Contemporary without feeling overtly modern, Elora is a winning mix of elements and sounds. It's got the popular El-prefix of Eleanor, Eloise, and Elliana, the -ora ending ef Aurora, Cora, and Nora — and while it is three syllables, it looks concise and unfussy, rather like Eliza or Elena.

Variously spelled Annalise and Annaliese as well as several other forms, this is not a modern smoosh but a traditional German combo-name with a definite Heidi-esque feel.

A name with many spelling variations, including Malek, Melik, and Maliq, Malik is a popular name of Arabic and Semetic origin that is used internationally as both a given name and a surname. In terms of meaning, it can be considered a royal name meaning "king", though other sources suggest it is an alternative transcription of Maalik, making "owner, possessor" a more accurate meaning.

This simplified version is not nearly as popular as the original (it also destroys a perfectly good palindrome), and has been on the decline in recent years.

The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.

Spelling variation of Philip. Exactly as many baby boys were named with the single 'l' spelling in 2017.

Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.

As with many grandmother-y names, this choice may be coming back into style.

Darius is a historic name via Emperor Darius the Great, a key figure in ancient Persian history, and several other Persian kings. His name today has an appealingly artistic image, which might well be found on a concert program or gallery announcement.

First-wave Irish name and place name—the poetic name for Ireland—now supplanted by newer alternatives such as Maeve and Delaney.

Aurore is a feminine name of Latin origin meaning 'dawn.' It's the French form of Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The name evokes images of daybreak, new beginnings, and golden light. In French-speaking countries, particularly France and Canada, Aurore has maintained steady popularity over the centuries. The name carries an air of classic elegance and natural beauty. Its literary connections include the protagonist of George Sand's novel 'Histoire de ma vie.' While less common in English-speaking regions, Aurore offers an alternative to the more widely used Aurora. The name's soft sounds and romantic associations give it a timeless quality. Parents might choose Aurore for its subtle French sophistication or meaningful connection to light and renewal.

Nouveau spelling remained in the US Top 300 for all of the 1990s. With the traditional spelling still a highly popular choice, a child bearing the Nickolas version could be accused of misspelling his own name.

This spelling of the classic name is found in France, Germany, Greece, and other cultures, and is worn by such notables as Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth Shue, Elisabeth Moss, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. The name's pronunciation is usually just like the Z version, but some parents choose this because they want to discourage the Liz or Lizzie short forms and so pronounce it as if it has Lisa in the middle.

Adds a soupcon of French flair to some old classics with the currently trendy ae ending.

A "modernization" of Leonora that has suddenly come back on the radar along with the many other Leo names--both male and female. With literary cred via a famous eponymous poem by Edgar Allan Poe (and also in his even more famous The Raven,) Lenore was steadily in the top half of the popularity list until the mid-fifties, falling off in 1973. Cameron Diaz played a Lenore in The Green Hornet.

Derived from the Latin word aemulus, Emil is a name with international appeal. Concise and sturdy but with the gentle Em sound, Emil is popular across Europe, from Azerbaijan to Finland, from Germany to Norway, and Denmark. Alternative spelling Emile also ranks highly in Belgium and Canada.

Lawrence is the dominant spelling in the US, but in the UK Laurence and Lawrence are given in almost equal numbers each year, often with the adorable nickname Laurie or Lawrie. British actor Sir Laurence Olivier is a famous bearer.

Maye is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, primarily derived from the Old French word 'mai' referring to the month of May, symbolizing springtime, renewal, and growth. Alternatively, it may come from the Irish Gaelic 'Mágh' meaning 'plain' or serve as a variant of Mae or May. The name carries a vintage charm that has experienced modest revivals in contemporary naming trends. Notably, the name gained some recognition through Maye Musk, model and mother of entrepreneur Elon Musk. With its short, sweet sound and positive seasonal associations, Maye offers simplicity with substance. Its single-syllable clarity combined with the distinctive 'ye' ending creates a name that balances classic appeal with a touch of uniqueness.

Alecia is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Alicia, which itself derives from the Germanic name Adelaide, meaning 'noble type' or 'noble kind.' This particular spelling variation gained popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive ways to spell traditional names. Alecia offers a slightly different visual appearance while maintaining the familiar pronunciation of Alicia (usually ah-LEE-sha or ah-LEE-see-ah). The name carries associations with nobility and refinement from its etymological roots while also feeling contemporary and accessible. Despite never reaching the popularity heights of Alicia or its variant Alyssa, Alecia provides a balance between recognizability and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking familiar sounds with distinctive spelling.