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  1. Abigail

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my father is joyful"

    • Description:

      Abigail has been in for so long -- the name has ranked in the US Top 100 since the late 1980s -- it's amazing that it isn't more out by now. But Abigail's biblical and historic roots make it a fashionable classic rather than a passing fad.
  2. Adelaide

    • Origin:

      Variant of Adelheidis, German

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility"

    • Description:

      Adelaide is now heading straight uphill on the coattails of such newly popular sisters as Ava, Ada, and Audrey, and in the company of Adeline and Amelia. It was chosen by actress Katherine Heigl for the name of her second daughter.
  3. Alastair

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "defender of men"

    • Description:

      To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.
  4. Alastor

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "avenger"

    • Description:

      Alastor is linked to several characters in Greek mythology. It is an epithet of Zeus, a prince of Pylos, and a fighter in the Trojan War. Alastor's less savory associations include a horse of Hades and a Christian demon. In the Harry Potter universe, it's the first name of Professor "Mad Eye" Moody.
  5. Ambrose

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "immortal"

    • Description:

      Gentle but grandiose and beloved by British novelists including Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, Ambrose was a fast rising name in 2022. Entering the UK Top 1000 for the first time and proving popular among Nameberry users, its elegance, softness, and vintage style means it fits in with popular Theodore, Sebastian, and Jeremiah.
  6. Andromeda

    • Origin:

      Greek mythology name

    • Meaning:

      "advising like a man"

    • Description:

      One of the stellar unique baby names from mythology, Andromeda was the beautiful daughter of Cassiopeia who, like her mother, literally became a star--the constellation that bears her name.The Bohemian Andromeda makes a dramatic and adventurous choice in a time when four-syllable mythological names are gradually making their way into the mainstream.
  7. Aria

    • Origin:

      Italian and Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "air; song or melody; lion"

    • Description:

      Aria is a multi-cultural name with two extremely popular versions: this more word-like one along with Arya, the spelling used for the feisty young heroine of Game of Thrones. There were about 6400 baby girls named Aria in the US last year alog with 2400 named Arya, which counted together places the name in the Top 10.
  8. Arius

    • Description:

      Arius is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, primarily known from historical figure Arius, a theologian from Alexandria in the 4th century who founded Arianism. The name may derive from the Greek word 'areios,' meaning 'warlike' or connected to Ares, the Greek god of war. Alternatively, it could relate to 'aria' meaning 'air' or 'song.' Arius has experienced a modest revival in recent years as parents seek names with classical roots and distinctive sounds. It appeals to those drawn to ancient history and mythology while maintaining a modern feel. The name carries connotations of strength, individualism, and intellectual depth. While still uncommon in most countries, Arius offers a unique alternative to more popular classical names while maintaining historical authenticity.
  9. Atlantis

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Description:

      Mythical wonderland makes strong, evocative first name for either gender.
  10. Atlas

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "bearer of the heavens"

    • Description:

      Atlas is one of those names that was previously thought too powerful for a baby boy, who would have to be strong enough to carry the world on his shoulders. Now Atlas has joined the pantheon of Greek and Roman god and goddess names in the realm of possibility, along with Mars, Zeus and Apollo.
  11. Aviva

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "springlike, fresh, dewy"

    • Description:

      Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza.
  12. Bellamy

    • Origin:

      English and Irish from French

    • Meaning:

      "fine friend"

    • Description:

      Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming girls' name, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.
  13. Calista

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"

    • Description:

      Spelled with either one 'l' or two, Calista came to the fore in 1997 when Calista Flockhart hit it big as Ally McBeal. Flockhart, who bears her mother's middle name, didn't just introduce a name, she introduced a whole sensibility. Pretty and delicate, Calista is definitely worthy of consideration, especially for parents with Greek roots.
  14. Calypso

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "she who hides"

    • Description:

      This hyper-rhythmic name has two evocative references. In Greek mythology, she was an island nymph, a daughter of Atlas, who delayed Odysseus from returning home. It is also a genre of West Indian music, originating in Trinidad and Tobago and largely popularized in the States by Harry Belafonte.
  15. Cassian

    • Origin:

      Latin, variation of Cassius

    • Meaning:

      "hollow"

    • Description:

