Cato may have risen to new prominence in the English speaking world as an ancient Roman boys' name, popularized by The Hunger Games. But in the Netherlands, it's most widely used as a short form for Catharina and other forms of Katherine, ranking close to the Top 100, higher than any formal variation of the name. Cato for a girl is a cute idea and a fresh way to shorten the ubiquitous Catherine.

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".

The feminine version of the newly-stylish Roman -- and the longer form of the also-newly-stylish Romy -- would make a girls' choice that achieves that near-impossible balance of being both original and fashionable. This variation is far superior to Romaine, which is too lettuce-y.

This international color name, close enough to the English to be easily understood in the US or other English-speaking countries, ranks among the top names for girls in Italy.

The saintly Italian form of the saintly Latin Benedicta.

Dutch supermodel Doutzen (pronounced doubt-son) Kroes has introduced us to a name from the Netherlands that might have a hard time in an American classroom and is nowhere near as glamorous as its bearer.

Siv, or sometimes Sif, was the name of Thor's wife and is popular in modern Scandinavia. In Norse mythology, Siv was the goddess of fertility and agriculture.

Prettier than Joy and just beginning to be used here.

Majken, which is related to Maiken and Maike, is a popular name in Sweden whose variations are used throughout Scandinavia as cooler forms of Mary. Majken is virtually unknown in the U.S. and probably not bound for emigration.

Sissel is the Norwegian variation of Cecilia, a name that's becoming more popular in the U.S. and beyond. English speakers will hear this name as sizzle or at best, Cecil.

Russian form of Stephanie livens up that flagging classic.

The modern Greek form of Nausicaa — the name of a character in Homer's Odyssey — avoids any unfortunate associations with nausea and offers a sleek, stylish sound.

Thale entered the Top 100 in Norway back in 2020, though it remains rare elsewhere. It is typically considered a short form of Adelheid, however, it could also be a variation of Tóli or Tole, diminutives for names with the Old Norse element "Thor".

Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.

Not-so-attractive short form of a lovely name.

Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls. to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an American novelist and the mother of author Meg Wolitzer.

This feminization of Arnold (based on the Dutch variant Arend) feels fresh and sweet, and comes with the cute nicknames Ari, Aria & Dina. An airy, feminine choice that can be used outside of the Netherlands.

Xanthipe, also spelled Xanthippe, is the name of the wife of Socrates. Challenging for English speakers, it's also dramatic and alluring.

The modern Greek form of Arete, a minor Greek goddess of excellence, virtue and righteous morals. With its fun I ending and the trendy nickname Ari (or Art, for something more unisex), Areti could easily leave the Greek mythology books and be used as a rare but stylish baby girl name.

Benthe is a popular Dutch abbreviation of the feminine for Benedict.