Olivia, a lovely Shakespearean name with an admirable balance of strength and femininity, is the Number 1 name for baby girls in the US and one of the top girls' names around the world.

The musical, sylvan Sylvia seems poised to join former friends Frances and Beatrice and Dorothy back in the nursery.

Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo.

Though it sounds like a chopped-off variation of Olivia, which means olive, the distinctively attractive Livia has been an independent name since the days of the ancient Romans, when it belonged to Livia Drusilla—the powerful wife of the Emperor Augustus—and is still commonly heard in modern Italy.

This original form of the name -- the more familiar Sylvia spelling came later -- seems more modern now.

Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.

Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.

Avia is one of those multi-cultural, vowel-heavy girls' names so popular today, along with such choices as Ayla and Aya.

An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.

While Alivia may not have achieved the megapopularity of its mother name, it's still a widely used choice. Alivia combines the trendiness of A names with the trendiness of Olivia to create a choice that's slightly off the beaten track -- slightly being the operative word here. Is the distinction the initial A earns you worth a lifetime of explaining, "No, it's Alivia, with an A, not Olivia"? Your call, though ours would be no.

Another name for the herb sage -- which sounds younger and more modern than this version.

Elvia is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the elements 'alb' or 'elf' meaning 'white' or 'fair.' It can be considered a variation of names like Elva or Alba. Popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities, Elvia has a delicate, melodious quality that gives it enduring appeal. The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has become less common in recent decades. Despite its relative rarity, Elvia maintains a timeless elegance and cross-cultural versatility. The name often evokes associations with brightness, purity, and beauty, making it an understated yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots.

An epithet of Lord Vishnu in Hindu legend.

Zenovia makes Zenobia even more unusual. This mythology-adjacent name is worth a look.

Nevia is a feminine name with Latin roots, possibly derived from 'nevis' meaning 'snow' or connected to the ancient Roman clan name Naevius. It may also be related to the Latin word 'novus' meaning 'new.' In Italian, 'neve' means snow, giving the name winter associations. Nevia has a delicate, melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has seen some use in Italy and Latin communities. The name offers an elegant alternative to more popular names like Olivia or Sophia, with a similar romantic sound but greater distinctiveness. Parents might be drawn to Nevia for its classical roots, gentle sound, and relative rarity, providing uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.

Akavya is an uncommon masculine name with possible Hebrew origins, potentially derived from the name of the Talmudic sage Akavya ben Mahalalel. In this context, it carries connotations of wisdom and scholarly dedication. The name may also have connections to other cultural traditions, as its phonetic elements appear in various Middle Eastern and African naming conventions. Akavya remains extremely rare in contemporary usage, making it a distinctive choice. The name has a melodic quality with its alternating vowels and consonants, and parents might select it for its uniqueness, potential spiritual significance, or to honor cultural heritage.

Tuvia is the Hebrew cognate of Tobias or Tobiah, found in the Bible and used in this form in Israel. The film "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" included a character named Tuvia, who was female, pointing to the biggest downside of this name to the English-speaking ear: It sounds quite feminine.

Shelvia is a feminine name of modern American origin, likely created as a variation of Sylvia or possibly a combination of shell/Shelley with feminine endings like -via or -ia. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. Shelvia emerged primarily in the mid-20th century when creative and distinctive names became more popular in American naming practices. While never reaching mainstream popularity, it appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet remains uncommon. The name carries a gentle, feminine energy with a subtle connection to nature through its potential association with 'shell.' Shelvia projects a delicate elegance while maintaining individuality, making it an understated choice that balances uniqueness with accessibility.

Evia is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Eva or Eve, names meaning "life" or "living one" with Hebrew origins. Alternatively, Evia could reference the Greek island of the same name (Εύβοια/Evia or Euboea). In some Slavic contexts, it might relate to names like Ewa or Evija. The name has a delicate, flowing quality with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds. While not widely popular, Evia has seen modest usage in various European countries and in the United States. Parents might choose this name for its subtle connection to traditional names while offering a unique alternative. Evia's cross-cultural potential and pleasant phonetics give it versatility without being overly common.