      Rugged but gentle at the same time, Cassian is a saintly and stylish choice that was derived from the name Cassius. Before 2017, it was an obscure choice, given to a tiny handful of boys each year. As of 2023, however, it's become one of the top ten fastest-rising names in the US, more than doubling in usage since 2022 and edging closer towards the Top 500.
  16. Cassius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "hollow"

    • Description:

      Cassius, a Shakespearean name rooted in antiquity, is trending in a major way. It's one of a raft of Cas-starting names for both boys and girls, including Caspian, Cassian, and Cassia, that are enjoying a new moiment in the sun.
  17. Clay

    • Origin:

      English word name; diminutive of Clayton

    • Description:

      Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
  18. Cordelia

    • Origin:

      Latin; Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "heart; daughter of the sea"

    • Description:

      Cordelia is exactly the kind of old-fashioned, grown-up name for girls that many parents are seeking for their daughters today. The name of King Lear's one sympathetic daughter, Cordelia has both style and substance along with its Shakespearean pedigree.
  19. Cosmo

    • Origin:

      Italian, English, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"

    • Description:

      With a touch of celestial power, a hint of clunky charm, and the totally cool -o ending, Cosmo may well be finally shaking itself free of both the Seinfeld association (which made it a punchline of a joke) and the cartoon fairy association from The Fairly OddParents. In fact, it is in the Top 1000 in the UK and a favorite on Nameberry.
  20. Castilla
    • Dalton

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "the settlement in the valley"

      • Description:

        Dalton is a name with multi-faceted appeal. Many are attracted to the name's resemblance to other two-syllable n-ending favorites: Colton, Holden, and cousins. Others see it as a trendy Western name, recalling the legendary Dalton Brothers gang. It also has something of an upscale, preppy feel connected to the exclusive New York private school.
    • Damian

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "to tame, subdue"

      • Description:

        Damian has sidestepped its demonic horror movie overtones, leaving a basically friendly and charming Irish image. A well-used upper-class name in England, it is growing in popularity here.
    • Deianira

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "man destroyer"

      • Description:

        The name of Hercules' third wife in Greek mythology, who unwittingly killed her demigod husband by giving him a poisoned shirt. Hence the meaning. Dayanara -- as in "Orange is the New Black" character Diaz and Puerto Rican beauty Torres -- may be a distant relation.
    • 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.
    • Desdemona

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "ill-starred"

      • Description:

        Desdemona is as Shakespearean as a name can be, but because the beautiful and innocent wife of Othello came to such a tragic end, her name has been avoided for centuries. But at this point in time, there might be some adventurous parents willing to overlook that.
    • Douglas

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "black water"

      • Description:

        Douglas, and more particularly its nickname, Doug, had a real romantic swagger in the 1950s and 1960s dating back to swashbuckling Douglas Fairbanks, but today is more likely to conjure up your mom's prom date. Originally a Celtic river name, it became attached to a powerful Scottish clan, renowned for their strength and courage. In its earliest incarnation, Douglas was used equally for girls and boys.
    • Eden

      • Origin:

        Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "place of pleasure, delight"

      • Description:

        Eden is an attractive, serene name with obvious intimations of Paradise, one of several place names drawn from the Bible by the Puritans in the seventeenth century.
    • Elektra

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "shining, bright"

      • Description:

        This spelling of Electra makes this vibrant name less electric and more kinetic.
    • Elowen

      • Origin:

        Cornish

      • Meaning:

        "elm"

      • Description:

        A beautiful modern Cornish nature name that is rapidly picking up steam in the States: even spawning variant spellings like Elowyn and Elowynn. In its native region, it wasn't widely used as a name before the twentieth century, when the Cornish language was revived. A (currently) unique member of the fashionble El- family of names, it has a pleasant, evocative sound.
    • Elysian

      • Origin:

        Latin from Greek

      • Meaning:

        "of Elysium; blissful"

      • Description:

        The Elysian Fields of Greek mythology was the home of the afterlife for the blessed. As spiritual names and mythological names continue to rise, Elysian is a name to watch.
    • Elysian

      • Origin:

        Latin from Greek

      • Meaning:

        "of Elysium; blissful"

      • Description:

        In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields was the final resting place of righteous souls. Elysian falls under two current trends — spiritual names and mythological names — and could easily be a hit in years to come.
    • Emrys

      • Origin:

        Welsh, variation of Ambrose

      • Meaning:

        "immortal"

      • Description:

        If you're looking for a Welsh name less common than Dylan, Griffin, Evan, or Morgan, you might want to consider this offbeat epithet of the wise wizard Merlin.

