Just Let Me Make A List For My Future Kids

  1. Emment
    • Florent
      • Origin:

        French from Latin
      • Meaning:

        "flowering"
      • Description:

        Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can be floral too.
    • Forrest
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "dweller near the woods"
      • Description:

        Forrest is one of the earliest appealingly sylvan, outdoorsy choices, borne by newsman Sawyer, actor Whitaker, and football Hall of Famer Gregg. Forrest Gates was a character on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
    • Idris
      • Origin:

        Welsh; Arabic
      • Meaning:

        "lord; studious"
      • Description:

        A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.
    • Leander
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "lion-man"
      • Description:

        Leander was once an almost unknown name, however, with the popularity of Leo and the rise of Leandro, it now feels like a perfectly accessible alternative to Leon or Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.
    • Lysander
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "liberator"
      • Description:

        Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary cred comes from one of the two star-struck young men in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as one of the twin sons (the other being Lorcan) of Luna Lovegood, whom we learn about in the Harry Potter epilogue.
    • Merit
      • Origin:

        English word name
      • Meaning:

        "being good or worthy; deserving of recognition"
      • Description:

        Merritt is an English surname but spelled Merit it becomes a word name. Both variations are on the rise.
    • Morrin
      • Ophelia
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "help"
        • Description:

          Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
      • Orion
        • Origin:

          Greek
        • Meaning:

          "boundary, limit"
        • Description:

          Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones.
      • Samuel
        • Origin:

          Hebrew
        • Meaning:

          "told by God"
        • Description:

          Samuel has been so popular for so long that it's hard to believe it's still climbing, at its highest point since the 1890s.
      • Scarlette
        • Origin:

          Spelling variation of Scarlett
        • Meaning:

          "brilliant red"
        • Description:

          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.
      • Thistle
        • Origin:

          botanical name
        • Description:

          The thistle is the botanical emblem of Scotland and would make a good if unusual patriotic choice for people with Scottish heritage. One of the few flower names that could be worn by a boy with as much ease as a girl.
      • Valerian
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "strength, health"
        • Description:

          This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant doesn't have much of a baby name future, unless you just like its strong, rhythmic sound.
      • Victor
        • Origin:

          Latin
        • Meaning:

          "conqueror"
        • Description:

          Victor is one of the earliest Christian names, borne (as Vittorio) by several saints and popes, symbolizing Christ's victory over death. It has been quietly in the Top 200 since 1880, but just recently has taken on a cool edge by fashionable parents in London and seems ripe for a similar reevaluation here too.
      • Vivienne
        • Origin:

          French variation of Vivian
        • Meaning:

          "life"
        • Description:

          Vivienne is an elaborated Gallic version of the name Vivian, chosen first by Rosie O'Donnell for her daughter and then catapulted to superstardom when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie used it for their twin daughter. An adult namesake is the British designer Vivienne Westwood. Rosie O'Donnell also has a daughter named Vivienne, known as Vivi.