Used both as a given name and as a surname, Bashir is a familiar but still unusual choice in the USA and UK, even among Muslim families. In 2014, only 25 boys were named Bashir in the US. One reason for its low usage could be a connection to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes, including genocide, in Darfur.

If Joely (as in actress Richardson) is a name, why not Noely? As nickname-names become both more acceptable and more fashionable, Noely may be a fresh spin on one traditional name for Christmas babies.

This beautiful Māori name meaning love (cognate with Hawaiian aloha) is more wearable than the English word and softer Venus or Aphrodite. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern named her daughter Neve Te Aroha in 2018, and in recent years, Aroha / Te Aroha has become the most popular Māori baby girl name.

Jesus -- pronounced hay-SOOS -- is used exclusively and extensively among Spanish speakers, though JEE-zus as in the first name of Christ is never used in the Anglophone world. Jesus Quintana was a character in The Big Lebowski and Jesus Velasquez appeared on True Blood.

Kazuko is a Japanese feminine name that combines the character kazu ("harmony") with ko ("child"), creating a name that in total symbolises a child of peace. In Japan, names ending in ‘ko’ are rarely used as they now sound oldfashioned. More ‘trendy’ names are Kazumi (which means beautiful peace and can me used on both boys and girls), Kazuki (a masculine name meaning hope of peace) and Kazuo (also a masculine name meaning man of peace). The emphasis is on the first syllable, so it is said "KA-zoo-ko".

Attractive Middle Eastern choice.

Marron is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from French, where 'marron' refers to the chestnut color or the nut itself, giving the name nature-inspired connotations. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Marion or a surname adapted for use as a first name. Marron has a sophisticated, somewhat mysterious quality with its smooth sound and uncommon usage. The name remains quite rare in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking truly distinctive options. Its short, two-syllable structure makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce across languages.

Natale is the handsome gender-neutral Italian spin on Natalia or Natalie or Noel, traditionally given to babies born on Christmas Day. English speakers might stumble over the pronunciation -- Natalie? Natal? -- but they'll catch on. Babbo Natale is the Italian name for Santa Claus. Natalino is the adorable short form.

Seeley is a Medieval surname with a happy, fortunate meaning.

An unusual feminization of boy name Casper with a beautiful meaning and familiar nicknames Cassie, Cass and Perrie.

Navidad refers to Christmas Eve in Spanish. While the name is not commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries, it would certainly be an appropriate holiday choice.

Calm, straightforward, patrician sounding: Pace is one new-style name that's well-grounded.

A wonderful meaning for a bright and musical West African name.

Short and catchy form of traditional Asian name.

Lucero is a relative or nickname of Luz, meaning light. This intriguing name is swimming just beneath the Top 1000 for girls in the US, but is used for boys too. It is especially popular in Latin America.

A name whose sweet sound matches with its meaning, Habiba is popular in Somalia and North Africa. It comes from the Arabic habib meaning "dear, beloved", making it a bright and endearing choice.

Calls to mind the twinkling strands of bulbs found during the winter holidays and in college dorm rooms.

A warm and musical name with a lovely meaning. There is a popular song called Dembe by famous Ugandan artist named Bobbi Wine, who also ran for President.

Perfect choice for a child born on a snowy day.