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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

While Sixtine is a name with ancient roots that's popular in modern-day France, it's hard to imagine it gaining hold in English-speaking lands, given its similarity to the number sixteen and its even-more-problematic similarity to the word "sexting." You wouldn't do that to your daughter.

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.

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.

Marwan is a masculine name of Arabic origin that carries a rich cultural heritage. It means 'fragrant rock' or 'hard stone,' symbolizing strength and stability. Historically, the name was borne by several caliphs and leaders in the Umayyad dynasty, giving it a noble association. Marwan has remained popular throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Muslim communities worldwide for generations. In Western countries, the name has gained recognition with increased cultural diversity, though it remains distinctive. Marwan is appreciated for its melodious sound and strong meaning, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and positive attributes. The name balances traditional significance with contemporary appeal, particularly for families with Arabic or Islamic heritage.

Sparky and bright but with a serene meaning, Sakina is a multicultural choice, quietly on the rise in the US. Derived from the Arabic Sakun or the Hebrew shekinah, it means "peace, tranquility" and is associated with the sense of serenity, or the reassuring peace that can settle upon an enlightened person, particularly within Islamic tradition.

An aromatic, unconventional name.

The name of medieval French saint, similar to Sally Field's name, Bertrille, on the old The Flying Nun sitcom, leading some to expect the word "Sister" in front of it.

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.

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.