The variation of Horatio used in Aragon, Spain.

The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.".

Idony is the Norse goddess of springtime and eternal youth, and this variation is both rare and straightforward, a winning combination.

A traditional Arabic choice, used on girls and boys, with a bright, fresh, and nature connected meaning. Naseem is an alternative Arabic and Urdu form, while Nesim is used in Turkey. Though unisex, Nasim leans masculine in Lebanon, Indonesia, Iran, England, Palestine, and Iraq, but is more evenly split in India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. TikTok star and rapper Nasim Nabi is a notable bearer.

Phyllida, a "Masterpiece Theatre"-style appellation, seems far fresher and more unusual than Phyllis. It's green-related meaning makes it one of the prime names that mean new beginnings.

A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.

Idan is a Hebrew unisex place-name rarely heard in this country.

A lovely international version of the dated Karen, also spelled Karoun.

Aleph came into the spotlight when chosen by Israel-born Natalie Portman for her son. Alef is a more common spelling of these related Hebrew baby names.

An obscure possibility...for a girl.

Both a first and last name, Zorina has a pretty, ballerina-like quality.

Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from uhlan meaning "cavalry, lancer".

A name only a bully could love.

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

A stunning and unique West African name for a daughter.

This name is masculine in the Old Testament, as Zerah, a son of Judah and the twin of Perez. Now it is also been used for girls, perhaps inspired by its similarity to Sara and Zara.

Viridius was a pagan god of ancient Roman Britain. An alternative spelling is Viridios.

An offbeat word name referring to the speed of a piece of music.

A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.

In Norway, Svale is also used as a short form of the rare name Svalaug/Svanlaug, meaning "swan oath". Svale is also a more modern form of Svali, meaning "cool, fresh".