Lovely List

  1. Aida
    • Origin:

      Arabic; Italian; Lithuanian
    • Meaning:

      "returning visitor; happy; echo"
    • Description:

      Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.
  2. Andi
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Andrea or Anderson, Greek or English from Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "strong and manly, son of Anders"
    • Description:

      Boyish nickname name that first heard in the Ricki/Terri era but finding new favor among parents who love names like Billie and Frankie, Scottie and Stevie. It was among the fastest-rising names in the US on the 2023 names chart.
  3. Arwen
    • Origin:

      Literature, Sindarin, Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "noble maiden; fair, blessed"
    • Description:

      Best known as the princess of the Elves in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Arwen is a fantasy-inspired choice that feels perfectly down to earth. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 400, making it one of the fastest rising names, more than doubling in use from the previous year.
  4. Brodny
    • Origin:

      Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "one who lives near a stream"
    • Description:

      Off-putting cousin of Bradley and Rodney.
  5. Buren
    • Description:

      Buren is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Dutch surname Van Buren (famously held by the 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren), which originally referred to someone from the city of Buren in the Netherlands. The name could also have Germanic roots, possibly related to words meaning 'dwelling' or 'to dwell.' In some contexts, it might be connected to places named Buren across northern Europe. With its strong, concise sound and uncommon status, Buren appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical connections. The name has a sturdy, masculine quality while remaining simple to pronounce and spell, though it remains exceedingly rare as a first name in most Western countries.

  6. Cam
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Cameron, Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"
    • Description:

      Cameron is still more popular as a boy's name than a girls and this simple, snappy short form works well for either sex.
  7. Cambrie
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Cute but slight mix of stylish sounds Cam and Bree, chosen by Rick Schroder for his daughter.
  8. Cecily
    • Origin:

      Feminine variation of Cecil
    • Meaning:

      "blind"
    • Description:

      Cecily is as dainty as a lace handkerchief. Cecily has a wide assortment of namesakes. One Cecily was the mother of King Richard III, whose beauty gained her the title "the Rose of Raby," Cecily Parsley is a Beatrix Potter bunny, Cecily Cardew is a character in The Importance of Being Earnest, and the author of the Gossip Girl books is Cecily von Ziegesar.
  9. Della
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Adela, Adele or Adelaide
    • Meaning:

      "noble"
    • Description:

      Fresh, bright, and sunny, Della could be an alternative to Ella, Delilah, or Adeline. Familiar but not yet overused, it combines the elements of contemporary favorites with vintage charm.
  10. Delya
    • Description:

      Delya is a feminine name with several possible origins. It may be a variant of Delia, which derives from the Greek word 'delos' meaning 'visible' or 'clear,' and was an epithet of the goddess Artemis (Diana). Alternatively, it could be related to Adelia or Cordelia. The name has a soft, flowing quality with its melodic combination of consonants and vowels. While relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Delya has a timeless feel that bridges classical and modern naming styles. Its relative rarity makes it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Parents might choose this name for its subtle elegance and ancient connections while appreciating its uniqueness.
  11. Druella
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "elfin vision"
    • Description:

      A little too close to Cruella.
  12. Elden
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "noble friend"
    • Description:

      This old-fashioned name looks like it could be on the edge of a revival, following in the footsteps of Alden and Auden.
  13. Eligius
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to choose"
    • Description:

      Eligius comes from the same root as the word eligible. St. Eligius was a 7th century bishop in France and is the patron of goldsmiths and metalworkers.
  14. Eloi
    • Origin:

      French, Catalan and Spanish from the Latin Eligius
    • Meaning:

      "the chosen"
    • Description:

      From the saintly name Eligius, Eloi is popular in Catalonia but rarely used by English speakers. There's potential for confusion with Eli - and with the Aramaic word eloi, said to mean "my God", which appears in the bible.
  15. Everett
    • Origin:

      English variation of the German Eberhard
    • Meaning:

      "brave as a wild boar"
    • Description:

      Everett is a preppy but outdoorsy name, with wintery New England vibes. In the last decade, it’s had a leap in popularity, perhaps because of its similarity to trendy girls’ names like Ava and Scarlett, or perhaps because it offers a fresh alternative to 90’s style Evan and Brett.
  16. FEENY
    • Gael
      • Origin:

        Welsh
      • Meaning:

        "wild"
      • Description:

        Now that the midcentury sound-alike name Gail for girls is sailing out to sea, Gael is becoming an increasingly popular name for boys -- and could make the gender switch in the opposite direction again.
    • Gerik
      • Origin:

        Polish variation of Edgar
      • Description:

        With roots in both Polish and Low German, Gerik is a blank slate of a name that has never made the charts. It's a possibility as a fresh twist on Eric or Derek.
    • Grieta
      • Description:

        Grieta is a feminine name with Germanic and Dutch origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Margaret or a variant of Greta. The ultimate root is the Greek "margarites," meaning "pearl." In Dutch contexts, Grieta can be a standalone name rather than just a nickname. The name has a crisp, distinctive quality with its uncommon yet recognizable sound. While never achieving widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Grieta has maintained a steady if rare presence, particularly in communities with Dutch or German heritage. The name combines vintage appeal with an international flair, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking something both traditional and uncommon.
    • Hazelle
      • Description:

        Hazelle is a delicate feminine name that represents an elaborated form of Hazel, derived from the English word for the hazelnut tree and its light brown color. The additional '-le' ending gives the name a softer, more ornate quality while retaining the natural woodland charm of the original. Hazel has experienced a significant revival in recent decades, and Hazelle offers a more distinctive variation on this trend. The name evokes images of nature, warmth, and earthy elegance. While less common than the standard spelling, Hazelle appeals to parents seeking a name with natural origins but with a touch more uniqueness and flourish in its presentation.