My favorites
- 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.
- Flavia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"golden, blond"Description:
An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.
- January
Origin:
English month name from LatinMeaning:
"doorway"Description:
Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.
- 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.
- Aleph
Origin:
First letter of the Hebrew alphabet and HebrewMeaning:
"chief, number one"Description:
Aleph came into the spotlight when chosen by Israel-born Natalie Portman for her son. Alef is a more common spelling of these related Hebrew baby names.
- 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.
- Dream
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
Possible middle name inspiration. Has been used as a first by musical couple Sole and Ginuwine, and basketball star Allen Iverson.
- Oceanus
Origin:
Mythological nameMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
Oceanus was the Titan in ancient Greek mythology who rules what they thought was the body of water that surrounded the Earth. Oceanus was, appropriately enough, the name of the baby born on the Mayflower. Modern variations include Ocean, Oceana, and Oceane, a popular French name for girls.
- Lizette
Origin:
French, diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Whether you spell it Lisette or Lizette, a somewhat dated diminutive that nevertheless retains some charm.
- 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.
- Uz
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
A minimalist choice, Uz is the Biblical home of Job. It's also the name of a character in the Bible, the father of Aram and the grandson of Shem, as is Uzziah. Uz is one of those names that could go either way depending on the personality of your child: super-cool or scuzzy. Proceed with caution.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Neige
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"snow"
- Zsófia
Origin:
Hungarian version of Greek SofiaMeaning:
"one who possesses wisdom"Description:
The elaborate Hungarian form of Sofia, with an alluring Z initial sound.
