Cool and charming, with plenty of flair and sophistication, Julian manages to strike the balance between being a sensible classic and contemporary choice. Appealingly international, it is no wonder Julian is a rising star.

Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.

Unlike perennials William, John and James, Edward is a classic that moves in and out of fashion. This royal Anglo-Saxon standard has benefited in recent years from the popularity of the hot hero of the vampire sensation Twilight — Edward Cullen — who has given his name a new infusion of cool.

Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.

As a highly popular girls' name in all Spanish-speaking countries, this saintly Latin variation of Mary retains a timeless beauty. Through the centuries, Maria remains one of the most widely-used girl names starting with M.

Widely used across Europe as a common baptismal name symbolizing spiritual rebirth, Renata, in this country it has an operatic image via Italian-born divas Renata Tebadi and Renata Scotti.

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.

A name that sounds so old-fashioned some parents out there might conceivably find it quirky enough for a comeback, along with other one-time fuddie-duddies like Oscar and Homer.

An elegant, continental name for the post-Steve era. It debuted on the US Top 1000 in 1949 and has been on the list every year since except for a year off in 2008.

Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.

While Marianna looks like a spelling variation of Mariana, the two names have different etymologies. While the one-N spelling derives from the Roman name Marianus, Marianna is a combination of two classics, Maria and Anna, used in many European languages.

A wearable update to the New Testament classic.

The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.

Stefania is the feminine form of Stefan, ultimately derived from the Greek name Stephanos (Στέφανος), meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This elegant name has been used throughout Europe for centuries, particularly popular in Italy, Poland, Romania, and other Eastern European countries. Stefania was the name of several royal and noble women throughout history, contributing to its sophisticated image. In English-speaking countries, it remains less common than the variant Stephanie, giving it a touch of exotic flair. The name carries connotations of dignity, achievement and victory, referencing the laurel wreaths that were placed on the heads of winners in ancient Greece. Stefania combines classic heritage with a melodious quality.

This form of Irene feels fresher and gives the classic name a chic, international flair. It's most commonly used in Eastern Europe.

A standard form of John in Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Polish, Slovene, German, and Catalan. Properly pronounced yahn (in most of these languages), most Americans will still equate it with the Brady Bunchesque girls' name Jan, which is now officially extinct.

Jakub is an authentic Polish variation of the megapopular Jacob, but in the US it will feel like a kree8tiv spelling. Kuba is the cute Polish short form.

An international variation of Sophia that ranks in the Top 10 in Poland and the Top 1000 in England and Wales. Zosia is a charming diminutive.

The Polish form of Patrick.

Bernadetta is the feminine Italian and Polish form of Bernard, derived from the Germanic elements "bern" (bear) and "hard" (brave, strong), meaning "strong as a bear." The name gained prominence through Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the French visionary of Lourdes, though Bernadetta represents a more formal variant of her name. This elegant name carries a classic European charm and remains in use particularly in Italy, Poland, and other Catholic countries. While not among the most common names internationally, Bernadetta offers a sophisticated alternative to the more familiar Bernadette. The name conveys both strength and femininity, with potential nicknames including Berna, Detta, or Etta, adding to its versatility.