Not-So-Popular Favorites
- Adriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my master"Description:
This biblical name is getting wider notice. While Adrian has had its time in the limelight since the late 70s, parents are beginning to look for fresher alternatives. In the Bible, Adriel was the husband of Merab, a daughter of King Saul. Adriel, like other names ending in -el like Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel, is also the name of an angel. The angel Adriel is known as the Angel of Death. Adriel entered the charts in 2002, and has risen now into the Top 200.
- Alekzander
Description:
Alekzander is a distinctive modern spelling variation of Alexander, a classic name with ancient Greek origins meaning "defender of men" or "protector of mankind." This particular spelling incorporates the letter 'k' and 'z' to create a more unique, contemporary feel while preserving the traditional pronunciation. The name carries the impressive historical weight of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian conqueror who created one of history's largest empires. While the traditional Alexander remains consistently popular across many countries, this alternative spelling appeals to parents seeking the name's strong heritage with a touch of individuality. The distinctive spelling ensures the child stands out in records and rosters while still being connected to the name's rich historical tradition. Potential nicknames include Alek, Zander, or the familiar Alex.
- Ariah
Origin:
Hebrew or ItalianMeaning:
"lion of God or song"Description:
When actress Tamera Mowry named her daughter Ariah, she said it was a Hebrew name meaning "lion of God" -- which it is, if you consider Ariah a variation of Ariel. But many sources consider Ariah a spelling variation of the Italian Aria, meaning song or literally air.
- Astrid
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"divinely beautiful"Description:
Astrid has been a Scandinavian royal name since the tenth century, and many people associated it with the Swedish author of the Pippi Longstocking stories, Astrid Lindgren. Astrid is derived from the name Ástríðr, which is made up of the Old Norse elements that mean "god" and "beautiful."
- Aviana
Origin:
Variation of Avis, LatinMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Aviana is a name that's kinda like the megapopular Ava, and kinda like the popular Ariana, and not quite as widely appealing as either of them. But it's on everyone's scope now as the choice of actress Amy Adams for her new daughter -- ironic as she was quoted as saying she wanted a "normal" name. Turns out that Adams was born in Aviano, Italy, explaining the mystery. The first syllable of the name can be pronounced ah, ay, or (most commonly) to rhyme with have.
- Clary
Description:
Clary is a feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. It can be a diminutive of the Latin name Clara, meaning 'bright' or 'clear,' or it might derive from the herb clary sage, giving it botanical associations. In literature, the name gained some recognition through Cassandra Clare's 'The Mortal Instruments' series featuring a character named Clary Fray. The name has a bright, crisp sound with its short syllables and clear pronunciation. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Clary has maintained consistent if uncommon usage throughout the years. It appeals to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with both historical roots and contemporary appeal. The name's connection to nature through the clary sage plant also makes it appealing to those drawn to subtle botanical names.
- Cleo
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"glory"Description:
Cleo, one of the few girls' names to boast the cool-yet-lively o ending, is of course short for Cleopatra, the name of one of the most powerful women in history.
- Delanie
Description:
Delanie is a feminine name with Irish roots, derived from the surname Delaney, which originated from the Gaelic 'Dubh Sláine' meaning 'dark challenger' or 'from the dark river.' It emerged as a first name in the United States during the late 20th century as part of the trend of transforming surnames into given names. Delanie offers a softer, more feminine spelling variation of Delaney. The name combines a traditional heritage with a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking names that are distinct without being unusual. Its popularity increased in the early 2000s alongside similar names like Melanie and Stephanie, appreciated for its pleasant sound and subtle uniqueness.
- Freya
Origin:
NorseMeaning:
"a noble woman"Description:
Freya has long been popular in the U.K. but has only taken off in the US in the last decade, along with the entire category of mythological names. Derived from the Old Norse name Freyja, meaning "Lady, noble woman", Freya is the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
- Harland
Description:
Harland is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'hare land' or 'land of the hares,' referring to an area populated by these animals. As a traditional surname that transitioned to a first name, Harland has a dignified, classic quality. It reached modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, partly due to the influence of industrialist Harland Sanders (better known as Colonel Sanders of KFC fame). The name conveys strength and reliability, with its solid consonants and connection to the land. While never extremely common, Harland maintains steady usage among parents drawn to vintage names with natural associations. The nickname 'Harley' offers a more casual alternative for everyday use.
- India
Origin:
Place name, from the River IndusDescription:
Euphonious and long stylish in England, India was one of the fastest-rising names on the 2013 list, after jumping 240 spots back into the Top 1000.
- Izaac
Description:
Izaac is a distinctive variation of the traditional biblical name Isaac, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'he will laugh' or 'he will rejoice.' This particular spelling with a 'z' and double 'a' gives the classic name a modern, stylish twist while maintaining its historical significance. In the Bible, Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, born to them in their old age. The name has enjoyed consistent popularity across many cultures and religions for centuries. The Izaac variant appeals to parents seeking a name with deep roots but a contemporary feel, setting their son apart with this unique orthographic interpretation of a timeless classic.
- Jacoby
Origin:
Variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jacoby, a surname spin on Jacob shot up the charts in the middle of the 2000's, thanks largely to the popularity of Jacoby Ellsbury, the first Native American of Navajo descent in the Major Leagues, but has been dropping steadily since it peaked at Number 423 in 2008. As of 2022, it dropped out of the US Top 1000 and is given to around 170 boys each year.
- Jules
Origin:
Latin; GreekMeaning:
"youthful; soft, downy"Description:
Jules is one of the adorable boyish nicknames newly fashionable for girls. It's rarer than Billie, with a cool and casual feel. It's use in the popular TV series Euphoria - where the character of Jules Vaughn was portrayed by Hunter Schafer - brought this name into the spotlight.
- Leith
Origin:
Scottish river nameMeaning:
"wet"Description:
This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt Laith in Scotland itself, which happens to correspond to an Arabic name meaning 'lion'.
- Lotus
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"lotus flower"Description:
Lotus is one of the most languorous of the flower names, with intriguing significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism, symbolizing purity, grace and spiritual growth — not to mention a familiar yoga position.
- Odessa
Origin:
Ukrainian place-nameDescription:
Odessa, a Ukrainian port city, was given its name by Catherine the Great, who was inspired by Homer's Odyssey. It would make an original and intriguing choice.
- Orion
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"boundary, limit"Description:
Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones.
- Osric
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"divine ruler"Description:
Clad in armor. But while this name may have been forbiddingly antiquated not that long ago, the connection to the trendy nickname Os or Oz makes it a real possibility.
- Poppy
Origin:
English from LatinMeaning:
"red flower"Description:
Poppy, unlike most floral names which are sweet and feminine, has a lot of spunk. Long popular throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Poppy is finally starting to rise toward the top in the US, where it entered the Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.