Faves I guess

The biblical Judith, the fourth most popular name in 1940, may be getting ready for a comeback in its full, elegant, if somewhat solemn form. Many of those earlier Judiths were called Judy—some after Judy (born Frances) Garland—preferring it over their more formal proper name. Today, Judith, like Deborah, may have shaken off just enough to appeal to parents looking for a traditional, yet under-the-radar biblical name. And Jude would be a likelier nickname these days than the Judge Judy connection.

Juniper is a nature name that we really like. While it's trendiest for girls -- about 2500 baby girls were named Juniper in 2022 versus 34 baby boys -- the most notable Juniper in history was the saint Brother Juniper, a follower of Saint Francis renowned for his generosity. Blessed Junipero Serra, who founded the first of the California Missions, took his name from the earlier Saint Juniper.

A surname-style name with a contemporary spelling, Karsyn is a unisex name that has been on and off the charts for boys since 2018. As of 2023, it's back in the US Top 1000 and given to more than 200 boys every year.

This British last-name-first-name could make a more masculine alternative to Shelby.

Kelwyn is a distinctive masculine name with Celtic influences, potentially derived from elements meaning 'slender' and 'white' or 'fair.' It combines the modern feel of names beginning with 'Kel' with the traditional Welsh suffix '-wyn' meaning 'blessed' or 'white.' This name remains uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it a unique appeal for parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Kelwyn has a melodic quality while maintaining masculine strength. The name evokes images of Celtic landscapes and carries a certain poetic elegance. Its rarity means that bearers of this name often find it becomes a defining aspect of their identity.

Keturah, the Old Testament name of Abraham's second wife, is a possibility for anyone seeking a truly unusual and interesting biblical name; certainly a lot more distinctive than that of Abraham's first wife, Sarah.

This interesting name has unfortunately risen to attention through the tragic murder case of little Khandalyce Stevenson. Probably needs some time before it can be used without these sad connections.

Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew.

Knox is an old Scottish surname that Brad Pitt (whose great-great-grandfather was named Hal Knox Hillhouse) and Angelina Jolie took out of the back cupboard, dusted off, and elevated to coolness--to the point where it entered the popular baby names list in 2009. Knox now ranks among the most influential celebrity baby names.

Lakelan is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of Lachlan, a name with Scottish Gaelic origins meaning 'land of lakes' or 'from the fjord land.' This alternate spelling gives the name a more intuitive pronunciation for English speakers while maintaining its connection to nature and Scottish heritage. Lakelan has a fresh, modern feel while still carrying traditional roots. The name remains relatively uncommon, making it a distinctive choice that still feels accessible. With its pleasant rhythm and clear nature associations, Lakelan might appeal to parents seeking a name with connections to landscapes and natural features. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity, offering its bearers a distinctive identity without complexity.

Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.

An interesting name despite the pronunciation challenge. It has literary roots, both in the classical poetry of Horace, and as a character in John Fowles' The French Lieutenant's Woman. Appealing nicknames are Lalla and Lally.

In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly romantic-- name.

Landon is a popular surname name; it's been dropping slightly in recent years but has surpassed its once more popular rhyming cousin Brandon. For some it may bring back nostalgic memories of Little House on the Prairie 's understanding Pa, played by Michael Landon.

Pronounced lee-sha, Laoise is the feminine form of the Irish mythological names Lugh and Lugus, which means light. Lugus was the Celtic god of commerce and craftsmanship, the equivalent of the Roman Mercury, thought to inspire the later Irish hero Lugh. Laoise is among the Top 100 Irish names for girls, but Americans will definitely have pronunciation issues.

The additional syllable makes Lark a masculine surname name, borne by poet Philip Larkin.

A rarer-than-rare floral name with a sting in the tail!

The Hungarian classic Laszlo, with its zippy 'z' middle and energetic 'o' ending, has become something of a hipster option, beginning to be considered by cutting-edge parents.

Laurel takes Laura back to its meaning in nature, resulting in a gentle, botanical option. Even more directly than Laura, Laurel relates back to the laurel wreath signifying success and peace in ancient Greece and Rome.