Russet has a lot of potential. It's a rustic word name, associated with homespun cloth, apples, and an earthy shade of reddish-brown. At the same time, it's similar enough to the likes of Russell, Ross, Bennet and Emmett that it doesn't sound too out of place. Surprisingly, however, it has never featured in the US charts — perhaps held back by its link to potatoes?

Buna is a succinct feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Ethiopian traditions, particularly among the Oromo people, Buna refers to coffee and its important cultural ceremonies. The name also appears in Eastern European contexts, particularly in Romanian and Albanian communities. Additionally, Buna exists as a place name in several countries including Papua New Guinea and Texas. This multicultural name carries different meanings depending on its origin—from representing a cherished beverage tradition to potentially deriving from words for "good" in some Slavic languages. Buna's simplicity, pleasing sound pattern, and cross-cultural presence make it an uncommon but accessible option for parents seeking a short, distinctive name with international connections.

Finella and cousin Fenella, which are found most often in Scotland, would make pleasing imports.

Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more pulled-together as a proper name with Flash as a nickname or middle name.

Welsh heritage choice that's rare today even in its native land.

This name has not one but two impressive cultural connections: collage artist Joseph Cornell and photographer Cornell Capa--not to mention Cornell University.

Has too many slangy connotations to be considered.

Ron Burgundy was Will Ferrell's fictional helmet-haired newsman, but this color name is much more suited to a girl.

Alizarin is an unusual feminine name derived from a vivid crimson-red pigment historically extracted from the madder plant's roots. The word comes from the Arabic 'al-usara' meaning 'the juice' or essence. As a name, Alizarin offers rich color symbolism and an exotic, melodic quality with its four syllables and intriguing consonant-vowel pattern. This rare name might appeal to artists, chemists, or those with an appreciation for unique color names. While extremely uncommon as a personal name, Alizarin shares structural similarities with more established names like Alexandra or Allison, making it accessible despite its uniqueness. The name suggests passion, intensity, and artistic sensibility.

Pronounced SHAM-ee, this color and word name is soft and appealing.

A plausible color name, it was chosen by the singer Sting as a middle name for his daughter, after a character in the Gormenghast fantasy trilogy, of which he's a big fan. Another bearer is Fuchsia Voremberg, a member of the BBC Show, Antiques Roadshow who specializes in diaries and manuscripts.

An addition to the collection of gemstone names — a category that's currently rising in popularity.