A simple but unusual name with roots in disparate cultures, Neri appears in the Bible as a male name and is still sometimes used for boys as well as girls. The appeal of Neri are its deep roots combined with its simple, upbeat, modern feel, ala Peri and Rory.

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.

Nadezhda is more familiar in the English-speaking world by its short forms, Nadia or Nadya. Well-used through the Slavic countries and Russia, Nadezhda was the name of Lenin's wife. Viewers of The Americans learned that this was the original Russian name of the spy known as Elizabeth Jennings, played by Keri Russell.

Problematic, even if not for Dilbert.

A li'l hell-raiser name in the Ryder-Rogue-Rebel vein.

Yu the Great founded China's first dynasty and the name went on to become one of the most popular boy names in its native country during the 2000s. In more recent years, it has been used as an element of other popular names, such as Haoyu, Yuxuan, Yuze, and Yutong.

This jazzy old name could make a comeback, the way Josephine and Ella have. In England the name was popularized by Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, after whom her governor general of Canada husband named the North American province. Jazz singer Alberta Hunter was a noted bearer.

A possible new entry in the Hayden-Corbin two-syllable boys' name club.

The graceful Indian Suria or Surya may remind Americans more of little Miss Suri Cruise than of the pantheon of Hindi gods and goddesses.

This cute as a button name stems from the Goonayandi word for the sun and can be used as a unisex name.

An epithet of the sun and the Hindu god Shiva, also borne by a 12th century Indian astronomer. Bhaskar, a common Indian surname, is related.

This lovely, rhythmic Hindu nature name relates to the mythical Kalinda Mountains, from which a sacred river flows.

Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.

Elidi is intriguing but potentially confusing. Try the French Elodie instead.

Plausible word name, denoting strength and stability, currently given to a small handful of boys in the US each year.

Cute, nickname-y, and international, à la Romy or Demi. Spelling it Orly turns it into a busy French airport.

Feather, though it was used for a character in a Walter Mosley novel, seems too light and fluttery for a real-life girl.

Spring doesn't sound half as contemporary as Winter, which has become the cool season name.

A word name with an appealing and illuminating meaning.