This lovely Gaelic name, very popular in the Emerald Isle, has inspired a whole host of diminutives (including Nuala and Nola) and variant spellings, from Finola to Finula to the Scottish and English Fenella. In Irish legend Fionnuala was one of the four children of Lir who were transformed into swans for 900 years.

This pretty palindrome name is rarely heard in the US, but could make an interesting namesake for an aunt or grandma Ann. It's also a German diminutive form of Anna.

If you wanted to try to get people to pronounce your son's first name the way Stephen Curry does, this might be a way to do it.

Pronounced LOOSE, this name that refers to the Virgin Mary—"Our Lady of Light"—is one of the most widely used Spanish name for girls. Its sleekness and stylish final z gives it a modern appeal, like sister name Lux. Nicknames and variations include Chitta, Lucecita, Lucelida, Lucelita, Lucha, Lucida, Lucila, Lusa, and Luzana.

A feminine multicultural nickname name perfectly able to stand on its own, Zanna might technically relate to either Susanna or Jane, making it a flexible honor name for an ancestral Susan or Jane or even John.

A common name in its native Greece, Michalis is a nickname for Michail, the Greek form of Michael. This nickname form is used much more often than the formal Michail in day-to-day life. It can also be transliterated as Mihalis.

Shortening Francisco somehow makes it sound even cooler. Cisco is also the name of a digital security company.

This classic yet poetic Italian name for boys, is a Top 50 choice in its native Italy, and has been climbing up the charts in the US and the UK too. It had sporadically made the US charts throughout the 20th century, but it has been consistently present since 2009.

Kerris is a much easier if less authentic phonetic spelling of the popular and pretty Welsh name Cerys.

One of many international versions of this classic.

Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Gretel originated as a nickname for Margarete, the German form of Margaret. It’s a charming name, but most American parents prefer Greta, as Gretel is strongly tied to the fairy tale heroine.

Though the Mischa spelling is migrating toward the feminine side thanks to actress Mischa Barton, this Russian boys' short form still works for children of both sexes, as Mischa or Misha.

A refreshing variation on the Biblical classic Matthew, this Hawaiian form blends the stylish -o ending with the cool Kai sound. First appearing in the US stats in 1999, it has been climbing steadily upwards ever since.

This unusual and appealing form of Laura is popular in sections of Wales.

An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.

Franko is a masculine name with Slavic and Germanic origins, representing a variant of the more common 'Franco' or 'Frank.' The name derives from the tribal name of the Franks, ultimately from the Germanic word 'frank' meaning 'free' or 'truthful.' Particularly popular in Eastern European countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Ukraine, Franko offers a distinctive international twist on the classic Frank. The name carries connotations of honesty, straightforwardness, and independence. Throughout history, various notable figures have borne this name, including Ukrainian poet Ivan Franko. While not widely used in English-speaking countries, Franko has maintained steady popularity in Slavic regions, appreciated for its strong sound and positive meaning.

As commonly heard in Rome, Italy, as Steve is in Rome, New York. With the accent on the first syllable, Stefano has a lot of charm.

This Nordic-sounding name is ripe for wider usage, especially as a fresh alternative to Christian or similar-sounding Carl.