This intriguing name of an ancient Etruscan queen renowned for her prophetic powers was long associated with the prima ballerina Tanaquil LeClerq.

Tornado first meant thunderstorm and only later came to mean whirlwind, the common modern meaning. More recently, Tornado is the first name of a tennis-playing teen whose sister is called the equally attention-getting Hurricane. Both names work for either gender, if you think you can withstand the storm jokes.

A new entry in the fashionable occupational name category -- and a jolly job it must be -- with the added attraction of relating to the great early 20th century American artist James Abbott McNeill Whistler, of "Whistler's Mother" fame.

Hurricane is a storm, but it's also an American name, thanks to rising tennis star Hurricane Black -- whose sister's name is Tornado. There's no reason this tempestuous choice can't work for boys too, inasfar as the name can work for any child. As a name, Hurricane is definitely original and attention-getting, but is it a name you'd want to carry around for life?

An interesting figure from Greek mythology -- an Amazon queen who fought for Troy in the Trojan War -- but no figure could be interesting enough to make that five-syllable mouthful usable today. Stick with Penelope or, if that's too popular for your taste, try Thessaly.

The unique O-ending makes this name memorable, especially for someone with ties to Texas.

A subtle nature name which would nevertheless make for a bold choice, saint’s name Corbinian derives from Latin corvus ("crow; raven"). It’s a traditional yet rare choice in parts of southern Germany, where it’s usually spelt Korbinian.

A strong, meaningful name, associated with a famous Cherokee linguistic scholar; also suggests the magnificent California sequoia redwood trees.

One of the oft-mocked Zappa kid names; it supposedly was a nickname his father had for his wife's pinkie toe.

Zealous and noble, an unusual and strong choice -- and if the original is too much of a mouthful, you can always call him Zen.

Actor Mahershala Ali single-handedly put this Biblical name on the map. If you think it's difficult to pronounce and spell, consider that it's short for Maher-shalal-hash-baz, the longest name in the Bible which Ali actually used in its entirety as his stage name until 2010.

A soft and lovely Hebrew name with an equally lovely meaning. Variations include Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva and Ahuvah.

This French place name, which may derive from a word meaning "plowed land", is occasionally used for girls. It is best-known for two things: the grand Palace of Versailles, the historic seat of the French royal family; and the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the First World War.

Nefertari Meritmut was the first and favorite wife of pharoah Ramesses II "the Great". She was highly educated and undertook important diplomatic work on behalf of her husband, corresponding with other prominent figures and even making speeches.

Even in the Hispanic community, very religious and old-fashioned.

Romantic Italian choice.

Attractive English surname that sounds right at home with the other androgynous surname names that are currently on-trend.

Greenlee Smythe is a character on the soap opera All My Children

Word name Love was a newcomer to the US Top 1000 in 2022, and was among the fastest rising names of the year. Lovelyn adds a bonus trendy -lyn ending, which may appeal to parents as feeling more name-like.

A bright and appealing Spanish name traditionally given to honor the church festival of Candlemas, which commemorates the presentation of Christ in the temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary.

Elfie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian roots. It originated as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'alf' or 'elf', which in Germanic mythology referred not to tiny creatures but to supernatural beings of great beauty and power. It can also be a nickname for names like Elfrieda or Elizabeth in some cultures. The name evokes qualities of whimsy, magic, and enchantment, with its fairy-tale associations giving it a playful, ethereal character. While never achieving mainstream popularity, Elfie has experienced periodic interest, particularly in European countries. Its brevity and sweet sound appeal to parents seeking something distinctive yet endearing. The name's magical connotations give it a sense of wonder and imagination.