My favorites
- Ryo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"fact, reality, understand; distant; defy"Description:
A simple, importable Japanese name, that carries a multitude of meanings depending on which character is used to denote it. While most westerners pronounced it RY-o or REE-o, its real pronunciation is closer to REE-UH.
- Astra
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"stars"Description:
A starry-eyed, intergalactic name, far rarer than Stella or Esther. It's attached both to a comic book character and to Princess Astra on "Doctor Who".
- Auden
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"old friend"Description:
A softly poetic surname name, associated with poet W.H., Auden is enjoying quiet but marked fashion status. It was chosen for his daughter by Noah Wyle and is definitely one to watch.
- Zsófia
Origin:
Hungarian version of Greek SofiaMeaning:
"one who possesses wisdom"Description:
The elaborate Hungarian form of Sofia, with an alluring Z initial sound.
- Anastazia
Description:
Anastazia is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Anastasia, which derives from Greek origins meaning "resurrection" or "rebirth." The name has deep historical roots, associated with Christian martyrs and Russian royalty, particularly Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Russian Tsar. This spelling variation with 'z' instead of 's' gives the classic name a contemporary twist while maintaining its elegant, regal associations. While less common than the standard Anastasia, Anastazia offers the same rich cultural heritage with a slightly more distinctive appearance. The name carries a timeless quality that spans cultures, from Eastern European to Mediterranean, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal.
- Locklyn
Origin:
Variation of male name Lachlin, GaelicMeaning:
"lake land"Description:
This phonetic spelling of a traditional Scottish male name wasn't seen until used by Vince Vaughn for his daughter. As Lachlan becomes more of an established boy's name in the US, more parents are turning to the Locklyn spelling on the girl's side.
- Marielle
Origin:
Dutch and French diminutive of MaryMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
Popular in France in the 60s, Marielle is one of many international variations and diminutives of Mary. While actress and author Mariel Hemingway made us aware of the more abbreviated spelling — which is currently the more popular option in the US — this longer, elegant form saw increased interest in a recent year, when it was chosen for 115 girls.
- Aerin
Origin:
Tolkien Middle Earth invention, or variation of ErinDescription:
In Tolkien's world, the derivation of this airy name is Elvish. Regular folks might consider it an artsier form of Erin, borne by cosmetics heiress and socialite Aerin Lauder.
- Stellan
Origin:
Swedish, meaning unknown, possibly "calm"Meaning:
"calm"Description:
Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian possible up-and-comer, known through actor Stellan Skarsgard, and his namesake, the son of Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany. Its trendy 'an' ending and the similarity in sound to the popular Kellen/Kellan make it all the more accessible.
- Seren
Origin:
Welsh, TurkishMeaning:
"star or sail mast"Description:
Seren is a top girls' name in Wales – and a lovely choice almost unknown elsewhere. Seren, in the Sirona form, was an ancient goddess of the hot springs.
- Calixta
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"most beautiful"Description:
Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.
- Ilse
Origin:
Dutch variation of IlsaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
- Neige
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"snow"
- Jessamine
Origin:
English from PersianMeaning:
"jasmine"Description:
Jessamine, a charming name occasionally heard in England, is just beginning to be appreciated in the U.S. as a possible successor to all the Jess names of the past. It's also spelled Jessamyn, as in Quaker novelist Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion--who started life with Jessamyn as her middle name.
- Caoimhe
Origin:
Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"beautiful"Description:
Caoimhe, pronounced (more properly) kwee-va or kee-va, is a pretty and distinctive Gaelic name but one that could well lead to no end of confusion outside the Irish community. Even in its native habitat, it is sometimes spelled Keeva.
- Vionnet
Origin:
French designer nameDescription:
This name of a famous Parisian fashion designer known for her sophisticated 1920s and 30s style could translate into a pretty American baby name.
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