New Names I've heard Recently

These are names that I've never heard/seen given to an actual child. They were found in a private elementary school directory.
  1. Ailani
    • Origin:

      Hawaiian
    • Meaning:

      "chief"
    • Description:

      Lilting and lovely. Entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2016.
  2. Albonne
    • Andrada
      • Berk
        • Description:

          Berk is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Turkish, it means 'solid' or 'firm,' suggesting strength and reliability. In Old English contexts, it can relate to 'birch tree' or 'birch woodland.' The name is also found as a surname in various European traditions. Short and punchy with its four-letter structure, Berk has a straightforward, no-nonsense quality that appeals to parents seeking brief, strong names for boys. Despite its simplicity, the name remains relatively uncommon in the United States, though it enjoys more recognition in Turkey and some European countries. Its cross-cultural presence gives it versatility while maintaining distinctiveness in most Western contexts.
      • Baylor
        • Calder
          • Origin:

            English
          • Meaning:

            "rocky water"
          • Description:

            Artistic associations with the sculptor who invented the mobile make this one of the more creative surname choices.
        • Connell
          • Description:

            Connell is an Irish masculine name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Conaill, meaning "descendant of Conall." The original name Conall combines the elements "con" (wolf or hound) and "all" (mighty), translating to "strong wolf" or "strong as a wolf." Connell carries a sense of strength and resilience with its powerful animal association. The name gained moderate popularity in Ireland and Scottish Highlands historically but remained relatively uncommon globally. In recent decades, it has seen some increased usage in English-speaking countries, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with Celtic roots and masculine qualities. Its connection to Irish heritage makes it particularly appealing to those with Irish ancestry.

        • Casiel
          • Delphi
            • Origin:

              Greek place name
            • Meaning:

              "of Delphi; womb"
            • Description:

              An interesting unisex possibility, with an air of mystery connected to the Delphic Oracle, the most important oracle in ancient Greece; it was also a major site for the worship of the god Apollo.
          • Dallan
            • Hayla
              • Hyla
                • Kendrick
                  • Origin:

                    English, Welsh, Scottish
                  • Meaning:

                    "royal ruler, champion; home ruler"
                  • Description:

                    This punchy surname has some favor in the last couple of decades—potentially due to rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was one of the quickest rising boy names in 2013 when it reached its high point at #318. It has since declined in popularity, but as of 2023, it remains in the US Top 500 and in the UK Top 1000.
                • Kepler
                  • Myla
                    • Origin:

                      Spelling variation of Mila or feminine variation of Milo
                    • Meaning:

                      "soldier or merciful"
                    • Description:

                      Myla can be seen as a female variation of Milo or a different spelling for popular Mila. Though frequently unnecessary in alternate spellings, the "y" here does connote a specific pronunciation.
                  • Macabee
                    • Norie
                      • Description:

                        Norie is a delicate feminine name with multiple cultural origins. In Japanese, it means 'belief' or 'doctrine,' while in Scottish usage, it emerged as a diminutive of Eleanor or Nora. The name has maintained a quiet presence throughout the 20th century without ever becoming commonplace. Its brief, melodic sound gives it an ethereal quality that appeals to parents seeking something subtle yet distinctive. In Scotland and Japan, Norie carries different cultural resonances but shares a sense of gentle refinement. The name experienced a modest rise in usage during the early 2000s as part of the trend toward shorter, vintage-inspired girls' names.
                    • Odysseus
                      • Origin:

                        Greek mythology name
                      • Meaning:

                        "wrathful"
                      • Description:

                        The name of the brave, resourceful hero of Homer's epic saga has almost always been considered too weighty for a child to bear, but at this point, some brave, resourceful parents out there might be willing to take it on.
                    • Sageus
                      • Smith