Tilted, Charmish and Wonderful

Aisha was Muhammad's favorite wife, making this lovely name and its myriad variations hugely popular among Muslims and also African-Americans. It's been energized by TV personality Aisha Tyler. Pronunciation is usually eye-EE-sha but some say ay-sha.

Arabella, lovely and elegant, has long been well used in Britain and finally made it onto the American list in 2005. A Top 50 choice in the UK, in the US in remains in the Top 300, given to around 1300 babies each year.

Barbara is back! Among the fastest-rising names of 2023, Barbara came back from oblivion at the very bottom of the Top 1000, gaining nearly 100 places on the popularity list.

Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.

Romantic, and classy, this variation heats up Caroline and modernizes Carol, adding a southern accent. A popular choice in Portugal, Spain, Mexico, and Italy, it recently entered the US Top 500.

Doe is a soft and gentle-eyed middle name possibility and, like Fawn, one of the few animal names open to girls.

Dominika is the feminine form of Dominic, with Slavic origins particularly popular in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and other Eastern European countries. The name derives from the Latin "dominicus," meaning "of the Lord" or "belonging to God," reflecting its religious roots. Traditionally associated with Sunday (the Lord's day) or children born on Sunday, Dominika carries spiritual significance. The name gained popularity in Eastern Europe after Saint Dominic founded the Dominican Order in the 13th century. In the United States, Dominika remains uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being relatively easy to pronounce. Its four syllables create a rhythmic, musical quality. The name conveys strength and femininity simultaneously, with nickname options including Nika, Mika, or Domi, offering versatility for different stages of life.

This unique one-syllable name was added to the mix by Mariel Hemingway for her now grown model/actress daughter; it could make a distinctive middle name or Bree substitute.

Though this feels like a new invention, people have used day names such as Morning and Afternoon for centuries -- and so why not Evening too? It's a lovely word with an evocative meaning and makes a perfect addition to this newly stylish group.

This strong yet graceful feminine form of Gabriel is a modern favorite. The double L spelling is given to more than three times as many girls as the Gabriela version.

Josie is jaunty and friendly: among the most winning of all nickname names. She's been on the Social Security list since records began being kept.

Leonie is a chic French and German form of a name that exists in a range of variations from Leona to Leonia to Leon to Leo to Lionel, all newly fashionable after a couple of generations in style limbo.

Remember, the Muse is passive: someone else's inspiration.

Anastasia is a lovely yet very long name, and Stasia is a fresher, classier short form than Stacy.

Actress Tilda Swinton injected this dated nickname name with some modern charm.

Though it has some distinguished political and tennis world associations, most modern parents would go for the more contemporary sounding Holden. Tilden Park is a beautiful hillside wilderness in the San Francisco Bay Area.