        Root name Ambrose is an ancient saints' name derived from the Greek ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods that conferred immortality.
    • Evander

      • Origin:

        Scottish; Greek

      • Meaning:

        "bow warrior; strong man"

      • Description:

        Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander.
    • Everette

      • Origin:

        Variation of Everett

      • Description:

        Unisex variant of Everett, influenced by famous bearers like entrepreneur Everette Taylor and country musician Leon Everette. While Everett is overwhelmingly male, Everette is used for two boys for every girl and is relatively rare, given to fewer than 100 babies of each gender.
    • Faye

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "fairy"

      • Description:

        Soft and simple, but no less magical, Faye is enjoying a quiet spell of popularity in the US. It broke the Top 1000 in 2014, and by 2023, was one of the fastest rising names on the charts. Faye is a perfect example of a name that fits in and stands out, recognizable and yet unexpected. It also makes a beautiful middle name option, if Mae and Rae are feeling too overdone.
    • Freya

      • Origin:

        Norse

      • Meaning:

        "a noble woman"

      • Description:

        Freya has long been popular in the U.K. but has only taken off in the US in the last decade, along with the entire category of mythological names. Derived from the Old Norse name Freyja, meaning "Lady, noble woman", Freya is the name of the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
    • Gale

      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Gail

      • Description:

        When Gail was popular, half a century ago, Gale was a plausible choice. Gale does put a slightly more masculine spin on the name, but it's dated in any version.
    • Geneva

      • Origin:

        Swiss place-name or French

      • Meaning:

        "juniper tree"

      • Description:

        Unlike its somewhat formal Swiss city namesake, this is a lively and appealing place-name that also has a real history as a female name.
    • Greyson

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "son of the steward"

      • Description:

        Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child in The Nanny Diaries is Grayer, and actor Tyler Christopher opted for the unusual spelling of Greysun for his son. Some parents are considering Grayson -- or Gracen or Gracyn -- for girls as an androgynous spin on Grace.
    • Guinevere

      • Origin:

        Welsh

      • Meaning:

        "white shadow, white wave"

      • Description:

        Guinevere was the name of the beautiful but ill-fated queen of Camelot, for so many years eclipsed by its modern Cornish form Jennifer. Today, Guinevere could be a cool possibility for adventurous parents intrigued by this richly evocative and romantic choice.
    • Gayle
      • Harmony

        • Origin:

          Word name

        • Meaning:

          "harmony"

        • Description:

          If Melody and Lyric are on your style sheet, the peaceful Harmony, popularized by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, should be too. Girls names starting with the "Har" sound like Harper, Harley, and Harlow have been trending in recent years. This musical choice fits right in, and it is no wonder that Harmony has been in the Top 200 since 2014.
      • Hyacinth

        • Origin:

          Flower name, from Greek

        • Meaning:

          "blue larkspur; precious stone"

        • Description:

          Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name.
      • Jasper

        • Origin:

          Persian

        • Meaning:

          "bringer of treasure"

        • Description:

          Jasper originated as a variation of the Latin Gaspar, which ultimately derived from the Persian word ganzabara, meaning "bringer of treasure." As a given name, Jasper’s etymology is unrelated to that of the gemstone, which comes from a Semitic word meaning "speckled stone." Jasper is the usual English form for one of the Three Wise Men who brought gifts to the infant Christ according to medieval tradition and appears in the Bible as a reference to the stone itself in Revelations 4:3.
      • Joshua

        • Origin:

          Hebrew

        • Meaning:

          "the Lord is my salvation"

        • Description:

          Joshua, a Top 10 name from 1983 until 2010, has dropped out of the Top 50 but manages to present a relaxed, attractive image, with a bit of the Old West mixed in with its biblical persona.
      • Jupiter

        • Origin:

          Latin

        • Meaning:

          "godfather"

