Twinkle Twinkle 2015

Dreaming of Baby #2 who will it be?
  1. April
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to open"
    • Description:

      Once the most popular month names, April has been overtaken by June (for girls) and August (for boys), as well as the charmingly old-fashioned May. Literary reference: the heroine of the book and movie Revolutionary Road, and there have been Aprils on Parks and Recreation, Glee, and The Vampire Diaries. Trivia note: comedian Ralphie May named his daughter April June May.
  2. Berry
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.
  3. Bruce
    • Origin:

      Scottish and English from French
    • Meaning:

      "from the brushwood thicket"
    • Description:

      Bruce is a Norman place name made famous by the Scottish king Robert the Bruce, who won Scotland's independence from England in the fourteenth century. It's perennially popular in Scotland, but has been rarely used here for a generation -- though the impact of Bruces Lee, Springsteen, Dern and Willis, as well as Batman's Bruce Wayne -- still lingers. At one time Bruce was so widespread in Australia, it became a nickname for any Ozzie man. An interesting alternative is Brix, the Normandy place name where the Bruce family originated.
  4. Byron
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "barn for cows"
    • Description:

      For centuries, this name had a romantic, windswept image due to its strong connection to the poet Lord Byron, who inspired its use as a first name. It is one of those surprise names that's appeared on the Top 1000 every year since 1880.
  5. Carmine
    • Origin:

      Latin, English, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "vivid red; garden, song"
    • Description:

      This Italian name could have a whole new life when viewed as a color name, however, it is traditionally a masculine form of Carmen, pronounced with three lilting syllables. Both provide an arty, distinctive feel, though in different ways.
  6. Cassia
    • Origin:

      Feminine form of Cassius or Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cinnamon"
    • Description:

      Cassia is related to the cassia tree, which has yellow flowers and produces a spice that can be a substitute for cinnamon. Keziah, the name of Job’s daughter in the Old Testament, derives from the name of the plant as well. Cassia also has ties to the Ancient Roman name Cassius, an Ancient Roman family name meaning "hollow."
  7. Daphne
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "laurel tree, bay tree"
    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.
  8. Ember
    • Origin:

      French variation of Amber
    • Description:

      Unlike Amber, which is in decline, this name still has a bit of a glow left -- though confusions between the two will inevitably arise.
  9. Evening
    • Origin:

      Day name
    • Description:

      Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too? It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a perfect addition to this newly stylish group.
  10. Evette
    • Description:

      Evette is a feminine name of French origin, functioning as a diminutive form of Eve. Eve derives from the Hebrew name Chavah, meaning "life" or "living one." Evette emerged as a more delicate, affectionate version with the characteristic French diminutive suffix "-ette." The name gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, though it never reached the top rankings. Evette offers a softer, more elaborate alternative to the biblical simplicity of Eve while maintaining its connection to the concept of life and vitality. The name has a certain vintage charm today, as it's less commonly given to newborns than in previous generations. Evette's French styling gives it an elegant, feminine quality while its biblical roots provide historical depth and meaning.

  11. Fred
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Frederick or Alfred, German or English
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler or wise counselor"
    • Description:

      Where have all the Freds gone? We haven't seen many since the days of Flintstone and Munster. But it could be time for a comeback--if you think more of the sophistication of Fred Astaire, and of other nice guy names like Jack and Charlie and Sam.
  12. Fryer
    • Greta
      • Origin:

        German, diminutive of Margarethe
      • Meaning:

        "pearl"
      • Description:

        Greta is an Old World name long tied to the iconic Garbo, but now synonymous with environmental activism.
    • Ivory
      • Origin:

        Word name
      • Meaning:

        "hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"
      • Description:

        Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000, while 2024 saw it jump up the charts again by over 100 places, making it a To 500 name.
    • Kilea
      • Description:

        Kilea is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, possibly derived from Hawaiian elements meaning 'clear' or 'bright,' or as a variation of the Irish name Kilian. This melodic three-syllable name carries an exotic, flowing quality with its blend of the strong 'K' sound and soft vowel endings. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Kilea has gained modest appreciation among parents seeking distinctive names with a natural, refreshing feel. The name evokes images of ocean breezes and tropical landscapes, suggesting a free-spirited, adventurous personality. Its rarity offers the advantage of uniqueness while still being intuitive in pronunciation. Kilea bridges cultural influences, making it versatile across different backgrounds while maintaining its distinctive character.
    • Kiona
      • Origin:

        Native American
      • Meaning:

        "brown hills"
      • Description:

        Striking and accessible choice.
    • Lora
      • Origin:

        German variation and spelling variation of Laura
      • Description:

        Somewhat flat-footed form; go for the original.
    • Lunette
      • Description:

        Lunette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, derived from 'lune,' meaning 'moon.' The '-ette' suffix adds a diminutive quality, essentially meaning 'little moon.' This celestial connection gives Lunette an ethereal, enchanting quality. In French folklore, Lunette appears as a character in Arthurian legends, where she serves as Lady Laudine's confidante. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries but maintains a consistent presence as a distinctive choice. Its lyrical sound and romantic French associations appeal to parents seeking something feminine yet uncommon. The lunar connection also resonates with those drawn to celestial or nature-inspired names.
    • Magee
      • Origin:

        Irish
      • Meaning:

        "son of Hugh"
      • Description:

        Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.
    • Malva
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "slender, delicate"
      • Description:

        Your zany neighbor, the one who's a potter and has five cats.