige. Country artist Payton Smith and his wife…
French medieval variation of Marie, Hebrew
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Marian's (and sister spelling Marion's) image has gone through a sea change of late, recalling less middle-aged matron and more Robin Hood's romantic Maid Marian. Some influences: the SJ Parker-M.…
Variation of Liana, French
"to climb like a vine"
Subtle botanical choice with cross-cultural appeal. Streamlined Liana is more common.
Variation of Kimora or Kamara, Malagasy
"chameleon"
Kamora may be a variation of Kamara, a Malagasy name from Madagascar with an unexpected animal meaning. Alternatively, it might be an invented name, inspired by the similar Kimora or Amora - in which…
Variation of Molly
This new/old spin on Molly -- nickname-names with the ie ending were particularly popular at the turn of the last century -- that has landed this name in the US Top 1000.
Celtic
"maiden"
Imogen has long been fashionable in England and is gaining favor in the US among stylish parents. Pronounced the British way — the initial i is short as in Kim, as is the final E as in Ken — Imogen…
Norse
"fair; Ing is beautiful"
The luminous Ingrid Bergman's appeal was strong enough to lend universal charisma to this classic Scandinavian name, which has been somewhat neglected in the US. Even today, a child named Ingrid…
Spanish variation of Rachel
"ewe"
Attractive name popular in the Latino community, long identified with half-Bolivian actress Raquel Welch. Similarly to the Hebrew form Rachel, Raquel is past its peak. Nonetheless, it retains a…
Zulu, modern invention
"peace"
Typically a masculine Zulu name, Xolani is more popular among baby girls in the US. Given to more than 200 girls in 2024, it is a modern creation, blending the stylish -lani ending of Hawaiian names…
English word name
"low area of land between hills and mountains"
An evocative word name, conjuring up images of the beautiful low land between hills and mountains, and the streams and rivers that often run through them, Valley has the advantage of also sounding…
English
"dweller at the holly trees"
Hollis is a surname-name used quietly for both genders. At last count, it was given to over 200 baby boys and 160 baby girls in the US. Now a Top 1000 name for boys, it could well break into the…
Occupational name
Supermodel Christie Brinkley launched an entire name genre when she picked this breezy occupational name for her daughter in 1998, and it has become more prevalent in recent decades. The Saylor…
