Some names I like recently

Tatum

English

"Tate's homestead"

Tatum is strong, distinctive, energetic, and recommended, especially if your last name is as congenial as O'Neal. The name is now used for both genders, with the balance running about two to one in…

Carmen

Spanish variation of Carmel or Latin

"garden or song"

Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born…

Brisa

Spanish

"breeze"

Brisa is commonly used in Latino families, all but unheard of in others.

Dustin

German

"brave warrior"

Just a few years ago, Dustin, Dylan, and Daryl seemed like radical, edgy names for girls; now even Great-aunt Alberta wouldn't raise an eyebrow.

Elka

Latinization of Elke, Scandinavian diminutive of Adelheid

"noble one"

Much more manageable than the full form of the name. Possible international alternative to Ella.

Kasen

A simple, unusual, and modern-sounding Danish variation of Katherine.

Zosia

Variant of Sophia, Greek

"wisdom"

This unusual and alluring choice was used by David Mamet for his daughter, who is now grown and an actress on the hit show Girls .