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Classic Baby Names with a Twist

  1. Ashling

    • Description:

      Ashling (also spelled Aisling) is a feminine Irish name derived from the Gaelic word "aislinge," meaning "dream" or "vision." In Irish literary tradition, an aisling was a poetic genre involving dream-vision poems where Ireland appeared to the poet as a woman. The name emerged in popularity during the Irish cultural revival of the 20th century and has become increasingly popular among diaspora families seeking to connect with their Irish heritage. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland and Irish communities, Ashling offers a lyrical quality with its soft sounds and meaningful heritage. The name represents imagination, hope, and the mystical aspects of Irish cultural tradition.

  2. Victory

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "victory"

    • Description:

      A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor. While Victory ranked only once on the US Top 1000, in 1918 at the end of World War I, it's a Top 25 name for girls in France.
  3. Kalman

    • Origin:

      Latin, short for Kalonymous

    • Meaning:

      "gracious, good reputation"

    • Description:

      This is a rarely heard multi-cultural name, related to a 14th century Jewish scholar named Kalonymous ben Kalonymous, who translated important texts from Arabic to Hebrew. It is also a Hungarian derivative of Colman, via the Latin Columba, meaning dove, and was the name of a 12th century king of Hungary. Its modern sound make it an interesting option.
  4. Ruta

    • Origin:

      Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian

    • Meaning:

      "compassionate friend; rue"

    • Description:

      The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.
  5. Chas

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charles, French from German

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Retro nickname for Charles that has the potential for revival, a la Hal, Ike, and Gus.
  6. Gracen

    • Origin:

      Elaboration of Grace, virtue name

    • Description:

      Grace, meet Grayson. The stylish classic girls' name Grace -- it's in the Top 20 -- and the trendy boys' name Grayson or Greyson, a member of the Jason-Mason-Cason club, combine to create the girls' name Gracen. For a little girl, we'd stop at Grace.
  7. Jennica

    • Origin:

      Compound name, from Jenifer and Jessica

    • Meaning:

      "bright white to behold"

    • Description:

      Two past favorites blended into one, but Jennica has never made the US Top 1000.
  8. Madelena

    • Description:

      Madelena is a graceful feminine name representing a variation of Magdalena, ultimately derived from Magdala, an ancient place name meaning "tower" in Aramaic. This name connects to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus. Madelena combines elements of both Magdalena and Madeleine, creating a melodious alternative with Mediterranean charm. Particularly appreciated in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian-speaking cultures, Madelena carries an elegant, romantic quality. While less common than Madeline or Magdalena in English-speaking countries, Madelena offers a distinctive option with familiar roots. The name's flowing syllables and historical depth make it timelessly appealing while providing nickname options like Lena, Maddie, or Elena.
  9. Yulia

    • Origin:

      Russian, variation of Yuliya, cognate of Julia

    • Meaning:

      "youth"

    • Description:

      This is the Armenian version of the familia Julia, which has a rich and evocative sound. Other variations are Iuliya, and the diminitive Yulya.