Favorite girls names

Ariel is a male Biblical name, seen there as the messenger of Ezra, and also used as a symbolic name for the city of Jerusalem, while Shakespeare used it for a (male) sprite in The Tempest.

Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.

The phonetic Carolyn spelling, which was very popular from the 1920s to the '60s, has been steadily on the wane while Caroline herself has stayed strong.

The name of the tragic mythological Trojan princess who was given the gift of prophecy by Apollo, but was condemned never to be believed, Cassandra has been used for striking characters in movies and soap operas. Ethereal and delicate, Cassandra was in the Top 70 throughout the 1990s but is now descending in popularity.

Delaynie is a feminine name that appears to be a modern, elaborated spelling of Delaney, which originated as an Irish surname derived from 'Dubh Sláine' meaning 'dark challenger' or 'black defiance.' The added 'i' creates a more explicitly feminine appearance while preserving the original pronunciation. This spelling variation emerged alongside the trend of transforming surnames into first names with creative spellings. Delaynie carries the strong, independent spirit of its Irish roots while presenting a contemporary feel. Most popular in the United States since the early 2000s, the name offers parents a unique option that feels both familiar and distinctive, with the approachable nickname options of 'Laynie' or 'Dela.'

Thanks to two cultural influences, January has joined March, April, June and August as a plausible month name.

Jenna was first noted on the 1980s TV series Dallas, later associated with one of the First Twin Daughters. Jenna is still being used, but no longer feels much fresher than Jennifer. You can also spell it Jena, but then many people will pronounce it jeen-a, as in Gina.

Nadia, an accessible Slavic favorite, has a strong run of popularity in the US in the early 2000s, partially thanks to the character on Lost called Nadia but actually named Noor, but it's since slumped down the rankings. An earlier inspiration was Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who won the 1976 Olympics.