Down the Rabbit Hole Names

Butterfly

English word name

Fluttery and flighty. But there are a couple of names that mean butterfly you might consider, such as Yara and Farasha.

March

English word name

"month name"

March has never been popular as a month name, possibly because of its slightly abrupt sound. But with all kinds of month (and season, day, and holiday) names, from January to December, Sunday to…

Enjoli

American invented name

This perfume name, undoubtedly a takeoff on the French word for pretty, has somehow wafted into the girls' lexicon. Too commercial.

Linnell

Linnell is a feminine name with French origins, likely derived from the surname Linnell or Lynnell. It may have connections to the word 'lin' meaning 'flax' or could be a diminutive form of names…

Chyna

Chyna is a feminine name representing an alternative spelling of 'China,' referring to the Asian country. This contemporary spelling variant gained notable popularity in the 1990s, partly influenced…

Jorja

Modern American phonetic spelling of Georgia

This simplified form of the lovely name Georgia was spotlighted by the actress Jorja Fox, and seems to be making inroads; rocker Bret Michaels chose it for his daughter. Still, we'd opt for the…

Maisyn

Variant of Mason

Parents seem to have decided that this spelling of popular boys' name Mason belongs to the girls -- perhaps because of its proximity to fashionable Maisie. It grew significantly in popularity…

Aleksandra

Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian version of Alexandra, Greek

"defending men"

Aleksandra is the preferred spelling in many Eastern European languages and cultures, but for English-speakers it's ironically more confusing if also perfectly phonetically clear.

Alpha

Greek, first letter of the alphabet

The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi…

Sumayyah

Arabic

"high up"

Sumayyah was the first Muslim martyr. This name, with its mellifluous sounds, works well in the West.

Taniyah

Modern invented name

Synthetic name on the Top 1,000 list.

Nechama

Hebrew

"comfort"

A traditional Hebrew name with a tender meaning, Nechama comes from the Hebrew word for "consolation", "solace", or "comfort". It's a popular choice in Israel where it has ranked consistently in the…

Theophania

Greek

This ancient name, belonging to a Byzantine empress, may be difficult for a modern child to carry, though it can be an original way to get to cute nickname Thea or even Theo or Teddie. The English…

Hen

Hen is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it means "grace" or "charm," conveying beauty and elegance. It's also found as a diminutive form of Henrietta or similar names in…

Lilike

Lilike is a feminine name with Hungarian origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Lilian or Lili. The name carries a delicate, whimsical quality with its repetitive "li" sound. In Hungarian…

Janis

Variation of Jane

Last moment of glory was in the Janis Joplin sixties.

Bayleigh

Spelling variation of Bailey

Needlessly confusing; stick with Bailey.

Phynley

Variation of Finley

"fair-haired hero"

Makes hot name Finley kind of Phyllis-like -- which is not a good thing.

Caylee

Modern invented name

Caylee was the third fastest-rising name in 2009 and peaked then at Number 263, but has since dropped in the charts, perhaps due to the Caylee Anthony association.

Birgitta

Scandinavian variation of Bridget, Gaelic, or feminine form of Birger

"strength or exalted one; help, rescue"

Not to be confused with the Hungarian and German Brigitta, Birgitta is often considered the classic Scandinavian form of the Irish Bridget, used in Iceland, Denmark, The Netherlands, Sweden, and…