Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.

The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.

Penelope is an unlikely 21st century baby name success story. Off the Top 1000 for 25 years, Penelope jumped back on in 2001 and has been heading uphill ever since, propelled by the trend for mythological names, Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, and some high-profile celebrity babies.

Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.

Francesca is a lighter and much more feminine choice than the classic Frances, and one that is increasingly popular with upscale parents.

Helena is one of those classic names that just misses making the US Top 1000 girl names for its entire history, falling off for a single year in 1992. Since then it's been drifting lazily up the charts, and makes a perfect choice if you want a name that both fits in and stands out.

Melodic and lively, Delilah has cut itself (mostly) free from its treacherous past to become a contemporary favorite.

Opal is on the verge of a repolishing, following other jewel names like Ruby and Pearl. A Top 100 name during the first two decades of the twentieth century, the opalescent Opal has a good chance of coming back as another O-initial option.

Cute Gracie is one of the more recently revived nickname names by parents who chose it over the more formal Grace--or variations like Graziella or Grania. Country singers Faith Hill and Tim McGraw cut straight to the nickname when they called one of their daughters Gracie, and actors Ron Livingston and Rosemarie DeWitt named their newborn daughter Gracie James. Gracie Gold is a popular young figure skater.

Lively and rhythmic version of Vivian heard in Italy and Spain. Viviana is right on trend today, fitting in with other frilly, girly favorites like Isabella, Eliana, and Ariana. It may also be spelled as Bibiana. One of the fastest rising names of 2023, Viviana has been in the US Top 500 since the 2000s.

Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the girly -ette suffix, this variation entered the US Top 1000 in 2011, where it remained for more than a decade. In 2023, it dropped off the list, however, it was still given to 240 girls that same year.

The traditional Scarlett is used 26 times more often its more elaborate counterpart, but Scarlette could could have the plus side of drawing people's eyes away from the "Scar" syllable and onto the second part of the name. For anyone hoping to use nickname Lettie, Ettie, or Etta - or plan to use it to honor a Charlotte - this form could be more appealing.

Quiana might be thought of as the first synthetic name. Quiana was popular in the 1970s and 80s, along with the same-named form of polyester.

A spelling variation of stylish Tiana, the form would likely get you to the tee-ANN-uh pronunciation more intuitively. Popularized by actress Tiana Alexandra-Silliphant back in the 70s and 90s, and then by the Disney movie, The Princess and the Frog in 2009, Tianna may be considered a short form of Tatiana (from Latin Tatius, meaning unknown), or perhaps from Christianna ("Christian").

Less popular than its counterpart, Tianna did rank in the US charts between 1987 and 2011, but fell out of favor, likely because the Disney film has meant Tiana is the go-to.

Bekkah is a feminine name that represents a modern spelling variation of Rebecca, a biblical name with Hebrew origins meaning 'to bind' or 'to tie.' This contemporary spelling offers a fresh take on the traditional name while maintaining its essential character and history. The double 'k' gives Bekkah a distinctive look that sets it apart from more common spellings. While Rebecca has ancient roots as the wife of Isaac in the Bible, Bekkah emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names. The name has a friendly, approachable quality and provides the same nickname options as Rebecca, including Bek or Bekky. Though less common than the traditional spelling, Bekkah appeals to parents who appreciate biblical names but desire a touch of uniqueness.

Emaleigh is a modern feminine name that represents a creative spelling variation of Emily. It combines the traditional name Emily with the trendy "-leigh" suffix that has become popular in contemporary naming practices. The original name Emily derives from the Latin "Aemilia," which may relate to the Latin word "aemulus" meaning "rival" or "emulating."