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.

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.

Five girls were given the name Perrine last year. Other feminine Perry or Peter alternatives are Perrin, Perry, or even Petra.

Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with the Dutch taste for nicknames plucked from the middle or end of a name vs. the beginning, such as Bas for Sebastien or Bram for Abram.

Kiko is a versatile masculine name with multicultural origins. In Japanese, it can mean 'happy child' or 'rare child,' while in Hawaiian culture, it's often a diminutive of Francisco or Federico. The name also appears in African languages, particularly Swahili. Kiko's brevity and repeating 'k' sound create a rhythmic, memorable quality that works well across different languages and cultures. This short, punchy name has gained moderate popularity globally, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and Japan. Parents are drawn to Kiko for its international appeal, positive connotations, and contemporary feel. The name's cross-cultural presence makes it suitable for families with mixed heritage or those seeking a modern name that travels well across borders.

A wearable update to the New Testament classic.

Lotte is a short form of Charlotte and a name used in its own right in Scandinavia as well as Dutch- and German-speaking countries. It’s unlikely to catch on in the US, where even Lottie hasn’t reached its full potential. Unisex Charlie will remain Charlotte’s nickname of choice for the foreseeable future.

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.

A name borne by nine popes and several saints, which carries strong Catholic connotations. British politician Jacob Rees-Mogg named his sixth child Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher in 2017.

A top 200 name in Catalonia, Spain since 2004. There are several Catalan towns with the name, including Santa Coloma de Queralt and Rocafort de Queralt.

Oh, the many spellings of Rafaella. Those with Fs and double-Ls denote Italian origins, while an F and a single L is Spanish and Portuguese. The original Hebrew form is Raphaela.

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.

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.

Pavel may be widespread in the former Soviet Union, but it has a somewhat impoverished image here.

Strong and attractive form of Cyril.

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.

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

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

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

Rafer is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old Norse 'Ragnfriðr' meaning 'peace-ruler,' or it could be related to the Old English 'rǣd' meaning 'counsel' combined with 'faran' meaning 'to journey.' Some consider it a variation of the name Ralph (derived from 'Radulf,' meaning 'counsel wolf'). The name gained some recognition through American Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson in the mid-20th century. Despite this notable bearer, Rafer has remained uncommon in usage, never breaking into top naming charts. The name has a strong, concise sound that combines traditional roots with a distinctive quality. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a masculine name that sounds established yet isn't commonly heard.