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To be or not to be?

  1. Ace

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "one, unity"

    • Description:

      No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.
  2. Bellow

    • Origin:

      English occupational name

    • Meaning:

      "bellows maker"

    • Description:

      Might be an honorific for novelist Saul Bellow, although bellowing is not the gentlest of sounds. Consider Saul instead.
  3. Consuelo

    • Origin:

      Spanish from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings consolation"

    • Description:

      Consuelo is a chic, highly sophisticated Spanish name that works well with Anglo surnames. It was regularly on the U.S. popularity list through 1983, reaching as high as Number 339 in 1930.
  4. Cory

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "from the hollow"

    • Description:

      A variation of Corey, this spelling has also been on a steady decline since the early-1990s. Its days are likely numbered on the US popularity charts altogether.
  5. Curry

    • Origin:

      Word name; surname from Ó Comhraidhe

    • Description:

      Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
  6. Danner

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "dweller near the fig tree"

    • Description:

      The authentic pronunciation brings it perilously close to Donna, but most English-speakers would rhyme it more attractively with tanner or manner. A nature name for boys that's both unusual and handsome.
  7. Elmer

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble and renowned"

    • Description:

      Thanks to Elmer Fudd, Elmer the Cow, and even Elmer's glue, this name has become a bit of a joke -- the quintessential so-far-out-it-will-always-be-out name. But with its trendy El-beginning and popular er-ending, who knows?
  8. Erasmus

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, desired"

    • Description:

      Erasmus has long retained the image of the bearded and bespectacled Dutch philosopher, but could be one that the audacious baby namer just might dare to dust off.
  9. Erwin

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "respected friend"

    • Description:

      One of the many names with a strong "er" sound, like Bertram and Ernest, that was huge in the 1920s and is languishing in style limbo now. One famous bearer is the physicist Erwin Schrödinger, as in Schrödinger's cat.
  10. Evonne

    • Origin:

      French variation of Yvonne

    • Description:

      A variation made famous by Australian Aboriginal tennis champ Evonne Goolagong.
  11. Freesia

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from German surname

    • Meaning:

      "Freese's flower"

    • Description:

      A rare, free-feeling flower name for the parent who wants to move far, far beyond Rose and Daisy. Named for German physician Friedrich Freese.
  12. Geranium

    • Origin:

      Flower name, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "crane"

    • Description:

      Offbeat flower name, sure to raise some eyebrows. But with Lily, Rose, and even Daisy starting to wilt, more alluring blooms such as Geranium, Magnolia, and Azalea may blossom.
  13. Gervase

    • Description:

      Gervase is a distinguished masculine name with deep historical roots, deriving from the Germanic element 'ger' meaning 'spear' combined with a second element possibly related to 'vas' meaning 'servant'. This venerable name was introduced to England by the Normans after the conquest of 1066 and was relatively common during the Middle Ages. Saint Gervase, a Christian martyr from Milan, has lent the name religious significance. Though never extremely popular in modern times, Gervase maintains an air of classical elegance and scholarly refinement. The name experienced brief revivals among families interested in historical names, particularly in Britain. Gervase offers a distinctive alternative to more common traditional names, providing both historical depth and a sophisticated sound that works well in contemporary settings.
  14. Hallie

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dweller at the meadow by the manor"

    • Description:

      Hallie -- it rhymes with alley and is not to be confused with Halle or Hailey or Holly -- is one of those comfy nicknamish names that are in favor in these complicated times.
  15. Hilda

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "battle woman"

    • Description:

      Short for Brunhilda, the operatic Valkyrie of Teutonic legend, Hilda still has not quite shaken off that image that image. Though with the resurgence of Matilda, she might just have a bit of a comeback.
  16. Iman

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      One of the best-known African names in the Western World because of the Somali-born model and wife of the late David Bowie.
  17. Imani

    • Origin:

      Arabic, Swahili

    • Meaning:

      "faith"

    • Description:

      Another strong Arabic name, related to Iman. Imani one is popular throughout the Muslim world but especially East Africa. It was chosen for her daughter by actress Jasmine Guy.
  18. Ira

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Sanskrit

    • Meaning:

      "watchful one; wind"

    • Description:

      Succinct and sharp, Ira is one of the shortest Old Testament names, belonging to one of King David's thirty 'mighty warriors.' It was widely used in the US from the 1880s to the early 1930s (it was Number 57 on the Social Security list in 1881), but fell off completely in 1993, only to return in 2016. Currently, it is in the latter half of the US Top 1000, given to around 260 boys each year.
  19. Irwin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "boar friend"

    • Description:

      Son of Irving.
  20. Israel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "he who struggles with God"

    • Description:

      Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism.
  21. January

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Meaning:

      "month name"

    • Description:

      Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.
  22. Jarek

    • Origin:

      Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "spring"

    • Description:

      Diminutive for all the Slavic names that start with Jar-. If for family or cultural reasons you're seeking such a name, then this is a reasonable short form.
  23. Jarvis

    • Origin:

      English variation of Gervase, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Jarvis, one of the original two-syllable nouveau boys' choices, is a saint's name with a certain retro charm and a nice quirky feel. Though Jarvis peaked in the late 1880s, he is beginning to sound fresh again.
  24. Jonquil

    • Origin:

      English flower name, from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "reed"

    • Description:

      Jonquil is an unusual flower name that is less outlandish than Daffodil and less common than Daisy. It just might appeal to parents seeking a singular botanical option.

