Nameberry Favorites
Names That Feel Exotic Yet Simple
Across 23 pages
of 23
Zayla
Modern invented name
Zayla debuted on the US Top 1000 in 2021 and has been flirting with that magic #1000 mark ever since, hopping on and off the list. The name might be thought of as the popular Ayla or Layla with the…
Reya
Greek, variation of Rhea
"a flowing stream"
Likely boosted by its similarity to fast-rising names Rhea, Raya, and Freya, enough parents chose this sweet and simple name in 2023 to push it into the US Top 1000 for the first time.
Maelynn
Combination of Mae and Lyn
"beloved; drop in the sea + beautiful; soft; lake"
If you can add Lynn to a name, someone will and Mae is no exception to the rule. This compound name sits somewhere between the mid-century charm of Marilyn, Jerilyn, and Jocelyn, and the contemporary…
Icelynn
Invented English name, combination of word name Ice and suffix -lynn
"beautiful ice; frozen lake; Iceland"
Icelynn is a modern smoosh name which rose 300 places in the popularity charts in 2023, then another 200 in 2024. It combines the strong I sound of Ivy, Iris, and Isla, with the on-trend -lynn ending…
Kace
Modern invented name or variation of Casey, Irish
"brave in battle"
The American appetite for boys names starting with the Kay-sound seems unlimited: Think Cason, Kaison, Caiden, Kayden... and Kace. Which hit the Top 1000 for the first time in 2017, remained there…
Castiel
Hebrew
"my cover is God"
Castiel, which vaulted into the Top 1000 on the wings of the angel hero of the television show Supernatural , is the name of the Angel of the day Thursday. It may also derive some appeal from the…
Vance
English and Irish
"someone who lives near marshland"
Short and sharp with a nature related meaning, Vance was trending upwards in recent years thanks to the musicians Foy Vance and Vance Joy. 2024 saw it take a downwards dip however, likely due to its…
Gatlin
English
"wandering man"
Gatlin has risen into the Top 1000 in recent years on the strength of its association with the Olympic champion sprinter Justin Galtin as well as the Gatlin Brothers of Nashville fame. The name has…