Claire, luminous, simple, and strong, is one of those special names that is familiar yet distinctive, feminine but not frilly, combining historical depth with a modern edge. And though Claire is enjoying revived popularity, it will never be seen as trendy. Claire is also a great middle name choice.

Maisie, a charming name long popular as a nickname for Margaret or Mary, entered the Top 1000 as itself ten years ago and continues to rise. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams helped propel the name back into the limelight, along with the that of her character, Arya.

Paige is more name, and less word than the occupational Page. Paige is also sleek and sophisticated a la Brooke and Blair and reached as high as Number 47 in 2003, when there was a very popular television show, Trading Spaces, hosted by the energetic Paige Davis.

The sassy, steel magnolia appeal of Oscar-winning Reese (born Laura Jeanne—Reese is her mother's maiden name) Witherspoon has single-handedly propelled this formerly boys’ name into girls' popularity.

Originally inspired as by eighties TV actress Mackenzie Phillips, parents since have flocked to Mackenzie for their daughters. Now a staple All-American choice, Mackenzie has ranked in the US Top 1000 for nearly 50 years.

Mackenzie originates from the Scottish surname which itself an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich. Coinnich is one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth meaning "handsome, beautiful, comely".

Singer Macy Gray has popularized this cute and upbeat choice—once solely associated with the department store. A modern replacement for Stacy and Tracy, Macy was most popular in the early 2000s when it nearly made the US Top 100.

Reggae master Bob's surname was one of the biggest risers on the popularity charts for girls in 2008, with spellings Marlee and Marely also leaping in favor. Also used for boys, Marley is one of the top unisex names in the US.

The Maisie spelling may be more widely used, but Maisy is perfectly proper and also makes the British Top 100. And as Maisy, she feels like a closer relative to Daisy, another Margaret diminutive.

Reece is a less popular respelling of Reese, made famous by actress Witherspoon. Reese is the most popular spelling for girls and Rhys for boys, with Reece given to about four times as many boys as girls.

The Marlie pushes reggae king Bob's surname toward the popular Charlie. Marley is one of those names with several well-used variations, particularly for girls. Here they are ranked, with each spelling going to about half as many baby girls as the spelling before. The classic Marley is Number 1, given to about 1100 baby girls in the US, followed by Marlee, Marleigh, our girl Marlie, Marli, Marly, and Marlei, used for about 25.

The combined inspiration of reggae master Bob and the dog-loving romp "Marley and Me" catapulted this name up the chart in recent years. But what goes up....

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey, perhaps because it's more distinct from Mackenzie offshoot, Kenzie.

Variation of Casey or combination of initials K. and C. From the time when initial names seemed really neat. K. C.

Maisey is a charming feminine name that originated as a pet form of Margaret or Maisie. With Scottish and English roots, the name derives from the French word 'marguerite' meaning 'pearl' or 'daisy flower.' Maisey has a sweet, vintage quality that fits with the trend of reviving nickname-style names as formal given names. After remaining relatively obscure for decades, Maisey began rising in popularity during the early 2000s in the UK, Australia, and the US, part of the wave of vintage names making a comeback. The spelling variation with '-ey' rather than '-ie' gives it a slightly more contemporary feel while retaining its nostalgic charm. Parents are drawn to its friendly, approachable sound and cheerful associations.

Maci, the name of one of television's Teen Moms, was one of the fastest rising girl names in the U.S. back in 2010. It is now more popular than the department store Macy spelling, but less popular than Macie.

A respelling of Casey, with a slightly softer look and a hint of classic Katie about it. It ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 80s and 80s, and the UK in the 2000s and 2010s. Less popular than it once was, around 100 girls are still given the name every year in the US, with actress Kacie Barrowman and TV personality Katie McIntosh being notable bearers.

More and more variations of Mackenzie are joining the Top 1000.

Marli is a contemporary feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Marley, which has Irish roots meaning 'pleasant seaside meadow,' or it could be a creative blend of popular Mar- names like Maria and Lisa. The streamlined spelling gives it a fresh, minimalist appeal. Marli has gained popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward shorter, versatile names with a bright sound. The name conveys a sense of cheerfulness and modern simplicity. Its brevity makes it globally accessible, while its ending sound gives it a distinctly feminine character. Popular in various Western countries, Marli appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both contemporary and approachable without being overly common.

Surname name with feminine final ley. The Welsh name Bryn, though also unisex and veering toward the girl world, is far more attractive.