        • Description:

          Jupiter's partner Juno has entered the mainstream, so it's possible that her divine mate could follow. But not necessarily for boys — Jupiter is currently mostly female in the US, thanks to its similarity to Juniper. Stars including Ed Sheeran and Ashley Tisdale recently welcomed daughters named Jupiter, which could shift the balance even more towards the girls.
      • Kosmo

        • Origin:

          Finnish, Swedish, Danish variation of Cosmo

        • Meaning:

          "order, beauty, universe"

        • Description:

          Kosmo is easy to spell, pronounce, and understand, yet most English speakers would spell this uncommon name Cosmo.
      • Kenneally
        • Kenneally
          • Lance

            • Origin:

              English word name or English variation of Lanzo, German "long, pointed, medieval weapon; land"

            • Meaning:

              "long, pointed, medieval weapon; land"

            • Description:

              Though the fuller Lancelot has for the most part been shunned as a 'too-much-name' name, the short form Lance has been consistently in or around the Top 500 since 1938, climbing as high as Number 76 in 1970. It was used as a character name by Walter Scott as far back as 1823. Lance is also the name of a medieval weapon, making this name all boy.
          • Lawrence

            • Origin:

              Latin

            • Meaning:

              "from Laurentium or bay laurel"

            • Description:

              Lawrence has survived from Roman times, when Laurentium was a city noted for its laurel trees (the laurel is a symbol of wisdom and achievement). It was in the Top 50 from the 1890s through the 1950s and the Top 100 for decades longer, always among the most popular boys' names starting with L, but Lawrence is now used less for babies than Landon or Lorenzo.
          • Leroy

            • Origin:

              French

            • Meaning:

              "the king"

            • Description:

              Leroy's heyday was in the early twentieth century, when it was in the US Top 100 until 1949. As a result, it's now more frequently seen as a father or grandfather name. Nevertheless, it remains in the latter end of the US Top 1000, perhaps passed down from father to son, or similar enough to popular Levi that it still appeals.
          • Lethe

            • Origin:

              Greek

            • Meaning:

              "oblivion"

            • Description:

              In Greek mythology, Lethe was the name of one of the five rivers in Hades, the underworld. Lethe was also the name of the Greek spirit of forgetfulness and oblivion, with whom the river was often identified.
          • Lilith

            • Origin:

              Assyrian, Sumerian

            • Meaning:

              "ghost, night monster"

            • Description:

              Lilith is derived from the Akkadian word lilitu meaning "of the night." In Jewish folklore she is portrayed as Adam's rejected first wife, who was turned into a night demon for refusing to obey him. Lilith is unrelated to most other Lil- names, with the exception of Lilita, which is the Latvian variation.
          • Lily

            • Origin:

              English flower name

            • Meaning:

              "lily"

            • Description:

              Lily is the most popular of the popular delicate century-old flower names now making a return, thanks to its many irresistible attributes: a cool elegance and a lovely sound, a symbol of purity and innocence, and a role in Christian imagery.
          • Lorelei

            • Origin:

              German

            • Meaning:

              "alluring, temptress"

            • Description:

              The lovely Lorelei, a name from old German legend, was a beautiful Rhine River seductress whose haunting voice led sailors to hazardous rocks that would cause them to be shipwrecked. And this siren image clung to the name for ages.
          • Lukas

            • Origin:

              German variation of Lucas

            • Meaning:

              "man from Lucanus"

            • Description:

              Highly popular in Germany, Norway, Lithuania, and Austria, Lukas is a spelling variation of the also extremely popular Lucas. The "K" spelling gives it extra kick and a more international, globe-trotter feel.
          • Maeve

            • Origin:

              Irish

            • Meaning:

              "she who intoxicates"

            • Description:

              Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. Maeve would make an excellent first or middle name choice, with more heft than Mae/May and more modern charm than Mavis.
          • Mason

            • Origin:

              English occupational name

            • Meaning:

              "worker in stone"

            • Description:

              Mason is an occupational surname that ranked among the Top 10 name for boys throughout the 2010s, after its choice as one of the first Kardashian baby names.
          • Naois
            • Orion

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "boundary, limit"

              • Description:

                Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones.
            • Phoebe

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "radiant, shining one"

