Bella Fav Names

Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the pseudonym of Romona Lofton, who wrote the book Push, which was turned into the movie Precious. Sapphire entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2022, and is proving to be one of the freshest gem names for girls. Another intriguing variation is the lovely Sapphira.

Salem is a biblical place-name in Canaan, believed to be the same as Jerusalem. Americans may be more familiar with Salem as the name of the Massachusetts town famous for its witch trials in the late 1600s. It's also a popular Arabic name widely-used for both genders.

Jolie is as pretty as its literal meaning; nowadays it is also seen as a girls’ name, via Angelina for whom Jolie was originally her middle name.

Peaking at #9 in 1982, Crystal's popularity in the 70s and 80s stems from its sparkling natural namesake and several notable bearers, like country music singer Crystal Gayle and Dynasty character Krystle Carrington. But it has since lost some of its luster for American parents, now ranking in the mid-600s. Ruby, Gemma and Pearl are fashionable alternatives, but nowadays Crystal could actually be a more unexpected choice for your little gem.

Cadmus is the name of the serpent-slaying hero of Greek mythology who also founded the city of Thebes and is credited with inventing the alphabet. Its ancient feel might appeal to modern parents — especially since Cadmus Peverell is a human Harry Potter character, one of the three original owners of the Deathly Hallows.

Sadly, this strong Celtic name often has "of the sorrows" attached to it because of the tragic character in Irish legend. Also a bit drab when compared with newer Irish imports.

Eddy, recently used by Celine Dion for one of her twin boys, was chosen to honor Eddy Marnay, who produced her first five records. Though less common a nickname for Edward than Eddie, Eddy is used more often on its own.

This is one of the most vibrant and feminine of the names meaning life, and it's sure to gain more attention as the whole sisterhood of Viv- names rise.

The name of a character in the once scandalous novel Valley of the Dolls now sounds a little more dated than the similar Arden.

If your ancestry is Italian, you may want to consider this elegant twist on a classic.

The combined inspiration of reggae master Bob and the dog-loving romp "Marley and Me" catapulted this name up the chart in recent years. But what goes up....

There may have been a time when Americans who heard this name thought of something other than the rapper Ludacris, and there may come another such time at some point in the future, but for now, it's probably best left to the man who was born Christopher Bridges.

Eston is a masculine name with English origins, primarily derived from Old English elements meaning 'east town' or 'eastern settlement.' It began as a surname indicating someone who came from a place called Eston before transitioning to use as a given name. Eston has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has seen occasional usage in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has a strong, traditional sound while still feeling somewhat unique in modern contexts. Eston conveys a sense of stability and geographic connection.

Kursten is a modern feminine name variation of Kirsten or Kristen, which ultimately derive from the Christian name meaning 'follower of Christ.' This particular spelling variant, with its distinctive 'u' and 'e' combination, emerged in the late 20th century during a trend toward unique spellings of traditional names. The name maintains the gentle strength of its traditional counterparts while offering a more individualized presentation. Kursten remains relatively uncommon, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking familiar sounds with distinctive spelling. The name carries the same religious connotations as its root forms while providing the bearer with a sense of uniqueness. Its contemporary feel balances well with its traditional origins.