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.

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.

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

Alvia is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Latin roots, possibly related to 'albus' meaning 'white' or 'bright,' suggesting purity or clarity. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Alvah, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'sublimity' or 'exalted one.' In some cultures, Alvia appears as a masculine variant of Alvina or Alba. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality. It carries a gentle yet dignified sound that balances traditional masculine qualities with a certain softness. Alvia has seen occasional use across different European cultures but has never reached widespread popularity in any particular region.

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.

Looking for a discreet poetic name? Extremely popular Indian actress Kavya Madhavan is a notable bearer of this lovely Indian name.

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.

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.

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.

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

Cute, distinctive diminutive for this regal-sounding name.

An epithet of Lord Vishnu in Hindu legend.

Manervia is an uncommon feminine name with possible roots in Latin or Greek origins. It may be a variant of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and the arts. The name carries connotations of intelligence, creativity, and strategic thinking. Manervia remains quite rare in contemporary usage, giving it a distinctive quality for those who bear it. This uniqueness can be appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with classical undertones. While not frequently found in modern birth records, Manervia has appeared occasionally throughout history, particularly in the 19th century in some regions of the United States and Europe.

This female version of Levi is much too apt to be mistaken for Livia.

Aviyah is a masculine Hebrew name with deep biblical connections. Derived from the Hebrew elements 'avi' meaning 'my father' and 'yah,' a reference to God, the name translates to 'my father is God' or 'God is my father.' In the Bible, Aviyah (sometimes spelled Abijah) appears as the name of several figures, including a king of Judah. The name carries spiritual significance while offering the appealing nickname Avi. While traditional in Israel, Aviyah remains relatively uncommon in other countries, though interest in Hebrew names has grown internationally. The name conveys strength, faith, and a connection to ancient traditions. Its distinctive sound and meaningful etymology make it attractive for families seeking a name with spiritual depth and cultural resonance.

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