-ian/-ien/-ion

Lilian is the far less popular than the 'Lillian' spelling. To avoid a lifetime of mistakes and misspellings, we suggest you go with the Lillian spelling, which also looks more polished on paper. Whichever spelling you prefer, these names are benefitting from the fashion for girls' names starting with L.

The Darien spelling, which relates to the posh Connecticut town, peaked at Number 393 in 1994 but more recently has been just hanging on at the bottom of the Top 1000. Still, a name with an appealing sound and feel that may ascend again.

The Greek mythological hunter who was turned into a constellation is much more often used for boys.

Vivien (Scarlett O'Hara) Leigh was born Vivian. Some sources give Vivien as a relative of the Irish goddess name Bebinn and a literary name invented by Tennyson. Others say it's related to the Latin-based Viviana, meaning life. This spelling of the name is as legitimate as many others.

Fine in France, but here it means vegetables sliced into thin strips.

A male name occasionally borrowed by the girls, as in Dorian Cramer, a long-running female character on the soap One Life to Live and famous midcentury model Dorian Leigh.

Dalian is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Welsh elements 'dal' meaning 'to hold' and 'ian' meaning 'God is gracious,' suggesting 'God holds graciously.' Alternatively, it could relate to the Chinese city of Dalian, making it a place name turned personal name. Some consider it a variation of names like Dallen or Dylan. The name has a strong, melodic quality with its balanced syllables. Dalian remains quite rare in Western naming practices but may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with cross-cultural resonance. Its uncommon status gives it a fresh, contemporary feel despite potential ancient roots.

Gian sounds (almost) like John, so there's some potential for confusion, but the spelling makes it unmistakeably Italian. It could be a solution if longer names like Gianni and Gianluca aren't your style.

This vivid reddish orange color name is an undiscovered possibility -- kind of a female equivalent of Cerulean for boys.

Unusual option, with a Waspy Connecticut air.

Also spelled as Sébastien, this is the French and Czech form of the cotemporary (yet ancient) favorite, Sebastian. Derived from the name of ancient city who got its name from a Greek word for "venerable", this spelling adds something gentler and elegant to to the name.

Veridian is a variation on Viridiana or Viridis, meaning green. Veridian is also the name of an American aeronautical company, so we recommend you stick with the alternatives.

Carnelian is an ochre-colored semi-precious gemstone, named after a type of cherry.

With the new trend of boys' names rising on the heels of their popular sisters, the unusual-yet-familiar-feeling Emilian might become better known thanks to its relationship to Emily and Emilia/Amelia. Rather than being two branches of the same tree, Emilian and Emily are actually one tree while Emmett and Emma hang on a whole separate tree. But all have a lot of modern appeal, and Emilian may be a more attractive and intriguing male form than Emil. There was a St. Emilian.

A much prettier and feminine version of the boys name Ryan which is starting to be used for girls, while still retaining the Irish feel and the regal meaning.

This name was used by Shakespeare (who got it from Plutarch) in Antony and Cleopatra for one of the attendants of the Egyptian queen. An interesting possibility, it is heard occasionally in the UK, even less frequently in the US.

Adriene is a feminine name that serves as a variant spelling of Adrienne, the French feminine form of Adrian. Originating from the Latin name Hadrianus, it refers to someone from Hadria (modern Adria), an ancient town in northern Italy. The spelling Adriene offers a slightly simplified version while maintaining the sophisticated sound of the traditional form. Though less common than Adrienne, this variant has maintained steady if modest usage. The name carries connotations of elegance and refinement with its French associations, while still feeling accessible. Notable bearers include various actresses and writers, though the spelling Adriene is less frequently seen in public figures than Adrienne. The name combines classical roots with a gentle, feminine sound.

An intriguing and rare variant of Alice.

We see no reason to add an extra "L" to Maximilian -- it's long enough as is.