Only 17 Babies in 2020 England and Wales

Saylor

Surname-name or spelling variation of Sailor

"ropemaker; dancer, acrobat; boatman"

Currently in the US Top 300, Saylor finds the middle ground between the popular and unisex Taylor, and the more unexpected, wordier Sailor. In fact, it is currently used more often than either of its…

Elaine

French and Scottish

"bright, shining light"

This old Scottish form of Helen has had quite a history, going from appearing as one of the shining heroines of the Arthurian legends, the princess who fell in love with Sir Lancelot and became the…

Calliope

Greek mythology

"beautiful voice"

Melodic and beautiful but with a touch of sass, Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry — and perhaps less glamorously, the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it…

Drew

English diminutive of Andrew, Greek

"strong and manly"

Drew is an elegant formerly male-only alternative to Andy that joined the stylishly upscale Paige-Brooke-Blair sorority, thanks largely to Drew Barrymore. Barrymore comes by her first name…

Alexa

Greek, English

"defending men"

Alexa was a steadily popular modern classic until Amazon's virtual assistant Alexa was released in 2013. It remains relatively well used in the US despite this, though its standing keeps dropping for…

Amelia-lily

Amelia Lily is a melodious double name combining two popular feminine choices. Amelia, derived from the Germanic 'amal' meaning 'work,' has been beloved for centuries and carried by notable figures…

Betsi

Betsi is a charming feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Elizabeth or Betsy. The distinctive spelling with an 'i' ending gives it a sweet, playful quality while differentiating it from the…

Bernadette

German

"brave as a bear"

Although feminizations ending in "ette" are not particularly popular now, Bernadette is a pleasant, feminine, but strong name that doesn't feel prohibitively dated. And though strongly associated…

Bridie

Irish diminutive of Bridget

"strength or exalted one"

Swap two letters of Birdie and you get Bridie, a traditional diminutive of Bridget. Bridie fits perfectly with the trend for standalone vintage nicknames like Betty and Sadie, but is surprisingly…

Chanel

French

"dweller near the canal"

Fans of the classic French designer would now more fashionably choose Coco.

Clemmie

English diminutive of Clementine, French

"mild, merciful"

Cutesy pet form of Clementine.

Deanna

English variation of Diana, Latin, feminization of Dean

"divine; church official"

Though still being used, Deanna peaked many decades ago.

Cici

English, nickname

An alternative spelling to Cece that would make a more intuitive nickname for names with a "Ci" spelling, like Cicely or Lucille.

Clarissa

Elaboration of Clara

"bright, clear"

Clarissa, the daintier version of Claire, has a long literary history of its own, having been featured in the novels of Samuel Richardson, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf—Clarissa was the title…

Ethel

English

"noble maiden"

Ethel is a name we once declared as 'So Far Out They'll Probably Always Be Out,' but with the return of other names on that list and with its new starbaby cred via Lily Allen, its soft sound and…

Lexi-may

Lexi May combines the contemporary nickname Lexi with the traditional middle name May. Lexi, a diminutive of Alexandra or Alexis, derives from Greek meaning 'defender' or 'helper of mankind,' and has…