Drifter

Ella

German; English

"all, completely; fairy maiden"

Ella is a sweet, simple name that owes much of its current popularity to the popularity of other names, from Emma to Bella to Emily to Ellie. Ella is one of those names that has ranked in the US Top…

Clara

Latin

"bright, clear"

Clara is a strong, lovely girls' name that's always ranked among the US Top 1000 girl names but has been climbing since the turn of this century. It now ranks right at Number 78, making it a modern…

Calla

Greek

"beautiful"

Calla is a botanical name that is much more distinctive than popular Lily or similar Callie. Rarely heard today, it did appear in the popularity lists in the last decades of the nineteenth century.…

Carlin

Irish

"little champion"

Stronger and more contemporary twist on Carla or Carly, Carlin was used just about equally for girls and boys in the US last year.

Cassiane

Greek

"cinnamon"

Cassiane, also spelled Kassiani or Kasiani, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Cassiane, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in…

Chan

Cambodian

"sweet-smelling tree"

Common Asian surname also works as a first, as with the singer Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power (and born Charlyn).

Evian

Variation of Evan, French place name

"God is gracious; water"

Evian might sound elegant, if you could forget the water. But, as noted in the 1999 movie Superstar , which features a female Evian, no one will. Or at least, they might feel the need to comment on…

Lileas

Scottish variation of Lily

Adds some thorns to the smooth texture of Lily.

Meara

Irish

"pool, lake"

A name that has many close, more familiar relatives, like Mira and Myra.

Merrin

Variation of Merryn or Mirren, Cornish or Irish, meaning unknown

Is Merrin a real name or a melodic invention? Singer Bo Bice brought this merry name to the public's attention when he chose it for his daughter, but most reliable baby name sources don't list it.…

Nanon

French, diminutive of Ann

Sweet and endearing, à la Mignon and Manon.

Rin

Japanese, Korean

"dignified, severe; jade, clear"

A very popular name for girls in Japan, though it is a unisex choice. It can mean "severe, cold", but also "dignified", "ethics" and "phosphorus", depending on the kanji used. It is notably used for…

Sacha

French variation of Sasha, Russian diminutive of Alexander, Greek

"defending warrior"

Sasha in all its forms -- which include Sacha and Sascha -- is rising in popularity for both boys and girls, especially with the Sasha spelling attached to one of the First Daughters. Sacha with this…