Bloom at Dawn

Eirene, modernized to Irene, was the Greek goddess of peace. Eirene or Irene was also the name of an early empress and several saints.

While both Elaine and Elena are on an upward trajectory, Elaina has shifted up and down the charts in recent years, making no big moves in either direction. Steadily used, this blend of the two could make it clearer which pronunciation is preferred.

With its sharp, succinct sounds and cool, laidback style, Eli is a popular choice among parents today. Compact and punchy, it is a Biblical name with plenty of charm.

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.

While the etymology of the name is unclear, it's most likely a contraction of Eliora or Elnora. Despite the uncertain heritage, it's a winning construction, based on its El- prefix, the feminine three-syllable flow, and the a ending. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2015, and by 2023, Elora was one of the fastest rising girl names.

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.

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

Ezyra is an uncommon masculine name with contemporary origins, likely representing a modern creation or variation of existing names. It may be a novel spelling of Ezra, a Hebrew name meaning 'help' or 'helper,' with added stylistic elements. The distinct 'zy' combination gives the name a modern, unique quality while maintaining some connection to traditional naming patterns. Ezyra has a melodic three-syllable rhythm and an exotic feel. As a relatively new name invention, it has limited historical usage but may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive and contemporary. The name's rarity means it carries few preconceptions, allowing the bearer to define its character. Its unusual spelling provides a creative twist on more established names while creating a memorable identity.

Simple, delicate, and unusual.

Ferenc is well used in Hungary, where it has the intriguing nickname Ferko, it has been associated with the playwright Molnar.

Fintan is an ancient Irish saints' name that in legend is also the name of the only person to survive The Flood. Popular in modern Ireland, Fintan is ripe for export to the US where it is rarely used but could make an excellent long form for the stylish Finn.

A rugged Welsh name, reminiscent of Griffin, Gerard, and Gideon, Gethin is a familiar choice in the UK when it ranks in the Top 1000. Notable bearers include Game of Thrones actor Gethin Anthony, rugby player Gethin Jenkins, and TV presenter, Gethin Jones.

Grace, a simple and pure virtue name which originally referred to divine grace, is a fashionable classic. In the early 2000s, it seemed headed for the Top 10 but pulled back from the upward trajectory, which you may consider a very good thing.

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.

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.

Henry is well and truly back in style. The classic returned to the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and as of 2024, sits at Number 6. Like James and Theodore, Henry is a strong, traditional name that also manages to feel stylish and gentle.

Iliza is a feminine name with several possible origins: it may be a variant of Eliza (itself a shortening of Elizabeth, meaning 'pledged to God' in Hebrew), a form of the Slavic name Ilsa or Ilse, or a creative modern variation. The name carries a distinctive, exotic quality with its crisp pronunciation and balanced rhythm. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Iliza has gained some recognition through contemporary namesakes, including American comedian Iliza Shlesinger. The name's international versatility makes it adaptable across cultural contexts while maintaining an elegant, sophisticated feel. With its melodious sound and unusual status, Iliza offers a distinctive alternative to more common Elizabeth derivatives while retaining subtle connections to this timeless name tradition.

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

Jenah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Jena, which itself has several potential derivations including the Hebrew word for 'answer' or the Arabic word meaning 'paradise.' Some see it as a modern variation of Jana or Jennifer. The unique spelling with the 'h' ending gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining its connection to more traditional names. Jenah has a simple yet elegant sound with its two balanced syllables. While not among the most common names, it has seen occasional usage in the United States and other English-speaking countries since the late 20th century. The name's brevity and familiar sound pattern make it accessible while the spelling keeps it distinctive.

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.