Nice Names & Names I <3

The smooth, attractive Ariana is on the rise along with the fame of pop princess Ariana Grande. Also famous is twin spelling Arianna, which is associated with Greek-born online presence Arianna Huffington. Both Ariana and Arianna are widely used names and are equally acceptable spellings.

Chelsea is still being used, with about 400 baby girls named Chelsea in the US last year. But it was much more popular a few decades ago, peaking at Number 15 in 1992.

In the past few years Ellery has gone from middle-aged male detective -- from old school fictional hero Ellery Queen -- to a plausible girls' name, a la Hillary.

For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.

This attractive Scottish surname choice, has a certain amount of glamour thanks to feisty British-born red-haired forties Academy Award winner Greer Garson, who was born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson--Greer was her Irish mother's maiden name). Greer was chosen much more recently by Kelsey Grammer for his daughter and by Brooke Shields in the Grier form. As a surname, it's associated with feminist writer/activist Germaine Greer.

A literary name and a place name with a grand yet familiar feel, Virginia has been in the US Top 1000 since records began in the late 19th century. Also familiar in Spain, Brazil and Italy, recent years have seen it rank around the #500 mark in the States.

Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.

Sweet and sparky but maybe a little bit stuck in the 90s for some, Bria is a nickname-y style choice with various origins.

There's definitely a cold front of names for winter babies moving in, with Summer, Spring and Autumn giving way to Winter--plus North, January, Frost--and Snow. This name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative -- and magical. A haunting middle name choice.

This strong single-syllable boys’ name has been finding favor with parents since the fifties, though it's been slipping in recent years; it fell out of the Top 500 for the first time since 1959 in 2015. Its main associations have been with the River Trent, whose name dates back to prehistoric times, and with former Mississippi Senator Trent (born Chester) Lott, and Trent Reznor (born Michael) of Nine Inch Nails.

This Italian and Portuguese variant of the classic Alexandra softens the classic name, while still maintaining its strength and dignity. Currently in the US Top 500, it also ranks in Brazil and Italy. Instead of Lexi, this form could get you to nicknames Essie or Alessa.

Chosen for their first son by musical couple Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, this Jamaican place and elegant British surname also boasts the more regal yet user-friendly short form, King.

If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider.

Two-syllable place-names are stylish, and this one is attached to a British city noted for its white chalk cliffs, but there are a couple of minuses: associated with the fish, Dover sole, and also rhymes with the doggy Rover.

Falon is a unisex name with Celtic origins, though more commonly used for girls in contemporary naming practices. It derives from the Irish word 'falón' meaning 'leader' or 'in charge,' suggesting strength and authority. Alternatively, it may relate to the Old Irish term for 'descended from a wolf' or 'jackal,' conveying wildness and independence. Falon gained modest recognition in the 1980s and 1990s, partly influenced by characters in popular television shows. The name offers a balance between uncommon distinctiveness and familiar sound patterns, making it accessible despite its relative rarity. With its short, strong phonetics and meaningful heritage, Falon appeals to parents seeking nature-connected names with Celtic roots and a contemporary feel.

A spelling variation of the popular Maverick that doesn't conform to the crowds, but keeps the cool, cowboy feel and the nod to Top Gun.

Meaghan represents an alternative spelling of Megan, a Welsh feminine name derived from Margaret, meaning 'pearl.' This particular spelling variation emerged as parents sought distinctive ways to present familiar names, particularly gaining traction in the 1980s and 1990s. The additional 'a' creates a more phonetic spelling that helps maintain the traditional pronunciation. Meaghan reached its peak popularity during the era when Megan was among the top girls' names in English-speaking countries. The name combines Celtic heritage with a recognizable sound, while the spelling gives it a slightly more uncommon quality. Though less frequently used than the standard spelling, Meaghan maintains the friendly, approachable character associated with all variations of this classic name.

Harley in a dress.