User-created list
By ahundred.and.ate · Updated October 2015
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Irish variation of Cecilia
"blind"
Sheila peaked in popularity from the 1930s to the 1960s (she reached Number 49 in 1965), along with Maureen and Colleen; parents today would probably go back to the original Cecilia or forward to…
Spelling variation of Laura, Latin
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
A succinct and stripped back form of Laura, that also doubles up as a Portuguese diminutive of Lorena ("from the kingdom of Lothar") and as a German and Scandinavian short from of Eleanora. In the…
English
"woven with a double thread; twilight; star"
Mystical and intriguing, this vintage name has an unexpectedly modern feel. Conjuring up imagery of glowing evening light, Twyla could appeal as as alternative to Lila, as a nature-inspired option,…
French, spelling variation of Yvette or diminutive of Eve, Hebrew
"yew tree or life"
Evette could be considered a spelling variation of the French Yvette, a feminization of Yves, which has a botanical meaning, or a pet form of Eve, meaning life. About 50 baby girls were named Evette…
Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian form of Sophia, Greek
"wisdom"
Popular throughout Northern and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Sweden, Norway, Russia, and Germany, Sonja has a rich cultural heritage. The name gained international recognition…
Hindi
"religious service"
Unlike Pamela and Melanie, Mela feels fresh and unusual.
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…
Color name
Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname.
Slavic or German
"shepherdess; wanderer"
Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's…
Native American
"brown hills"
Striking and accessible choice.
French surname
Though it's close to the German and French form of Matthew, Mathis, this name of the great artist can work as well for girls.
Nature name
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.…
Day name
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…
Greek
"all or shepherd"
Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name…
Variation of Quenby, English
"queen's settlement"
Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.
Occupational name
Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels…
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…
Irish
"son of Hugh"
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…
"slender, delicate"
Your zany neighbor, the one who's a potter and has five cats.
