Patterned Names

Arae is a feminine name with possible roots in ancient Greek mythology, where Arae were spirits of curses. Alternatively, it could be a modern variation of names like Aria or a creative spelling of similar-sounding names. The name has a ethereal, musical quality with just two syllables that flow smoothly together. Arae remains exceptionally rare in contemporary usage, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something truly unique. Its brevity and open vowel sounds give it a modern feel despite potential ancient origins. The name's uncommon nature means it carries few preconceptions, allowing a child to define it through their own personality.

Avae is a unique feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be a modern variation of similar-sounding names like Ava, Avery, or Eva, with the added 'e' giving it a distinctive flair. Possibly derived from Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird,' or it could have roots in Hebrew where Ava means 'life' or 'living one.' As a contemporary creation, Avae remains quite rare, allowing bearers to enjoy a name that feels both familiar and uncommon. Its simple yet elegant sound pattern, with the soft 'v' between two vowels, makes it melodious and easy to pronounce across many languages.

A spelling variation of Ava, perhaps influenced by the biblical-style, ends-in-H names currently trending: Delilah, Alayah, Aniyah, et al, along with more classic options like Leah and Hannah. It entered the US Top 1000 in 2008 where it remained for 14 years, peaking in 2018 when it was given to nearly 680 girls. Now in decline, it was given to just under 200 girls in a recent year.

Simple yet unusual (to non-Iranians) is an excellent combination for a name, which the fiery Azar embodies perfectly.

Cara is a simple, sweet, Italian endearment that enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. Despite the rising celebrity of English model/actress Cara Delevingne, who played Enchantress in Suicide Squad, Cara dropped off the Top 1000 in the US in 2020, perhaps because it sounds too close to the dreaded Karen.

Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.

This name found in both Celtic and Scandinavian mythology has gone from all-boy to almost all-girl, retaining a strong, unisex quality. However, it has dropped following its three-decade heyday from the 1960s to the 1990s.

Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the 17th century.

Evey is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, most commonly functioning as a diminutive of names like Eve, Evelyn, or Genevieve. The name has a sweet, vintage charm with its two-syllable structure and friendly '-ey' ending. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Evey has maintained a quiet presence throughout naming history. The name gained some recognition following the 2005 film 'V for Vendetta,' which featured a protagonist by this name. Evey offers a playful alternative to the more formal Eve, combining simplicity with a touch of whimsy. The name carries connotations of innocence and gentleness while remaining distinct among the more common Eve variations.

Many things to many peoples: a flower name, also spelled Hanae, to the Japanese; a Czech and Polish short form of Johana; and an alternate form of the biblical name Hannah in the US. It also means "craft, work" in Hawaiian and "glow" in Maori.

Iria is a diminutive version of Eirene / Irene and is therefore associated with the Greek goddess of peace.

A name used in the Caribbean, taken from the Rastafarian term that translates best to "positive and powerful." Rastas often greet each other by saying, "Are you feeling Irie today?"

Iris has so much going for it. It's a fashionable flower name. It's a mythological name, from the Greek goddess of the rainbow. And it's a classic name, always ranking in the girls' Top 1000 but now at its highest point ever.

Lengthens the popular Ivy, but why? About 100 baby namers in the US last year found a reason.

Long used in Spanish-speaking countries, this strong but feminine name was jump-started here by the rise of actress Jada Pinkett Smith. The Italian Giada is a popular variation. In the Bible, the name Jada was borne by a man and has a different root and meaning: It's Hebrew and means "he knows".

The new Maia, the next Kayla, Kaia has been on the charts since the year 2000. You might see it as a female form of the also-rising Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian and is sometimes used for girls as well, or as a Kardashianization of the ancient goddess name Caia.

A multicultural name, that's currently on style and fits right in with Kaia, Maya, Raya, and Mia. Currently in the Top 500 in both the UK and The Netherlands, it has several different origins and meanings.

Saint Eulalia was born in Spain and is the patron saint of Barcelona, so her name and its derivatives are popular throughout the land — especially in her native Catalonia.

Popularized in the 1940s by Lana (born Judy) Turner, today Lana is synonymous with American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity "sweet spot" – familiar, but not overused. Simple, sleek and seamlessly international, it makes a great choice.

This is an alternative to Laura or Lauren made romantic by Dr Zhivago, and badass by video-game heroine Lara Croft.