Smoke and Mirrors

  1. Grey
    • Origin:

      Color name
    • Description:

      The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Grey/Gray is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative—if slightly somber—choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney named their son Leo Grey.
  2. Delphi
    • Origin:

      Greek place name
    • Meaning:

      "of Delphi; womb"
    • Description:

      An interesting unisex possibility, with an air of mystery connected to the Delphic Oracle, the most important oracle in ancient Greece; it was also a major site for the worship of the god Apollo.
  3. 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.
  4. Hana
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Hawaiian, Maori, Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "grace, work, glow, flower"
    • Description:

      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.
  5. Wilde
    • Origin:

      English surname, variation of Wild, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "undomesticated, uncultivated"
    • Description:

      The final -e takes this from a daring word name to a literary honor name, for the inimitable Irish author, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, infamous for his wit and flamboyance.
  6. Sloan
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Sloane
    • Description:

      Less popular than the Bueller-inspired Sloane but following on its coattails, this name ranks toward the middle of the Top 1000, but we see both spellings sticking around for years to come.
  7. Fable
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Inventive name for the child of a writer.
  8. Kahlo
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "bald"
    • Description:

      Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl, a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo.
  9. Mana
    • Description:

      Mana is a feminine name with multicultural origins, appearing in Japanese, Hawaiian, Persian, and other traditions. In Japanese, it means 'love' or 'affection,' while in Hawaiian, it refers to 'spiritual power' or 'energy.' In Persian culture, it can mean 'eternal' or 'lasting.' The name is appreciated for its brevity, gentle sound, and profound meanings across different cultures. Though not extremely common in Western countries, Mana has maintained steady usage among families with connections to these cultural traditions. Its simple structure and meaningful associations with spiritual energy and love contribute to its enduring appeal as a name that combines strength and gentleness.