March 8, 2012

Audrey is one of the girls' names that have been rising due to their connection to Old Hollywood glamour—in this case the eternally chic and radiant Audrey Hepburn. Audrey has another very different appeal as one of the elite group of girl names that mean strong, brave, or powerful.

Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.

Brynn outshines the original Welsh Bryn in the popularity stakes. This simple, brisk name might be seen as a combination of Bree and Lynn, an androgynous-sounding choice that especially in this spelling is not truly unisex: Brynn, for boys, is not even in the Top 1000.

Gwenyth is a feminine name of Welsh origin, serving as a variant spelling of Gwyneth. It derives from the Welsh word 'gwen' meaning 'white,' 'blessed,' or 'fair.' This elegant name carries connotations of purity, brightness, and beauty in Welsh tradition. While less common than Gwyneth, this spelling variation adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the authentic Welsh character. The name gained wider recognition through Welsh actress Gwyneth Paltrow, though this spelling variant remains less frequently used. Gwenyth offers a traditional Celtic option with a contemporary feel, appealing to parents seeking names with authentic cultural roots and graceful sounds. The 'th' ending creates a soft, slightly ethereal quality that distinguishes it from similar-sounding names while honoring its Welsh heritage.

The skyrocketing success of singer Norah Jones brought this spelling of the name onto the pop charts in 2003. As well as being a spelling variant of Nora in English, it's also an alternative transcription of the Arabic name Nura, from Nur/Noor "light".

Owen, a resonant Celtic name, has ranked among the Top 100 boys' names in the US for 20 years and is now at its highest point ever.

Strong and solid, with a touch of foreign intrigue, it's the most popular of the rain-related names, with a variety of pronunciations—RAY-na, rah-EE-na, or RY-na. Alternate spellings Reyna and Rayna currently rank higher in the US.

Thatcher is an open and friendly freckle-faced surname, fresher sounding than Tyler or Taylor, that dates back to the days of thatched-roof cottages. It is catching on with modern parents—it reached the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2013.