Nameberry Favorites
Names That Feel Exotic Yet Simple
Across 23 pages
of 23
Marcel
French variation of Marcellus
"little warrior"
Marcel, despite distinguished namesakes including Proust and Duchamp, suffers from a terminal headwaiter image in this country. But along with its sister name Marcella and French variation (and…
Case
Word name
A brisk and unconventional name that could be a style stand-in for confederates Casey, Chase, Cale, and Cade.
Kenzie
Short form of Mackenzie, Scottish
"son of Kenneth"
Take away the Mac and what do you have? Rather than "son of Kenneth," the meaning becomes simply Kenneth, which in itself means son of fire or handsome. In the US, the name Kenzie peaked for girls…
Veda
Sanskrit
"knowledge"
A name with religious resonance, as the Vedas are the most sacred texts of Hinduism. Outside of that religious context, Veda has the makings of a modern popular name , with its sharp V initial, two…
Kensley
Variation of Kinsley
Similar to Kinsley, this modern choice has become much more popular in recent years; it first entered the Top 1000 in 2011. Part of its appeal might be that it sounds reminiscent of the…
Kiana
Modern invented name
Kiana (or more appropriately, Quiana) is the original polyester name, coming into favor in the 1970s but then drifting downward for years before taking a surprise turn back up the charts, perhaps…
Brixton
British place name
Brixton, a formerly rough but now cool-and-gentrified area of London, is also gaining notice as a baby name, especially for boys. About 20 baby girls were given the name in the US in the most recent…
Davina
Hebrew
"little deer"
A Scottish favorite that could make it here thanks to its similarity to the word divine. It's the most popular of several feminizations of David used in Scotland, including Davida, Davinia and…
Azaiah
Hebrew
"my strength is Yahweh"
With Azariah and Azriel in the Top 1000, and Ezra, Josiah, and Isaiah in the Top 100, it makes sense that this lesser known Hebrew choice is being revived in the US. Most likely deriving from Uzziah…
Noe
Greek, Georgian, and Latin variation of Noah, Hebrew
"rest, repose"
The Old Testament Noah has been so popular for so long that variations are becoming popular too. Noe is a streamlined form used in Greek and Latin Bibles, and in Georgia too. Spelled as more often as…
Kaeli
Spelling variation of Kaylee
Kaeli, a form of the trendy Kaylee, was the fastest-rising girls' name of 2023, inspired by social media influencer Kaeli Mae. Kaeli is a new spin on a name that's been popular in several forms of…
Trace
Diminutive of Tracy, word name
"of Thracia; to discover or track down; to copy"
Undoubtedly inspired by country singer Trace Adkins, Trace is part update on 20th century fave Tracy, and part modern word name. Derived from Tracy, it originated as a Roman name meaning "of Thracia"…
Kenna
Scottish, feminine form of Kenneth
Kenna is the Scottish version of Kendra, both of which are feminine versions of Kenneth. Used in the TV show Reign for one of the supporting characters.
Dario
Italian variation of Darius
"possessing goodness"
More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's…
Neriah
Hebrew
"light of Jehovah"
A version of a symbolic name given to girls born on Hanukkah, the festival of lights. It can also be spelled Neriya(h), but this spelling made it into the Top 1000 in 2013. Neriah was among the…
Ayan
Somali
"fortune"
The African name Ayan was first seen on the US Top 1000 for boys in 2014. It's both simple and distinctive, a winning combination.
Xyla
Greek
"wood-dweller; the cross"
X is undoubtedly one of the coolest initials to have, and more parents are agreeing — Xyla entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022. Xyla comes from the Greek xylon, meaning "wood" — the same…
Elina
Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, and English variation of Helen
"bright, shining light"
Elina is one of the many variations of mother name Helen to make the US Top 1000 list, and is given to around 300 girls each year. While it might blend in among the Helenas, Elenas, and Alinas, it…
Azari
American variation of Azariah or Azhari, Hebrew, Malay
"helped by God; shining, brilliant"
Azari is a rising unisex name invented as a variation of Azariah or Azhari. With its I-ending and prominent Z, we see Azari going places — this is one to watch, especially with Azariah, Azaire, and…
Izael
Variation of Isael, Portuguese from of Israel, Hebrew
"he who struggles with God"
Izael was one of the fastest-rising boys' names in the US in 2023, evidencing trends for the letter Z and the angelic-feeling -ael ending. Pronunciation is like father name Israel, without the R.