Awesome Names

Although the single-named singer is male, this might be a girl's nickname name or a sleek nature name that's perfect in the middle.

An early unisex nature name that has been surpassed by others, Dale is still a simple, sylvan and serene option.

In the Bible, Joram and "all his chariots" pass over Zair.

Bryce is the preferred spelling over Brice for both genders, with nearly 70 girls named Bryce in one recent year vs. only five called Brice. But note that there were over 3000 boys named Bryce and 240 named Brice, making this a predominantly male name. Actress Bryce Dallas Howard, daughter of director Ron, is the most notable female bearer of this name.

Occasionally heard in Ireland, small chance of success here.

As a nickname for one of the longer Z-starting choices, maybe, but not as a name unto itself.

Tolkien may have been inspired by this unisex name of a Celtic goddess of war. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas named his daughter the variation Aeronwy. With goddess names so hot for baby girls, this ethereal choice is one to consider.

A city in Benjamin's territory that makes a perfect first name.

Has the energetic-Irish-slightly-boyish image that many modern parents love.

Singer Wainwright is the third in his family to carry this unusual name.

Though it's used far more often for boys, Lyle has a lot in common with today's trending girl names that share the double L sound: Lila, Layla, and Lola.

Readers who remember J. D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey have probably forgotten that the character was male (nee Zachary). Nowadays the somewhat loopy spin on Zoe is associated with actress Zooey Deschanel.

We're hearing Kat more and more being used by Katherines who are tired of Kathy, Kate and Katie. Katti or Kattie is another possibility.

An attractive enough name, but for die-hard Star Wars fans only.

Right in step with the two-syllable irish surname-names now on the rise.

A trendy sounding choice--if we had to give it a meaning would be either "three cities" or "town with trees," but since it's a modern invention, you'd have to pick it for its current feel alone. Another option: TRENTON, a real place name.

Has the offbeat quality and macho feel -- like Stone and Flint -- that appeals to increasing numbers of modern parents.

Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.

Dexter turned ultracool for a girl when Diane Keaton named her daughter Dexter Dean. Dexter is getting a new style gloss for both genders thanks to (unlikely) baby name role model, television's Dexter the genial serial killer.

Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls.