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This female form of the ancient Latin Aelian has an appealing sound, though kids might have a hard time handling that initial "ae" spelling. Just remember that the "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think Aesop's fables).The Annals of Aeliana is a children's fantasy series by Ryan Watters. The meaning is uncertain but is thought to derive from the Greek helios, which means sun.

Cyan is a highly unusual blue-green color name, a classmate of Celadon and Cerulean. It does come with the homey nickname Cy.

Basque name for a Spanish city where the Virgin Mary appeared in medieval times, now a popular girls' name throughout Spain.

Rhythmic route to the nickname Cal. This musical moniker is another great example of a traditionally feminine name that could easily go masculine.

As flower names become more unique, so can gem names move beyond Ruby and Pearl to names like Topaz, Sapphire, and Peridot. Amethyst, the purple birthstone for February, has never been in the Top 1000, but could have some appeal, joining similarly-hued Violet and Lilac, all of which make great names for Aquarius babies or names for February babies.

More uncommon and powerful than garden varieties like Rose and Lily. Named for Scottish botanist Dr Alexander Garden.

This short-but-strong name is popular for boys in The Netherlands. While Cass is usually a female name in the U.S., it feels just as right for boys.

Starla is a feminine name that emerged in mid-20th century America as a creative elaboration of the word 'star.' This celestial-inspired name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and early 1980s, reflecting the era's interest in nature-themed and inventive names. With its glamorous connotations and cosmic imagery, Starla suggests brilliance, aspiration, and uniqueness. The name carries a distinctly Americana quality while evoking the beauty of the night sky. Though never extremely common, Starla developed a steady following, particularly in Southern states. The melodic combination of 'star' with the feminine 'la' ending creates a name that feels simultaneously familiar and distinctive.

Brennon is a masculine name that evolved as a variant of Brendan or Brandon. It has Irish and Gaelic roots, where the original form Brendan means "prince" or "little raven." The distinctive spelling with the double 'n' and 'on' ending gives it a modern flair while maintaining its traditional heritage. Brennon gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, though it has never ranked among the top 100 names. Parents often choose Brennon for its strong sound and slightly unique spelling that sets it apart from more common variants. The name carries connotations of strength and leadership, reflecting its princely origins.

Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorne? The E ending gives it a surnamey spin à la Hawthorne.

The spiritual sounding Kiva has a number of other-worldly associations. Kiva is a "Stargate" character who becomes a commander in the Lucian Alliance, as well as a planet in "Star Wars." Kiva is also the name of a room used by the Hopi for spiritual ceremonies.

Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.

An ubercool and mysterious name, brought to you by director M. Night Shyamalan.

Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.

One of several snowy options, this one lacking a tie to a specific place: an asset.

Elania is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, most commonly seen as a variation of Elena or Elaine. These roots trace back to Greek (Helena, meaning "bright, shining light") or Provençal French origins (Elaine, a variant of Helen). The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its four syllables and soft consonants. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Elania has gained modest popularity for its elegant sound and classical feel with a modern twist. The name carries associations with light, beauty, and brightness. The addition of the 'ia' ending gives it a more elaborate, romantic quality compared to simpler forms like Elena.

Offbeat and romantic place-name.

Actress Flockhart popularized the C version, but this works, too.

Associated with a spring festival, this name is used by both Muslims and Christians.

Sylvianne is an elegant feminine name that represents an elaborate extension of Sylvia, which derives from Latin 'silva' meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' The addition of the French-inspired suffix '-anne' creates a more ornate, sophisticated variation that maintains the nature-inspired roots while adding a touch of romantic flair. This melodic four-syllable name carries an air of classical femininity with a European sensibility, particularly French or Belgian influence. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Sylvianne may have more presence in Francophone regions. The name evokes images of woodland grace and natural beauty while its flowing pronunciation offers a lyrical quality. For parents seeking a name with classical roots but distinctive presentation, Sylvianne provides an uncommon alternative to more familiar forms like Sylvia or Sylvie.