BRIGHT AND BRAVE SPUNKY GIRL NAMES

Avra is a feminine name with multiple cultural roots. In Hebrew, it relates to Abraham, meaning "father of many," while in Greek it can mean "breeze" or connect to the word "avrio" meaning "tomorrow." This cross-cultural name carries a sense of freshness and possibility with its airy sound and positive associations. Relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Avra offers a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Ava or Eva while maintaining a similar melodic quality. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a contemporary feel despite its ancient origins. Avra projects gentle strength and optimism, making it appealing to parents seeking a name that is both unique and accessible.

Akari is a gender-neutral Japanese name used fairly evenly between the sexes in the US.

Abbreviated form of Zahara that was used by Chris Rock for his daughter and as a middle name by both Eddie Murphy and David Bowie. Compared with the even-more-abbreviated Zara, Zahra may create more spelling problems but clarify pronunciation.

The name of the wife of Alexander the Great, more attractive than the better-known Roxanne. Roxana was first used in the English-speaking world in the 1600s and was popularized by Daniel Defoe's novel Roxana, published in 1724. An underused and attractive possibility and perfect if you're searching for names that mean new beginnings.

Sweet and bright international form of Josephine, used in many European countries with various pronunciations of the initial J. A notable bearer is Josefina "Joey" Guerrero, a Filipina spy during World War II.

The soft and pretty name of one of the wives of the Prophet Muhammad.

Rey, a Ray-soundalike that has ranked on the boys' side for the past 15 years, is about to get more popular for girls too, now that it's the name of the new heroine of the latest Star Wars movie. While the sound of the name is nothing new, the royal connection is, joining names such as Reign (Kardashian) and Charlotte (the new Princess) in an expansive definition of royal baby names.

This popular Japanese name has many various meanings (bright, clear, autumn), depending on the combination of kanji used to spell it. The final element is the character ko, meaning "child", which features in many Japanese feminine names. Akiko is one of the best unique names for autumn babies.

Out-of-the-way place name (it's an antiquated holiday spot on England's south coast) that might make a brilliant choice. Actor/director Jon Favreau named his daughter Brighton Rose.

Kallisto is a feminine name derived from ancient Greek mythology. It originates from the Greek word "kallistos," meaning "most beautiful." In mythology, Kallisto was a nymph who was transformed into a bear by the goddess Hera and later placed among the stars as the constellation Ursa Major. This alternate spelling of the more common Callisto adds a distinctive visual element while maintaining the mythological connection. The name has seen very limited use, making it an unusual and exotic choice. It carries connotations of celestial beauty and cosmic significance, particularly with Jupiter's moon Callisto named after the same mythological figure. Parents attracted to names with classical origins and astronomical associations might find Kallisto especially appealing.

The fashion for elaborate girly-girl names, especially those that end with -ella or -ana, has put this distinctive Latin favorite into play.

A rarely heard Hebrew name whose zippy first initial Z transforms it from dated Yetta-like image to more lively Catherine Zeta Jones-like appeal.

Stormy is on the rise following the birth of Kylie Jenner's daughter Stormi, although the starbaby's spelling has taken over the lead.

Destry rides again, this time as a Western flavored baby name. Derived from the French surname Destrier, from an Anglo-Norman word meaning "warhorse", this rugged name was popularized by the 1930 novel Destry Rides Again by Max Brand, subsequently adapted for the big screen.