If you like Ivy . . .
- Acie
Description:
Acie is an uncommon feminine name with American origins, particularly found in Southern states. It likely developed as a variant of Acey or derived from initials A.C. used as a nickname. Some suggest it may also be related to the Latin word 'acies' meaning 'sharpness' or 'keen vision.' The name has historical usage dating back to the 19th century but has remained rare throughout the decades. Acie has a distinctive, vintage quality with a simple two-syllable pronunciation. While never reaching mainstream popularity, it represents the tradition of unique given names found in rural American communities.
- Ada
Origin:
German or TurkishMeaning:
"noble, nobility, or island"Description:
Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
- Alvy
Description:
Alvy is a feminine name with English origins, though it can occasionally be used for males as well. It likely developed as a diminutive form of names beginning with 'Al-' such as Alvina, Alvira, or Albert. The name has a vintage, somewhat quirky charm that resonates with parents seeking uncommon options. Alvy gained minor recognition through the character Alvy Singer in Woody Allen's film 'Annie Hall,' though this reference hasn't significantly increased its popularity. The name remains quite rare, making it an appealing choice for parents wanting their child to stand out. With its short, two-syllable structure and friendly 'y' ending, Alvy has a casual, approachable quality while still feeling distinctive. Its brevity makes it practical while maintaining uniqueness in most social settings.
- Aoife
Origin:
Irish GaelicMeaning:
"beautiful, radiant"Description:
Aoife, pronounced EE-fa, is derived from the Irish word aoibh, meaning "beauty." Aoife was borne by several different heroines of ancient Irish legend. In one tale, she was the fiercest woman warrior in the world and enemy of her twin sister, Scathach.
- Ava
Origin:
Hebrew, Latin or GermanicMeaning:
"life; bird; water, island"Description:
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.
- Avery
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"ruler of the elves"Description:
Avery is a hugely popular name in the US, especially for girls. But while nearly four times as many girls as boys are named Avery today Avery's popularity is starting to soften for girls while it continues to strengthen for boys.
- Avie
Description:
Avie is a charming feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may serve as a diminutive of names like Avery, Avis, or Aviva, or stand as an independent name. In Hebrew contexts, it can relate to 'my father,' while in Latin it connects to 'bird.' Avie has a vintage quality reminiscent of early 20th century nicknames, yet feels fresh to modern ears. Though relatively uncommon, its short, melodic sound fits well with contemporary naming trends favoring brief, vowel-rich names. Avie carries a sweet, gentle quality while maintaining simplicity and elegance. Its versatility crosses cultural boundaries while offering a distinctive alternative to more common names like Ava or Eva.
- Avis
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Avis is a bird name that's been in hibernation for awhile, possibly due to the car rental association, but it could make a return on the wings of Ava. Baldwin brother Daniel chose it for his daughter.
- Avy
Description:
Avy is a contemporary feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of Avery or Ava, both of which have gained popularity in recent decades. Avy could derive from the Latin 'avis' meaning 'bird', suggesting qualities of freedom and grace. As a standalone name, Avy has a modern, minimalist appeal with its short, symmetrical structure. In the United States, Avy remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality while still being easy to pronounce and spell. Its brevity and ending 'y' sound create a name that feels both youthful and adaptable, suitable from childhood through adulthood.
- Birdie
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Birdie was until recently a middle-aged Ladies' Club member wearing a bird-decorated hat --but now it's just the kind of vintage nickname (think Hattie, Josie, Mamie, Millie) that's coming back into style in a big way. Actress Busy Philipps named her baby Birdie (inspired by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson), as did soap star Maura West.
- Blue
Origin:
Color nameDescription:
Blue suddenly came into the spotlight, as the unusual color name chosen by Beyonce and Jay-Z for their baby girl Blue Ivy. Blue is also a starbaby middle name du jour, used for both sexes in different spellings and forms, from John Travolta and Kelly Preston's Ella Bleu to Alicia Silverstone's Bear Blu. Dave 'The Edge' Evans named his daughter Blue Angel back in 1989.
- Briar
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"a thorny patch"Description:
Fairy-tale memories of Sleeping Beauty inspire some parents—such as Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen—to call their daughters Briar Rose. But Briar plus a different middle name might work even better. It's one of the newly popular nature-word names, charting in the US for the first time in 2015 for both genders.
- Briony
Origin:
Spelling variation of BryonyMeaning:
"to sprout"Description:
Briony may be the variation and Bryony the original, but many parents will see this as the more authentic-feeling version of this attractive botanical name. Still unusual in the U.S., Briony is in the British Top 100 and may appeal to parents as a fresh spin on Briana or Brittany or an honorific for a Brian, though it bears no relationship to the male name.
- Bryn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"hill"Description:
Bryn is an up-and-coming gentle, yet substantial, Welsh name that would also be effective in the middle spot. In Wales it's a traditional boys' name, but it's far more popular for girls now in the US.
- Chevy
Description:
Chevy is a feminine name with American origins, though it can also be used for boys. Most commonly associated with the well-known automobile brand Chevrolet, the name has transitioned from a commercial reference to a personal name in recent decades. As a given name, Chevy has a modern, energetic quality that appeals to parents looking for something distinctive and unconventional. The automobile connection gives it associations with American culture, movement, and strength. Some parents might choose it as a nickname for Chevonne or similar names, while others use it as a standalone name. Though still relatively uncommon as a given name, Chevy represents the contemporary trend of adopting brand names and surnames as first names, particularly those with a cool, Americana vibe.
- Clover
Origin:
Flower name, from Old EnglishMeaning:
"key"Description:
Clover is a charming, perky choice if you want to move beyond hothouse blooms like Rose and Lily, and it's recently become a new celeb favorite, chosen by both Neal McDonough and Natasha Gregson Wagner, who used it to honor her mother, Natalie Wood, one of whose most iconic films was Inside Daisy Clover.
- Daisy
Origin:
Diminutive of Margaret or flower name, EnglishMeaning:
"day's eye"Description:
Daisy, fresh, wholesome, and energetic, is one of the flower names that burst back into bloom after a century's hibernation. In 2024, it burst back into the Top 100 for the first time since 1908.
- Elvy
Description:
Elvy is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Germanic roots, possibly originating as a diminutive form of names containing the element 'elf' or 'alv,' referring to supernatural beings in Norse mythology. It could also be a variant of Elvira or a shortened form of names beginning with 'El-' such as Eleanor or Elisabeth. The name has a vintage charm while maintaining a light, modern feel with its 'y' ending. Elvy has never been widespread in English-speaking countries but maintains modest usage particularly in Sweden and Norway. Its brevity and distinctive sound appeal to parents seeking something uncommon yet easy to pronounce. The name carries connotations of mystical beauty and ethereal qualities, influenced by its potential connection to elf mythology.
- Envy
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"jealousy"Description:
We understand the appeal — similar to Evie, a word name — but envy is not a quality you want to incite in your child.
- Essie
Origin:
Diminutive of Esther, PersianMeaning:
"star"Description:
Cute short form of Esther, now associated with the iconic nail polish brand.