Whimsical Winsome Names

Severin is an ancient Roman family name borne by several early saints. It's still alive throughout Europe, and could be ready for import here. Severin Winter is a wrestling prodigy character in John Irving's The 158-Pound Marriage and, in its original Latin form, Severus Snape appears in Harry Potter.

If you like names that are not really names -- some say, the wave of the future -- Harbor has an attractive sound as well as an appealing meaning and image.

Fara is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, giving it a rich cross-cultural significance. In Arabic, Fara can mean "joy" or "happiness," while in Persian it may relate to "glory" or "splendor." Some sources also connect it to the Latin word for "traveler." The name appears in various cultures including Middle Eastern, North African, and European traditions, though with different etymological roots. Fara offers a simple yet melodious sound with its two open syllables and flowing vowels. While never extremely common in the United States, the name has seen intermittent usage throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Its brevity, pleasant sound, and positive meanings make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with international appeal.

A variation of the popular Caden, Kayden, Kaden, and so on, Caiden is in the US Top 500 and the UK Top 1000. When you combine all the spelling variations however, Caiden begins to feel and sound like a Top 20 choice in the States.

The name of a type of nautical knot and the surname of an English soccer star feels very at home in a world of Kendricks and Merricks.

The French Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne put the spotlight on this name when she made the charts with "Sk8er Boi". It is simply the French form of April, the fourth month of the year, whose name might derive from the Latin aperire meaning "to open" in reference to the start of spring in the Northern hemisphere. Other sources suggest it comes from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Oceane (oh-see-EN) has been one of the chicest names in France for several years, ranking in the French Top 50. This is a sophisticated name that could easily cross the ocean, and is much more stylish than the English Ocean or Oceana.

Cute and eminently wearable surname name for girls.

Lydie is a feminine name with French origins, representing the French form of Lydia. The name traces back to ancient times, derived from the historic region of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The name means 'from Lydia' and has connections to the ancient Greek culture. In France and French-speaking regions, Lydie has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its elegant simplicity and classical roots. The name has a delicate, refined quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce. While less common in English-speaking countries than the form Lydia, Lydie offers a subtle French twist that appeals to parents seeking names with European flair. The name carries associations with culture and refinement, reflecting its ancient heritage and continued use in sophisticated naming traditions.

We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.

Dominie is an uncommon masculine name with Scottish and Dutch connections. Historically, it was used as a title for schoolmasters or ministers in Scotland, derived from the Latin 'dominus' meaning 'master' or 'lord.' In Dutch communities, 'dominee' similarly referred to a minister or preacher. As a personal name, Dominie has literary connections, appearing in works by Scottish authors like Sir Walter Scott. The name carries connotations of education, leadership, and spiritual guidance. While rare in contemporary use, it offers an intellectual and distinguished quality. The name might appeal to parents with Scottish or Dutch heritage or those seeking a name with historical depth and scholarly associations. Its uncommon nature makes it a distinctive choice.

Fresh, evocative choice.

Charming Dickensian route to Nick.