Popular in France

Thanks to its dashing Anglo-Irish image — due partly to Colins Firth and Farrell — and its C-initialed two-syllable sound, Colin and its cousin Collin have enjoyed a long run of popularity, reaching as high as Number 84 in 2004.

Irina is a Russian ballet-inflected classic, one of the Three Sisters in the Chekhov play. While some Americans will pronounce this like Irene with three syllables, the pronunciation used throughout Europe, where it's widely used, starts with a short i as in it or if and a strong emphasis on the second syllable.

Kingsley is a sophisticated Harry Potter name that entered the US Top 1000 in 2013.

Unusual Honor or Nora alternative, but we prefer the originals.

Tao is the Chinese word for the underlying harmony of the universe, combining both yin and yang. Extreme kayaker Tao Berman made this one of the spiritual names prime for adoption, and more recently, it has appeared in hit graphic novel and TV series, Heartstopper. Tao rhymes with cow.

Traditionally spelled as Zayyan, this concise spelling variant is more popular in the English speaking world. Similar in sound and in meaning to the popular, international-feeling Zayn, it ranks in the Top 300 in the UK and in France.

In ancient Greek mythology, a Trojan king with fifty children; in the modern world it sounds more like a computer language or environmentally correct car.

An aromatic, unconventional name.

The biblical character Kenan was a great-grandson of Adam and a direct ancestor of Noah. As in Christianity, Kenan is honored in Islam.

Kaylan is a modern masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a variation of Callan (Irish for 'powerful battle'), Kaelan (a Gaelic name meaning 'slender'), or a modern combination of the popular 'Kay' prefix with the '-lan' suffix. Some consider it a male variant of Kayla. The name has gained modest popularity since the 1990s, particularly in North America, appreciated for its contemporary sound while maintaining masculine qualities. Kaylan balances uniqueness with accessibility—uncommon enough to be distinctive but familiar enough in structure to be easily pronounced and spelled. Its melodic quality and trendy construction have helped it maintain steady usage among parents seeking a modern name with a pleasant sound.

This elaboration of the Arabic amīn, meaning "trustworthy" or "to feel safe" was a fast riser in 2022, but has yet to crack the Top 1000. Latvian musical artist Aminata Savadogo's 2021 song "It's Written in the Heavens (Milky Way)" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2022 Latvian Music Recording Awards, potentially bringing the name into the spotlight.

Line is a feminine name with multiple origins and pronunciations. In Scandinavian countries, particularly Norway and Denmark, it's pronounced 'LEE-neh' and often serves as a diminutive of names like Caroline, Karoline, or Oline. In French contexts, Line (pronounced 'LEEN') may be a short form of names ending in '-line' like Adeline or Jacqueline. The name is characterized by its simplicity and minimalist charm. Line has a modern, sleek quality while maintaining connections to traditional naming patterns. Though relatively uncommon internationally, it enjoys moderate popularity in Nordic countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era of longer names, offering a refreshing simplicity with cross-cultural appeal.

Though the variation Pius is too, well, popeish, Pio might work for an ordinary boy.

Sakina is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word Sakun/Sakoon meaning peace, tranquillity. Sakina can refer to the sense of serenity, or the reassuring peace that can settle upon an enlightened person. Actress Sakina Jaffrey, best known from her role in House of Cards, is a bearer of this name.

Sweet and charming French nickname for Anne, à la Manon for Marie.

Oumou is a feminine name with West African origins, particularly common in countries like Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. It is a variant of Umm or Ummu, which derives from Arabic meaning 'mother of.' In many West African cultures, Oumou is associated with dignity, wisdom, and maternal strength. The name gained international recognition through prominent figures like Oumou Sangaré, a celebrated Malian singer known as 'the songbird of Wassoulou.' While still uncommon in Western countries, Oumou represents the rich cultural heritage of West Africa and carries a musical quality in its pronunciation. Parents might choose this name to honor African heritage or to bestow a name with deep cultural significance.

Ambroise is the French form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which is derived from the Greek word 'ambrosia,' meaning 'immortal' or 'divine.' This name carries connotations of longevity and heavenly association. Ambroise was popularized by several saints, most notably Saint Ambrose of Milan, a 4th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church. In France, this classic name has maintained steady, though modest, usage throughout the centuries. While Ambroise never reached tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, it remains appreciated for its sophisticated sound and rich historical connections. The name evokes a sense of timeless elegance with its mellifluous pronunciation and distinguished heritage.

Dayana is an Hispanic variant of Diana, notably belonging to Venezuelan actress, model and producer Dayana Mendoza. It also belongs to a South American orchid whose name derives from the surname of English botanist John Day. Its use can be partly attributed to the popularity of Diana, the Princess of Wales.

Souleymane is a masculine name with West African origins, particularly common in countries like Senegal, Mali, and other Francophone African nations. It is the French-influenced African variation of Solomon, which derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'peace' or 'peaceful.' The name carries associations with wisdom and dignity, influenced by the biblical King Solomon's reputation for wisdom. Souleymane has a melodic, four-syllable flow with a distinctive sound. The name reflects the cultural intersection of traditional African naming patterns with Islamic and French influences. While not widely used globally, it remains a significant name within West African communities and their diaspora. The name's rich cultural heritage combined with its pleasing phonetics makes it both meaningful and distinctive for families connected to its regions of origin.