More Berries
- Achilles
Origin:
Greek, meaning unknownDescription:
The name of the great Homeric hero with the vulnerable heel, Achilles is more popular in its international form, Achille, which is popular in France, Italy, and Belgium. This variation did however appear briefly on the US Top 1000 list in 2015, perhaps owing to its similarity to the likes of Atticus, Adonis, and Apollo. It has declined in use since then, but is nevertheless chosen for around 160 babies each year.
- Aquinnah
Origin:
Native American place-nameDescription:
The Native American name for Martha's Vineyard and for a town at the far end of that lovely island, this was used by Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan for one of their twin daughters.
- Bertille
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"heroine, bright maiden"Description:
The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.
- Donahue
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark fighter"Description:
This genial Irish surname feels much more current than Donald.
- Eoin
Origin:
Irish, variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Though Eoin is a Gaelic form of John, its Anglicized pronunciation links it directly to Owen. Eoin is currently a Top 30 name in Ireland. Other variations: Ewan, Ewen, Evan and Eoghan (pronounced as Owen but also translated as Eugene).
- Eppy
Description:
Eppy is a charming feminine name that likely originated as a diminutive or nickname form. It may be a shortened version of names like Eponine, Epiphany, or Elizabeth. With its cheerful, bouncy sound, Eppy carries a naturally upbeat quality. The name has a vintage feel reminiscent of nicknames popular in the early 20th century, yet its brevity gives it a modern appeal as well. Though uncommon as a formal given name, Eppy's simplicity and friendly nature make it an endearing choice. The name's rarity means those named Eppy are likely to stand out, with the name conveying a sense of warmth and approachability that combines nostalgia with playfulness.
- Eugene
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"wellborn, noble"Description:
Eugene is a classic that has rather lost its way. On the one hand, it's a grandpa, even great-grandpa name that hasn't been one of the cool kids recently—or to quote Jim Carrey, who bears this name in the middle spot, "You can never get too cool with a name like Eugene." The hero of Disney's Tangled felt the same way, when he changed his birth name of Eugene to the more romantic Flynn.
- Euphemia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"fair speech"Description:
Ancient martyr's name that, though not especially appealing, might still be mildly possible, especially for Anglophiles. It was widely used in early Scotland, but was overtaken by its nickname, Effie.
- Ewan
Origin:
Scottish form of Gaelic EoghanMeaning:
"born of the yew tree"Description:
This appealing name has a good chance of catching on due to the popularity of Ewan McGregor, and the trend towards Gaelic names in general. Pronunciation is YOO-un.
- Hamlin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"little home-lover"Description:
One you might like for its cozy meaning, but there is that Pied Piper rat connection.
- Iliana
Origin:
Greek, Spanish variation of HelenMeaning:
"from Ilium or Troy; shining light"Description:
Iliana is one of the vaguely but usually undefinably international names that have a wide range of spellings and pronunciations. Ilium was the poetic name of the city of Troy, and variations of this name — especially Ileana and Ileanna — have been widely used, projecting a rather bohemian image. The traditional Greek pronunciation would be ee-lee-AH-nah while in English speaking countries, it might be ill-ee-AH-nah.
- Leda
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"happy"Description:
Leda is that rare name that has not yet been discovered in the current craze for ancient names from mythology. In classical Greek myth, Leda was a great beauty who mothered another great beauty, Helen of Troy.
- Leta
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"glad, joyful"Description:
Leta has hipster cred as the daughter of cool mommy blogger Dooce. Related to the Greek mythological Leda, a great beauty who mothered another great beauty, Helen of Troy, Leta is a name that's as unique as it is historic: Only 14 baby girls were named Leta in the US last year, and 18 were named Leda. Pronunciation is lee-tah.
- Lucasta
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"pure light"Description:
Lucasta was invented by seventeenth century poet Richard Lovelace for a collection of poems dedicated to a lover named Lucy, and is familiar through the Eugene O'Neill play and film Anna Lucasta. Lucasta is a distinctive, rarely used choice and a logical extension of the Luke/Luc/Luca names.
- Marble
Description:
Marble is a feminine name derived from the English word for the smooth, hard stone known for its beauty and durability. As a given name, Marble is extremely rare, offering a distinctive choice with natural world connections. The name evokes qualities of strength, elegance, and timeless beauty—characteristics of the stone itself. Object-inspired names have gained some popularity in recent decades, though Marble remains on the unconventional edge of this trend. The name's uniqueness makes it stand out while still feeling familiar due to the common word it's derived from. Marble's short, two-syllable structure gives it a rhythmic quality that's easy to pronounce. This uncommon choice might appeal to parents seeking a name that symbolizes permanence and natural beauty while standing apart from traditional feminine naming conventions.
- Martha
Origin:
AramaicMeaning:
"lady"Description:
The name of our first First Lady still has something of a prim and proper image, academic and efficient. That quiet, traditional, and tasteful gestalt is exactly what makes Martha appealing to some parents today.
- Mel
Origin:
English, diminutive of MelvinMeaning:
"council protector"Description:
Though most Mels are playing pinochle with Murray and Morris, there was a notable Saint Mel. He is one of the earliest Irish saints, a nephew of St. Patrick. He became a priest, then built a great monastery where he served as abbot.
- Melker
Origin:
Modern Swedish variation of MelchiorMeaning:
"city of the king; king of light"Description:
Melker, a modern phonetic spelling of ancient Three Wise Men name Melchior, is in the Swedish Top 100 though not used in the US, where it would be heard as "milker." Nickname Mel is not exactly a fashionable choice at the moment either.
- Miriam
Origin:
Hebrew or EgyptianMeaning:
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"Description:
The oldest-known form of Mary, serious and solemn Miriam has been a particular favorite of observant Jewish parents. But we can see it extending beyond that sphere into the next wave of Old Testament names post-Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, and Leah. Miriam is currently the Number 1 girls' name in Israel.
- Mirtha
Origin:
DutchMeaning:
"myrtle"Description:
The Dutch name is usually spelled Myrthe or Mirthe and pronounced meer-ta. But most English speakers will say it mer-tha and confuse the name with Martha, Bertha, or Myrtle.