Wonderfully Whimsical Names :)

Abram was Abraham's original name in the Bible; it's more user-friendly but with a bit less gravitas. And it does offer that cool nickname Bram, as well as the friendly Abe. After some early American usage, in 1936 Abram completely disappeared for nearly forty years, until its return in the 1970s.

Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.

Arya was derived from an Indo-Iranian word meaning "Aryan" or "noble." It is a masculine given name in Iran, Indonesia, Bali, and Sanskrit-speaking regions of India. In Hindu- and English-speaking parts of the world, Arya is more often a feminine name, the latter influenced by the similar Italian name Aria, meaning "air" or "song."

Parents are beginning to look at imposing, somewhat fusty-sounding names like this one with fresh eyes: they definitely make a strong statement.

As all good Anne of Green Gables buffs would know, Avonlea is the fictional Canadian town created by L. M. Montgomery that Anne Shirley considers home. The literary creation inspired a real Canadian town to adopt the name. Avonlea would make a lovely literary choice for any baby, and would fit in with the Ava and "-lee" naming trends right now.

Azalea is one of the fresher flower names, along with Zinnia and Lilac, that are new to the name bouquet — in fact, it entered the Social Security list for the first time in 2012. So if Lily and Rose are too tame for you, consider this brilliant pink springtime blossom with a touch of the unusual that has been growing in popularity.

Bailby is an uncommon masculine name with Old English origins. It likely developed as a surname before transitioning to a given name, deriving from a combination of 'bail' (enclosed land) and 'by' (settlement or dwelling), elements found in many place names of Norse-influenced regions of England. As a first name, Bailby remains exceptionally rare, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. The name carries connotations of rural heritage and landed traditions, potentially appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth yet distinctive sound patterns that set it apart from more common alternatives.

Bennett is Ben with a bow tie, kind of a cross between Benjamin and Beckett. It's been trending up on the popularity charts in recent years, and its choice by The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's Jane Krakowski could shoot it even higher.

Bernard is obviously a saint's name, but how did it get to the big, benevolent dog? The eleventh century monk, patron saint of mountain climbers, who lived in the Alps, was famed for setting up safe houses for pilgrims on their way to Rome over the treacherous St. Bernard Pass, and the canine breed, also used to rescue people in treacherous conditions, was named for him.

Desmond is a sophisticated and debonair name, with noble ties to 1984 Nobel Peace Prize-winning Bishop Desmond Tutu, and with some great nicknames: Des/Dez, Desi/Dezi.

Ealanor appears to be a rare variant spelling of Eleanor, a name with ancient Greek origins via the Provençal name Aliénor. The traditional Eleanor derives from the Greek word 'helios' meaning 'sun' or possibly from 'heleos' meaning 'compassion'. This uncommon spelling variation maintains the elegant sound of the original while offering a distinctive written form. Eleanor has been borne by numerous queens and noble women throughout history, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the most powerful women in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. While Ealanor is extremely rare, it carries the same sophisticated and classic essence of its more common counterpart.

Edeena is a feminine name with a soft, melodious quality. It appears to be a variant spelling of Edina or a feminine elaboration of Eden. If derived from Eden, it carries the beautiful meaning of 'place of pleasure, delight' referring to the biblical paradise garden. The additional syllable and unique spelling give Edeena a more elaborate, romantic character while maintaining connections to these established names. The name has a timeless, somewhat exotic feel that bridges ancient references with contemporary style. Extremely rare in usage, Edeena appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible in pronunciation. The name evokes images of verdant gardens and natural beauty, projecting a serene, peaceful quality. Its gentle sounds and flowing syllables create a name that feels both dignified and delicate, suitable for a person of any age.

Elton is an unassuming, lesser-used place name belonging to several towns in the British Isles, the US and Canada, and even a lake in Russia. The singer Elton John gives it a bit of extra pizzazz.

The great American novelist sets this above many other surnames (and nature names, for that matter), but it's still an imposing and adventurous choice. Do nicknames Hawk or Thorne make it more approachable? How about Hank or Hal instead?

Lilith is derived from the Akkadian word lilitu meaning "of the night." In Jewish folklore she is portrayed as Adam's rejected first wife, who was turned into a night demon for refusing to obey him. Lilith is unrelated to most other Lil- names, with the exception of Lilita, which is the Latvian variation.

This image of this distinguished Anglo-Scottish surname, drawn from the French place name of the ancient castle of Saint Foi de Montgomery, is rapidly shifting from fusty and formal to cool. And dashing short form Monty (or Monte) nudges it to cute.