User-created list
Unusual and On-Trend
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Gunther
German
"battle warrior"
When it's spelled with two dots over the ' u ' in German, Gunther is pronounced GUWN-ter, but it has a much softer sound when the 'h' is voiced by English-speakers, as it was, for example, for the…
Audrea
Audrea is a feminine name that functions as a variant spelling of Audrey, which derives from the Anglo-Saxon name Æðelþryð, meaning 'noble strength.' This alternative spelling maintains the…
Leontine
French female form of Leontios, Greek
"lion"
Leontine is the French form of a name that's more familiar by its spelling variation Leontyne, the name made famous by opera diva Price. An obscure choice, Leontine nevertheless feels right for our…
Sybella
Variation of Sybil or Sibyl
"seer, oracle"
The lovely Sybella is being nudged into the spotlight by two influences: the original Sybil (the most popular spelling) or Sibyl, name of the beauteous youngest sister of television's period megahit…
Briona
Variation of Briana, English
"strong, virtuous and honorable"
Briona is another of the increasingly popular Bri picks, a cross between Briana and Briony.
Caro
Diminuitve of Carol or Caroline, English, French ,"free man"
"free man"
Upper-crusty nickname occasionally used in Britain, particularly in 1930s novels featuring significant garden party scenes, but eclipsed here by Carrie et al.
Cantrelle
French
"song"
Vocal name seldom heard, with most elle-ending names these days dropped in favor of the more straightforward Elle and Ella.
Hania
Hebrew, Polish
"encampment; grace"
This very unusual name, also related to Hannah, was chosen for his daughter by Vin Diesel.
Willabelle
Willabelle is a charming feminine name combining the Germanic element 'wil' (meaning will or desire) with the French-derived suffix 'belle' (beautiful). This compound construction emerged primarily…
Sabina
Latin
"Sabine"
Sabina is a sleek but neglected name with the same spirited, stylish feel of Sabrina, Serena, and Selena. It ranked towards the latter end of the US charts in the early 20th century while a more…
Eleri
Welsh
"greatly bitter"
Striking name of a legendary princess and a Welsh river that feels both moody and modern. It is currently popular in Wales.
Gioia
Italian
"joy"
Prettier than Joy and just beginning to be used here.
Taya
Japanese
"young"
Taya has recently jumped into the mainstream name pool, perhaps because of kinship with Maya and Kaya. After five years outside the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2015. Taya Smith is an Australian…
Embeth
English combination of Emma + Beth
"universal + pledged to God"
South African-raised actress Embeth Davidtz added this unique smooth name to the mix. Perfect if you can't decide between Emma and Elizabeth and more unusual than Annabeth.
Kassiani
Greek
"cinnamon"
Kassiani, also spelled Kasiani or Cassiane, is an ancient Greek name best known as the name of a saint famous as a hymnographer. The Hymn of Kassiani, traditionally sung on Tuesday of Easter Week in…
Cadenza
Italian, musical term
Cadenza takes the popular CADENCE and gives it a more operatic flourish.
Meliora
Latin, Cornish
"better; honey"
Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans. The Cornish version, pronounced mel-YOHR-ah, has been in use since the 13th century.
Drexel
German
"to turn"
Drexel is an occupational surname but the original meaning of what a person who "turned" for a living actually did is unclear: It may mean turning the soil or making hay or spinning cloth or creating…
Mirra
Spelling variation of Mira
The Mira spelling was given to nearly 500 girls last year while this variation was used for only nine in the US.
Giacinta
Italian, Greek
"hyacinth"
Flora and operatic in style, Giacinta comes from the Greek Hyacinthus, itself derived from the name of the purple hyacinth flower. The Italian relative of Spanish Jacinta, Giacinta is also the name…