Jona is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the name Jonah, which means "dove" in Hebrew. It is a concise and streamlined variation of Jonah, which appears in the Bible as a prophet known for the whale (or large fish) story. Jona has a simple, strong sound while maintaining a gentle meaning. While less common than Jonah in English-speaking countries, Jona enjoys some popularity in Germanic and Scandinavian regions. The name carries spiritual connotations of peace and divine messenger, reflecting the symbolism of the dove in various cultural traditions. Jona has a modern feel while connecting to ancient roots, appealing to parents seeking a Biblical name with a contemporary edge.

Eliška is warm and friendly, in the Misha, Sasha mode.

Teodora is an extremely attractive and international choice, with several equally attractive, user-friendly nicknames. Appealing short forms might include Tea, Dora, or Dory for English speakers, however, classic diminutives include the Spanish, Italian, Serbian and Portuguese Dora, the Bulgarian Todorka, and the Swedish Thea.

The Old Testament Noah has been so popular for so long that variations are becoming popular too. Noe is a streamlined form used in Greek and Latin Bibles, and in Georgia too. Spelled as more often as Noé, it is also popular across France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain.

Romanian form of Cosmas

This name is currently best known on The Bachelorette's Tenley Molzahn. In the 1950s, it was attached to the Olympic figure skating champion Tenley Albright, and Jessica Biel played a Tenley in the movie Summer Catch.

Rulon is a masculine name of uncertain origin, though it may have Scandinavian or English roots. It gained some recognition in the United States through Rulon Gardner, an Olympic gold medal wrestler. The name has a strong, distinctive sound with its two clear syllables and unusual combination of consonants and vowels. While remaining quite rare in general usage, Rulon has maintained a steady, if minimal, presence particularly in Mormon communities in the western United States. The name carries a solid, dependable quality with its firm consonant sounds. Its uniqueness makes it appealing to parents seeking a masculine name that stands apart from common choices while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce and spell.

As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.

This Irish form of international favorite Cara is a new entry into Ireland's Top 100. But in the US last year, no babies were named Caragh. That final gh, though often silent in English as in might or weigh, would almost certainly prove confusing.

An English surname originally given to the illegitimate sons of a monarch. It might be a nice middle name choice to honor an ancestral Roy, though as a first, it does have a cool meaning.

A French form of Benedict that makes a smooth and elegant choice, although the pronunciation may trip people up in an English speaking environment.

Ukrainian figure-skating champion Oksana Baiul made it known here.

Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.

Listed in the Quran as one of the "People of the Book," this male equivalent of Sabina is undiscovered and ripe for the adventurous baby namer. There was also an 8th-century Bulgarian Khan with the name, and it’s still occasionally used in Bulgaria today. Albert Bruce Sabin is the Polish-American scientist credited for the oral polio vaccine

With a sunny, airy sound, a clunky-cool look, and a lovely, nature-inspired meaning, Solfrid was popular in its native Norway back in the mid-20th century, but has been out of the Top 100 since the 60s and has yet to catch on elsewhere. Made up of the Old Norse elements,sól meaning "sun" and fríðr meaning "beautiful" or "beloved", notable bearers include Olympic weightlifter, Solfrid Koanda, actress Solfrid Heier, and content creator, known as Solfrid ASMR.

This international variation was publicized by Olympic skater Ekaterina Gordeeva.

Old-school Italian names that shortens a wide range of longer names, making it feel much more popular than it is on its own.

Creative gem perfect for an architect's son, in tribute to modern Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.

This Persian name with an Old Testament pedigree has a warm Sasha-like feel. The Biblical Vashti was a queen who refused her husband's orders to appear naked in front of his party guests and so was deposed in favor of Esther. For her independent spirit, Vashti has become something of a feminist icon.

If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider.