Phonetic spelling of Esme, popular in the UK.

Fable, like Story, is a word name with real potential, combining enchanted tale-telling with a moral edge. And soundwise, it would fit right in with the likes of Abel and Mabel.

Grey is the more common spelling in Britain and Australia. This color name has a softness and ambiguity which makes it equally lovely for a boy or a girl.

Lyre is an uncommon feminine name inspired by the ancient stringed musical instrument associated with Greek mythology, poetry, and music. The lyre was particularly connected to Apollo, the god of music, and was said to charm listeners with its beautiful melodies. As a name, Lyre emerged primarily in the modern era, appealing to parents drawn to musical names or those seeking unique appellations with artistic associations. The name evokes images of classical beauty, harmony, and creative expression. While exceptionally rare in usage statistics, Lyre shares qualities with other musical names like Melody or Aria that have gained popularity. The name's brevity, pleasing sound, and cultural resonance give it potential appeal despite its rarity in most naming records.

Nessie is a feminine name with Scottish origins, most famously associated with the legendary Loch Ness Monster of Scottish folklore. It originated as an affectionate diminutive of Agnes (meaning 'pure' or 'holy') or Vanessa. The name has a playful, whimsical quality that evokes images of Scotland's misty lochs and rich storytelling traditions. Despite its connection to a mythical creature, Nessie has been used as a given name and nickname throughout the years, particularly in Scotland and among those with Scottish heritage. The name carries a cheerful, friendly character with its soft sounds and '-ie' ending. Its distinctive cultural associations make it an uncommon but recognizable choice for parents seeking a name with both personality and a connection to Scottish heritage.

With strong sounds but a whimsical feel, Reverie is a word name associated with being in a dreamy, ethereal state, of being lost in a daydream, or coming up with a pleasant fantasy for the future. Similar in cadence to popularly Everly, it was given to around 80 girls in a recent year.

Rue has gone from Golden Girls actress to Hunger Games heroine to a fresh alternative to beloved middle name Rose. This botanical name is also a coincidental double word name, meaning "regret" in English and "street" in French. Despite these unfortunate secondary meanings, Rue has real potential to be one of the most popular new middle names for girls.

A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets, though it could easily be read as virtuous, celebratory choice, like Merritt or Goldie.

An imaginative choice with an uptempo Cory/Rory/Tori sound, perfect for the child of a writer — or anyone with a good story to tell. Story has been finding some appreciation among celebs like Minnie Driver and others as a middle name. This is just one of the literary word names that have recently entered the realm of possibility, such as Fable, Sonnet and Poem.