Name options for kids

This Native American tribe name is an attractive option for a boy or a girl. Tia Mowry used it for her son in 2011.

Highly unusual as a baby name for either gender, Yarrow is an herb that grows wild and has long been used for its medicinal property. It's named for the mythical Achilles, who was said to carry yarrow into battle.

A handsome, spruced-up post-Bruce tree name.

There is a whole new species of bird names open to the baby namer, from the light and feminine Lark to the sleek and powerful Falcon.

An ancient Roman name rarely heard in modern times, though the related VARINA appears in Slavic families.

Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.

Australian opera singer Nellie Melba—self-named for her hometown of Melbourne—inspired this now-dated name more associated today with a peach dessert and dietetic toast.

Lúthien Tinúviel is an elf princess in J. R. R. Tolkien’s legendarium, who falls in love with a mortal human, Beren, and chooses to become mortal herself rather than to live without him. Tinúviel is a Sindarin name given to her by Beren, meaning "daughter of twilight" and therefore "nightingale".

If you're actually considering this as a name for your child, you must have had a glass too many. But it's an awesome name for a white cat.

Lilium is the genus of the lily family and may make an interesting spin on Lillian, for those looking for something distinctive but familiar, wearable but with a touch of unexpected flair. Since the 2000s, a small handful of girls have been given this name in the US.

An energetic Japanese name that would make for an on-trend choice in the English-speaking world. Especially appropriate for a first-born son.

A spelling variation of Kylie, an Aboriginal name first popularized by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It’s now associated with Kylie Jenner, whom parents might be attempting to distance themselves from with this version of the name.

Siana is a beautiful feminine name with cross-cultural connections. It may be a variation of Siana (pronounced see-AH-na), which has Welsh origins meaning 'God is gracious.' Alternatively, it could be related to the Italian name Siena, after the Tuscan city, or could be a form of Shana, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'beautiful.' In some Polynesian languages, particularly Hawaiian, similar names can mean 'light' or 'divine.' The name features a pleasing combination of soft sounds that flow naturally together. While not among the most common names, Siana has maintained a steady presence in various cultures and has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries. Its international appeal, gentle sound, and positive meanings make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name that is distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

With the rise of all those other popular feminine W names, like Winnie, Willa and Winona, why not consider the lovely Winika? Win and Winnie are likely nicknames and it is associated with a dainty Pacific orchid that blossoms at Christmas time. If you're looking for international names for Christmas babies, this is one for the short list.

Tinka is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Dutch and Nordic countries, it functions as a diminutive of names like Christina or Martina. It also appears in Slavic languages with various meanings—in some contexts related to 'tiny' or as a nickname for Valentina. The name has a bright, sprightly quality with its crisp consonants and clear vowels. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Tinka has a playful, distinctive sound that makes it appealing as a given name. Its international usage gives it cross-cultural versatility despite its relative rarity. The name's short form eliminates the need for nicknames while its unusual nature makes it memorable.

Hip-swayingly evocative.

Lilit in the Top 20 girls names is Armenia. Outside of Armenia, Lilit might be confused with Lilith, but is worth considering as a name in its own right.

A short form of Elisabeth, similar in sound to the 60s favorite Lisa.

Delle is a delicate feminine name that likely evolved as a diminutive form of names containing 'del' such as Adele, Adelaide, or Cordelia. It may also have origins as a surname or place name. With its brief yet melodic quality, Delle combines simplicity with a touch of uniqueness. The name has remained relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries, never reaching mainstream popularity. This rarity gives Delle a distinctive quality while still being straightforward to pronounce and spell. Its gentle sound evokes a sense of sweetness and refinement. The name's understated elegance makes it appealing to parents seeking something uncommon yet accessible.