Cool Cat Names

When the King was alive, and for years afterwards, few people (except Declan McManus who became Elvis Costello) dared use his singular name, but now it's very much up for grabs.

Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.

This zippy diminutive name has been rising up the charts in recent years as a cool unisex choice. The Ozzy spelling is currently more popular all round, however for girls the Ozzie spelling isn't too far behind. It was given to around 50 American girls in 2023, while Ozzy was chosen for 70.

Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.

Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.

Odyssey is a rare and weighty word name — following the footsteps of Hero, Legend, and Story. Despite its literal connection to Odysseus, Homer's epic hero, Odyssey has always been slightly more common among baby girls. The word figuratively refers to a long and eventful journey.

ALLEGRA is a delicate ballet-dancer name; ALLEGRO, which means a fast-paced movement in music, is stronger and more vibrant.

Merrit is a spelling variation of the more usual Merritt.

Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something broken.

Nani is a multicultural feminine name with origins spanning several traditions. In Hawaiian, it means 'beautiful' or 'glory,' while it can also be a shortened form of names like Danielle or Natalie in Western cultures. In Hindi and Sanskrit, Nani affectionately refers to a maternal grandmother, adding a warm familial connection. This short, melodic name has gained appeal in diverse communities for its simplicity and positive associations. The name's brevity makes it accessible across languages and cultures, while its various meaningful connections give it depth. Nani's contemporary sound fits well with modern naming trends favoring short, distinctive names with cross-cultural resonance. Its gentle tone and positive meanings contribute to its growing popularity.

Unlike the feminine Blanca, this name for some reason seems to put more emphasis on the "blank" aspect.

Variation of Cluny best only if you're a major George fan. And even then, better go with George, Georgia, or Georgiana.