      Unlike most flower names, Jonquil wasn't introduced until the 1940s, and saw some usage in the U.K. during the forties and fifties.

  25. Julianna

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      Together with Julian, the name Juliana/Julianna derives from Julius, a Roman family name. Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".
  26. Laurent

    • Origin:

      French variation of Lawrence

    • Meaning:

      "of Laurentium or bay laurel"

    • Description:

      A French accent makes almost everything sound better, especially when attached to a Twilight vampire. Laurent also has a high-style feel via designer Yves St-Laurent. Laurent de Brunhoff is the French author-illustrator who continued his father Jean's series of Babar books.
  27. Lilas

    • Description:

      Lilas is a delicate feminine name derived from the French word for 'lilac,' the fragrant purple flowering shrub. This nature-inspired name carries the gentle, sweet associations of the lilac flower, which symbolizes spring, renewal, and first love in many cultures. While not extremely common internationally, Lilas has maintained steady usage in France and Lebanon, and among Arabic speakers (where it's pronounced LEE-las). The name has a soft, melodic quality with its repeated 'l' sounds and final 's' that is pronounced in French. Lilas offers a subtle alternative to more common floral names like Lily or Rose, while still evoking natural beauty and feminine grace.

  28. Lola

    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Dolores

    • Meaning:

      "lady of sorrows"

    • Description:

      A hot starbaby name – chosen by Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Lisa Bonet, Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen, Carnie Wilson, and Annie Lennox, and used as the nickname of Madonna's Lourdes – Lola manages to feel fun and sassy without going over the top. Be warned, though: "Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets," to quote a song from the show Damn Yankees.
  29. Luc

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "man from Lucania"

    • Description:

      Luc is the sleeker Gallic cousin of Luke, and if you want to know the difference between their pronunciations, just watch Kevin Kline's hilarious description in the film French Kiss. Peter Gabriel and Sean Patrick Thomas picked this version for their sons.
  30. Maaza

    • Origin:

      Amharic

    • Meaning:

      "aroma or essence"

    • Description:

      Pronounced mah-zah, Maaza means a pleasant scent, usually from a yellow daisy popular in Ethiopia. Hot young Ethiopian-American novelist Maaza Mengiste introduced the name to our shores.
  31. Marcella

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "warlike"

    • Description:

      Marcella is a name of Latin origin, which has been neglected for decades now. Depicted as the world's most beautiful woman in Don Quixote (where it's spelled Marcela), it has plenty of flair and elegance to revive it again.
  32. Marlaina

    • Description:

      Marlaina is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Marlena or an elaboration of Marlene. Its roots trace back to the combination of 'Mary' and 'Magdalene,' referring to the biblical figure Mary Magdalene. The name carries a romantic, slightly exotic flair with its distinctive spelling. While never achieving widespread popularity, Marlaina saw modest usage in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness—recognizable in structure but uncommon enough to stand out. Marlaina offers the appealing nicknames Marla or Laina, providing versatility. Its flowing sound pattern and romantic overtones give it an elegant quality that appeals to parents seeking something melodic yet distinctive.
  33. Marlene

    • Origin:

      German variation of Madeline; combination of Mary and Magdalen

    • Description:

      Marlene Dietrich made it famous when she condensed her first two names, Maria and Magdalena. Now more often pronounced with two syllables rather than three.
  34. Mortimer

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "dead sea"

    • Description:

      Other kids might see a teasible connection to mortician or mortuary. Mortimer is an English family name used a few generations ago as an Anglicization of Moses; it was Walt Disney's original choice for the name of his mouse, until his wife talked him out of it.
  35. Murphy

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "sea warrior"

    • Description:

      This jaunty Celtic surname -- the most common family name in both Ireland and the US -- is totally viable as a first. The arguably most famous Murphy is TV's Murphy Brown, and indeed the name is twice as common for baby girls as for baby boys today. But still, it's solidly gender neutral and works equally well for all sexes.
  36. Osias

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "salvation"

    • Description:

      Osias has a Latinate and biblical feel without making an appearance in the Bible. The related Ozias, on the other hand, is a form of Uzziah, found in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, and could make a distinctive path to the nickname Oz or Ozzie--both far cooler, in our opinion, than Oswald.
  37. Paola

