First and middle names <(^^)>

Most American parents would choose to use the more commonly seen variant, Axel, but .this form is preferred in Denmark and Norway, and also ranks in the French Top 400.

Rarely heard outside of Wales, Arianwen is one of many pretty wen-ending names prominent in ancient Welsh legend.

Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa — but it dropped out again the following year.

Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.

Isaac has shaved off his biblical beard and leaped into the upper echelon of popular boys' names, outrunning cousin Isaiah. A favorite of the Puritans, Isaac has never dipped below Number 400 on the US list of top boy names.

Jolan is a feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian tradition, it derives from the name Jolán, a feminine form created by Ferenc Kazinczy based on Yolanda, meaning "violet flower." In Celtic contexts, it may relate to names like Jöelle or Yolanda. The name carries a musical quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Jolan has maintained modest usage in Hungary and parts of Eastern Europe. Its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet pronounceable. Jolan blends an appealing sound with cross-cultural connections, offering a name that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.

Lene is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Northern European origins, commonly used in Denmark, Norway, and Germany. It typically functions as a short form of names like Helene, Magdalene, or Arlene. Pronounced 'LEH-neh' in Scandinavian countries or 'LAY-nuh' in some Germanic regions, the name has a clean, simple elegance. In Danish, it can relate to 'den lyse' meaning 'the bright one.' Lene gained particular popularity in Scandinavia during the mid-20th century and remains appreciated for its understated charm. The name's brevity and international recognizability make it practical across cultures, while its Scandinavian roots provide a connection to Northern European heritage and the values of simplicity and clarity often associated with Nordic culture.

Liv combines the succinct charm of a nickname—people might assume it's short for Olivia—with the solidity of being a classic stand-alone Scandinavian name with a life-force meaning. It was brought into the public eye (in the English speaking world that is) due to the fame of actress and Aerosmith daughter Liv Tyler.

This feminine form of Mael has the distinctive "aelle" ending found in Brittany. In the French spelling Maëlle, it is a Top 100 girls' name in France.

Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.

Marcel, despite distinguished namesakes including Proust and Duchamp, suffers from a terminal headwaiter image in this country. But along with its sister name Marcella and French variation (and Jolie-Pitt pick) Marcheline, Marcel may be on the brink of a style renaissance.

Nadja is a feminine name of Slavic origin, primarily used in Eastern European countries, Russia, and Germany. It's a variant of Nadia, which derives from the Russian word 'nadezhda' meaning 'hope.' The name gained international recognition through cultural works, including Vladimir Nabokov's novel 'Nadja' and André Breton's surrealist novel of the same name. With its exotic yet accessible sound, Nadja strikes a balance between uniqueness and familiarity in Western countries. The name has a melodic quality and carries the uplifting meaning of hope. While not among the most common names, Nadja has maintained steady popularity, particularly in Europe, for its elegant sound and positive connotations.

Thea is a diminutive of names ending in -thea, including Dorothea, Althea, and Anthea. It is also the Anglicized spelling of Theia, the Titan of sight, goddess of light, and mother of the moon. She was the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos.