27/2016

Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be yes.

This alternative and modern spelling of Leo is popular with German- and Dutch-speaking parents and features in the charts in Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. While it's less popular in English-speaking coutntries, there has been a quiet but not insubstantial increase in the number of boys given the name. 2024 saw it given to 44 babies in the US, compared to just 20 a few years earlier.

Lothar is cloddish, till you add a dashing io to the end...

Luiz is the Portuguese variation of Louis, a classic masculine name with Frankish and German origins. The name derives from the Germanic elements 'hlod' meaning 'famous' and 'wig' meaning 'warrior,' together conveying the sense of 'famous warrior' or 'renowned fighter.' Particularly common in Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries, Luiz maintains the strong heritage of its origin while featuring the distinctive 'z' ending characteristic of Portuguese adaptation. The name has been borne by numerous notable figures including Brazilian soccer players, musicians, and political figures. Though less common in English-speaking countries than Luis (the Spanish form) or Louis, Luiz offers a distinctive international flair while remaining relatively easy to pronounce across languages.

Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.

Magdalena is a pretty name forever associated with the fallen-yet-redeemed Mary Magdalen; often heard in the Hispanic community. But forward thinking parents are reviving Magdalena along with Magdalene and the unrelated but similar-sounding Marguerite.

Malea, for familiar to Americans spelled Malia as in Malia Obama, is a Top 100 name in Germany and Switzerland. In the US, only about 40 baby girls were named Malea last year, versus 1100 named Malia.

This pretty sea-born name was used to dramatic effect by Shakespeare in his play Pericles for the virtuous princess who says she is "Call'd Marina, for I was born at sea."

Marlen is a feminine name with multiple origins, functioning as a contracted form of Marlene (itself derived from Maria Magdalene) or as a variant of Marlin. In Slavic languages, particularly Russian, it gained popularity during the Soviet era as an ideological name created from the components 'Marx' and 'Lenin.' In Western contexts, it's often seen as a more streamlined version of Marlene, made famous by actress Marlene Dietrich. The name has a crisp, modern sound despite its historical roots. Marlen has maintained modest usage across various cultures but never reached widespread popularity in English-speaking countries. Its cross-cultural versatility and concise, gender-neutral sound appeal to contemporary parents seeking a name that's distinctive yet accessible.

Megan originally evolved from Meg, which itself derived as a nickname for Margaret. Margaret ultimately comes from the Greek word margarites, meaning "pearl." Megan is no longer a common nickname for Margaret—it is most often used as a full name. Other spellings include Meghan, Meagan, Megyn, and Meaghan.

Milla originated as a diminutive of names like Camilla and Ludmilla, but has since become well established as a name in its own right in several European countries. Milla Jovovich is a Ukrainian-born actress and supermodel, while Milla is also used for a character in the novel and musical adaptation, Wicked.

A child might like to have a name connected to the legendary Quirin stone, which, when placed on a sleeping person's head, prompts him to expose his secret thoughts.

Sky is an ambigender nature name that was first legitimized as the character of Sky Masterson in the 1950 musical Guys and Dolls, played in the film version by Marlon Brando. It's a name we appreciate for its clear, wide-open feel, less hippyish than others like Rainbow and Starlight, and makes an appealing middle name possibility.

Sophie is the French form of the Greek Sophia, for which it is also commonly used as a nickname. Given Sophia's long standing among the Top 10 girl names in the US, Sophie may feel more popular than it actually is.

Susi is a charming feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Susanna or Susan, names derived from the Hebrew Shoshannah meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This short form is particularly common in German, Finnish, and Hungarian-speaking regions, though it appears across many European cultures. Susi carries a sweet, friendly quality with its soft sounds and approachable nature. While often used as a nickname, it has established itself as an independent given name in many countries. The name exudes a casual warmth and vintage appeal, reminiscent of mid-20th century preferences. Though not typically among top-ranking names, Susi has maintained steady usage, particularly in Central European countries. Its international recognition makes it work well across language barriers while retaining its affectionate, familiar character.

Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.

The presidential Tyler rocketed up popularity charts in the late 1980s and early 1990s (it ranked Number 9 for that entire decade), along with cousin Taylor, becoming almost pandemic across the land-- and to make matters more confusing, both (especially Taylor) have been used for girls as well.

Viktoria is the Eastern European and Germanic spelling of Victoria, a name derived from Latin meaning 'victory.' This variation maintains the powerful meaning while giving it a distinctive continental European flair. Particularly popular in countries like Russia, Germany, Hungary, and across Eastern Europe, Viktoria carries a sense of strength and triumph. The 'k' spelling gives the name a sharp, dynamic quality that differs slightly from the softer 'c' version. While less common in English-speaking countries, global connections have increased its usage worldwide. Viktoria combines classical heritage with cross-cultural appeal, making it both timeless and contemporary for parents seeking a name with established roots but a distinctive character.

Xaver is a masculine name with German and Bavarian origins, functioning as a variant of Xavier. The name ultimately derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house,' and was popularized by St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. While Xavier (or Javier in Spanish) is widely recognized internationally, Xaver represents a more regionally specific Germanic form, particularly common in Bavaria, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name has a strong, distinctive sound and the uncommon initial 'X' gives it a bold, memorable quality. Despite being less familiar in English-speaking countries, Xaver offers an intriguing international alternative with authentic historical usage.