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Paula

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paola is the Latinate version of Paula. Its intriguing sound could make it more appealing than the English standard.
  38. Paula

    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Paul

    • Meaning:

      "small"

    • Description:

      Paula still seems somewhat stuck in the era of duo Paul and Paula bopping out the song "Hey, Paula." Two pronunciations are possible—the English "PAW-la" and the Portuguese "POW-la."
  39. Peony

    • Origin:

      Flower name; Latin

    • Meaning:

      "healing"

    • Description:

      One of the rarest of the floral names, though not without some teasing potential. Peony is a historical 1948 novel by Pearl S. Buck.
  40. Price

    • Origin:

      Welsh

    • Meaning:

      "son of Rhys"

    • Description:

      Some names referring to expensive things -- Tiffany, Armani, Porsche -- are in fact declasse, but Price transcends that label with its simplicity and strength.
  41. Ramiro

    • Origin:

      Spanish; Portuguese

    • Meaning:

      "great judge"

    • Description:

      A charming -o name with cool nickname possibilities, Ramiro is also a historical choice: there were 2 Aragonese Spanish kings named Ramiro.
  42. Ramos

    • Description:

      Ramos is predominantly a surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin "ramus" meaning "branch" or "bough." Its use as a first name is relatively uncommon but occurs in Spanish-speaking countries and communities with Hispanic heritage. The name may have originally referred to someone who lived near a notable tree or worked with branches. Ramos has particular significance in Christian tradition through Palm Sunday, called "Domingo de Ramos" in Spanish, commemorating Jesus's entry into Jerusalem when palm branches were laid in his path. While primarily recognized as a family name—famously associated with Spanish football player Sergio Ramos—its strong, concise sound and cultural connections make it an occasional choice as a given name for boys in Hispanic communities.

  43. Rasmus

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Scandinavian variation of Erasmus

    • Meaning:

      "beloved, desired"

    • Description:

      A form of ancient name newly popular in Eastern Europe, Rasmus is rugged and distinctive - and on trend in Estonia and Finland. Virtually unknown in the U.S. but with its philosophical roots and uplifting meaning, Rasmus seems prime for use. The Rasmus is a Finnish rock band.
  44. Saffron

    • Origin:

      Spice name

    • Description:

      Spice names are increasingly appealing to the senses of prospective parents; this one, belonging to a precious spice derived from the crocus has a vaguely orange-scented-incense sixties feel.
  45. Santos

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "saint, holy"

    • Description:

      The Spanish and Portuguese variation of the all-saints name. Santos is a name that has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year except for two: 1913 and 1915.
  46. Saul

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "prayed for"

    • Description:

      Jewish parents in particular may be drawn to this quiet, composed name of the first king of Israel and the name of Saint Paul before his conversion. In modern times, it has been associated with Nobel Prize-winning novelist Saul Bellow. Its meaning makes it appropriate for a long-awaited child.

      Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."

  47. Sulola

    • Origin:

      African, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Sulola is a rhythmic Nigerian name chosen as a middle name for Heidi Klum and Seal's daughter Lou, reflecting Seal's Nigerian roots. It's pretty and accessible enough, with its relation to Lola, to cross cultural lines. It's one of several African names introduced to the wider world by celebrities.
  48. Tamarind

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "tree and spice name"

    • Description:

      A hardwood tree native to Africa, India and other tropical regions, which bears sweet pod-shaped fruits which are used as a flavoring in many world cuisines, including Indian and Filipino. A rare and intriguing nature name which could honor an ancestral Tammy or Tamar.
  49. Tarragon

    • Origin:

      Latin herb name

    • Description:

      Aromatic but also problematic.
  50. Wesley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "western meadow"

    • Description:

      Reminiscent of the Old West, with rugged charm and a gentle, easy-going feel, Wesley has long been a staple on the US charts.
  51. Wylda

    • Origin:

      Variation of the word wild or German

    • Meaning:

      "to strive"

    • Description:

      The German name for girls Wylda was introduced to the world by British filmmaker/artist, director of Fifty Shades of Gray Sam Taylor-Wood and her actor husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who named their daughter Wylda Rae. Is that Wylda, which rhymes with Hilda, and might be found inhabiting a sod hut on the Kansas prairie in 1901? Or Wylda, sister of Wilder, destined for a future as a hell-raising singer in a rock band?
  52. Yvonne

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "yew wood"

    • Description:

      Peaking in the 1950s, Yvonne has now dropped out of the Top 1000 in 2003 and doesn't look set to return soon, although its rare Y initial might endear it to some. Yvaine, from Neil Gaiman's Stardust, has more modern appeal.
  53. Zahn

    • Origin:

      German

    • Meaning:

      "tooth"

    • Description:

      Newswoman Paula brought the surname Zahn to the public eye. It makes a dramatic, unusual Zane alternative -- though you may not want to enlighten your child as to its prosaic meaning.