Western place-name that feels equally appropriate for both genders. Note: Natives say rhyme that second syllable with had, so it's not nehv-AH-da.

Technically a boy's name, but certainly one that would work in the Western culture for a girl, especially after the release of Black Panther, in which it was the name of Lupita Nyong'o's fiery character. Nakia lies outside the Top 1000 but is among the fastest-rising names for both girls and boys.

Beruriah, also spelled Beruryah, is the only woman in Talmudic literature whose ideas were taken seriously by her male contemporaries. Living in the second century, she was noted for her high moral standards and intellectual prowess.

A Czech surname derived from the word for "green", which has a certain spark.

A zippy Arabic name with a solid and serious meaning, Nazih has been notably borne by poet Nazih Abu Afach and footballer Amjhad Nazih.

Tahira is a pretty Arabic virtue name, unusual yet accessible.

Inocencia is like Chastity or Immaculata. Few modern girls outside the Latino community -- or even in it -- would appreciate having to carry this name.

Modernized spelling not enough to revive Karen.

Virginia is a hundred years past its peak of the 1920s, but according to Nameberry's own Hundred Year Rule, that means it's due for a comeback. Indeed, Virginia's long downward slide leveled off and reversed over the past 15 years, which means we'll be hearing more little girls called Virgie -- not the easiest nickname to bear, but still a cute old-fashioned choice.

Male name that seems feminine enough to switch genders, if you're looking for a new lyn spin.

Katy, or more popularly Katie, stood fashionably on their own two feet for several years there, during the Katelyn boom. But now both Katy and Katie are fading in favor of grownup Kate or buttoned-up Katherine.

Gentler and much less frequently heard than Tamar.

A soft and elegant Arabic name used primarily among Muslims.

Katti or Kattie is a short form of Katherine, more old fashioned than Kate and more unusual than Kathy.

A cute Slavic name that feels familiar because of its similarity to the more well-known Anja. Janja is the regional variant of Agnes in Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, and it's also connected to the word janje, meaning "lamb".