Unnamed List

Amali is a feminine name with multicultural origins. In Sinhalese (Sri Lankan), it means 'pure' or 'clean,' while in Swahili, it can be interpreted as 'hope' or 'aspiration.' The name also appears in various cultures with different nuances - in Turkish, it relates to 'action' or 'practice,' and some connect it to the Arabic root meaning 'hope' or 'expectation.' Amali has gained modest popularity in Western countries as parents increasingly seek global names with positive meanings. Its melodic sound, with stress typically on the first syllable (AH-ma-lee), and its short, accessible spelling make it appealing across cultural boundaries. The name balances uniqueness with simplicity, making it both distinctive and easy to pronounce.

Despite its modern sound, Blaise has plenty of history as a given name (for boys), from a Christian martyr to Arthurian legends. Today Blaise feels like the cool and edgy Blaze with a French accent.

An ancient name soiled by toilet paper association.

Christia is a rare Chris name that doesn't add much to the mix. We'd prefer lengthening Christia to Christiana or shortening it to Christa.

There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.

An early Christian martyr, a bespectacled MTV cartoon heroine, and Canadian supermodel Daria Werbowy: Daria is a name that manages to feel contemporary and usable without being exactly stylish. Which may be a positive, in terms of Daria not being in danger of overpopularity.

Bird name Raven, once a symbol of pride for both African-American and Wiccan parents, is finding new life as a superhero name. Raven Darkholme is the real name of Mystique, heroine of the X-Men films played by Jennifer Lawrence. And there is another Raven superheroine in Teen Titans. Some parents may still choose Raven to signal black pride or mystical powers or maybe even Edgar Allan Poe fandom, but we are guessing most inspiration is coming from the comics.

Alluring and lovely — and much more distinctive now than Samantha or Tamara. Samara is a city in western Russia, a winged seed like the whirlygigs that fall from maple trees, as well as a bona fide first name that could make a more unusual update on Samantha or Mara. It can also be a variant spelling of the Arabic name Samira or Sameera.