              • Description:

                Phoebe is the Latin variation of the Greek name Phoibe, which derived from phoibos, meaning "bright." In classical mythology, Phoebe is the by-name of Artemis, goddess of the moon and of hunting. The masculine version of Phoebe is Phoebus.
            • Rene

              • Origin:

                Variation of Renee

              • Meaning:

                "reborn"

              • Description:

                This name is hanging on as Renee, thanks to Ms. Zellweger, and in newer forms Renae and Renny.
            • Sirius

              • Origin:

                Latin from Greek

              • Meaning:

                "burning"

              • Description:

                Yes, it's the name of the brightest star in the sky, but can't you just hear people saying, "Are you serious?" Singer Erykah Badu used it as a middle name for son Seven.
            • Solace

              • Origin:

                English word name

              • Description:

                A rare unisex word/virtue name that is currently given to around 10 babies of each gender per year in the US. It could make for an unexpected route to bright, easygoing nickname Sol (or trendy nickname Ace).
            • Soren

              • Origin:

                Danish, Norwegian

              • Meaning:

                "stern"

              • Description:

                This gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, is being discovered in a major way by parents in the US. It's most closely identified with the nineteenth century philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, but there have been modern fictional Sorens as well, in The Matrix Reloaded and the book series Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Charlie and Lola, and Underworld.
            • Theseus

              • Origin:

                Greek mythology name

              • Description:

                The name of the Greek mythological hero famous for slaying the Minotaur is also heard in Chaucer and Shakespeare. While Theseus might have sounded pretentious for an American baby a decade ago, today with so many babies getting ancient mythogical names, it just might work.
            • Valkyrie

              • Origin:

                Old Norse

              • Meaning:

                "chooser of the slain"

              • Description:

                In Norse mythology, the valkyries decided the fate of men in battle and conveyed the spirits of the fallen to Valhalla, to dwell with the god Odin. Often associated with ravens, swans, and horses, over time the valkyries have been portrayed as strong, female figures, callous and monstrous creatures, and sometimes both at the same time.
            • Vincent

              • Origin:

                Latin

              • Meaning:

                "conquering"

              • Description:

                Vincent is a name with a complex image. After being quietly used for centuries, it is suddenly seeming stylish, along wih other V names. Even the nickname Vince has been given a reprieve via actor Vince Vaughn and country singer Vince Gill. Vin Diesel was born with the more prosaic name Mark Vincent.
            • Wilder

              • Origin:

                Surname or word name

              • Meaning:

                "wild, untamed, uncontrolled"

              • Description:

                Rugged, outdoorsy, and full of energy, Wilder entered the US Top 1000 back in 2015. Part bad boy, part Western, part preppy, and part nature-loving, Wilder is given to nearly 800 babies each year.
            • William

              • Origin:

                German

              • Meaning:

                "resolute protection"

              • Description:

                William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.
            • Willow

              • Origin:

                English nature name

              • Meaning:

                "willow tree"

              • Description:

                An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration.
            • Xander

              • Origin:

                Diminutive of Alexander, Greek

              • Meaning:

                "defending men"

              • Description:

                Xander is a diminutive of Alexander, the Latin variation of the Greek Alexandros. Its meaning, "defending men," is taken from the Greek roots aléxein, "to defend," and andros, "men." Zander, pronounced the same way, is an alternate spelling.
            • Zephyr

              • Origin:

                Greek

              • Meaning:

                "west wind"

              • Description:

                If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.
            • Zephyrus

              • Description:

                Zephyrus comes from ancient Greek mythology, where Zephyrus was the god of the west wind, considered the gentlest of the wind deities. The name literally means 'west wind' or 'western one' in Greek. Historically, Zephyrus was depicted as a benevolent god who brought spring breezes, helping flowers bloom and crops grow. As a given name, Zephyrus remains extremely rare, offering unmistakable classical flair. The more simplified form 'Zephyr' has gained modest usage in recent years as parents explore nature-themed names with historical depth. Zephyrus appeals to families drawn to mythological names with poetic qualities and distinctive sounds. The name's strong 'z' beginning and flowing, classical ending create a memorable impression, while its connection to gentle winds provides a positive natural association despite its uncommon usage.