Branch is an attractive name with associations both with trees and with branching out into brave new worlds. Baseball's Branch (born Wesley, with Branch as his middle name) Rickey broke the color barrier by hiring Jackie Robinson for the Dodgers. Like Leaf, Branch makes a nice, not-so-obvious, addition to the tree category.

Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as Josephine or Federica.

Theta is the name of the eighth letter of the ancient Greek alphabet, which is also the symbol of death. As such, it has rarely been used as a baby name.

Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.

Olaf, though sainted and regal in Norway, is slightly oafish here. It is one of those names that has become completely familiar in the U.S. without ever becoming assimilated. Now that he's a comical character in Disney's Frozen, he might get some more attention.

For a minute or two this sounded more modern than Janet, now equally outmoded.

Hedda is a card-carrying member of the league of older, slightly bohemian urban names like Nedda, Andra, and Petra; also linked to Ibsen heroine Hedda Gabler, as well as being the basis of cruel joke names like Hedda Hare.

Sleekened spelling.

Gem is a concise, evocative feminine name derived directly from the English word for precious stones. This nature-inspired name conveys qualities of rarity, beauty, and value. As a given name, Gem has never been widely common but has maintained steady, limited usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era when longer names are often popular. Gem can also function as a nickname for longer names like Gemma, Gemini, or even more distantly related names like Jemima. The name evokes positive associations with brilliance, durability, and natural beauty. Its simplicity makes it easy to spell and pronounce across cultures while carrying rich metaphorical meaning.

It would be easy to dismiss this girlish name as invented fluff, but it has roots in several cultures with evocative meanings and references. Shani refers to the "scarlet thread" or theme of a story. Shani is also the name of a Hindu god and the Sanskrit word for the planet Saturn. And it's a Swahili name also found in other African cultures that means marvelous.

Bland compared to the Irish-sounding O-starting names, but fans of football star Odell Beckham Jr. may like the name for other reasons.

A name rich in Hindu tradition as the alternate name for the Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of beauty and charm; currently borne, appropriately, by model-actress-writer Padma Lakshmi.

Federica is the Latin version of Frederica, one of those formerly stuffy female names -- think Josephine and Eleanor -- that feels fresh and elegant again. And Federica has more energy without that first r.

Krishna, in Hindu tradition, was the human incarnation of the god Vishnu, a heroic figure representing love, protection, tenderness and joy. Meaning "dark, black, dark blue" in from Sanskrit, Krishna is a major Hindu deity whose birthday is celebrated every year.

An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.

Winford is a masculine English name with Anglo-Saxon origins, combining elements meaning 'pleasant' or 'friend' (win) and 'ford' or 'river crossing.' Originally a surname denoting someone who lived near a fordable river, it transitioned to given name status in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Winford enjoyed modest popularity in rural America, particularly in southern states, but has become increasingly uncommon in recent decades. The name carries associations with pastoral English countryside settings and traditional values. With its distinctive sound and vintage appeal, Winford might appeal to parents seeking a rare masculine name with authentic historical roots and a gentle strength that stands apart from contemporary naming trends.

Simple, friendly, distinctive name heard in several cultures. The a ending may feel more feminine in the US than Ole, though both variations are acceptable in Scandinavia.

Hildi is a feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins, functioning as a diminutive of Hilda or Hildegard. These parent names derive from the Old Germanic element 'hild' meaning 'battle' or 'conflict,' suggesting strength and warrior-like qualities. Hildi has a friendly, approachable quality while retaining the powerful heritage of its longer forms. While never widely common in English-speaking countries, it has maintained some usage in Nordic nations and German-speaking regions. The name has a distinctive, slightly whimsical sound that balances its strong etymological roots. In contemporary contexts, Hildi might appeal to parents seeking a short, distinctive name with historical depth and a touch of Scandinavian charm.

Cute and unusual as a nickname, but lacking the legs to stand on its own.

Way out.