Outside the Box

By graceryan2012

Updated Thu May 25 2023

some 'off the beaten path' choices for baby #4

Bren
- Description:
  Bren is a concise feminine name with Celtic roots, though it can also be used for boys. As a feminine name, it often serves as a shortened form of Brenda, which derives from Old Norse 'brandr' meaning 'sword' or 'fire.' In Irish traditions, Bren connects to the word 'bran' meaning 'raven,' a bird associated with wisdom and prophecy. The name's simplicity gives it a modern, streamlined quality while its Celtic heritage provides cultural depth. Though uncommon as a standalone name, Bren appeals to parents seeking a straightforward, gender-neutral option with historical roots. The name conveys strength and directness in its brevity. In Wales, it may also relate to the Welsh word for 'hill,' adding geographical significance to its multiple layers of meaning.
Brylee
- Origin:
  Modern invented name
- Meaning:
  "thorny woodland clearing"
- Description:
  Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Brylee is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked back in 2012 when it was given to around 770 babies, but has since been in decline. Given to around 230 girls in a recent year, Brynlee and Oakley are now preferred.

Elizah
- Description:
  Elizah is a modern feminine name that appears to be a contemporary variation of Eliza or possibly a feminine form of Elijah. If derived from Eliza, it ultimately connects to the Hebrew name Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' If connected to Elijah, it shares the meaning 'Yahweh is God' or 'my God is Yahweh.' The spelling with an 'h' ending gives the name a distinctive appearance while maintaining familiar pronunciation. Elizah remains relatively uncommon, offering a unique option that still feels accessible due to its connection to more traditional names. The name carries spiritual undertones through its potential biblical connections while maintaining a contemporary feel through its modern spelling adaptation.
Jagger
- Origin:
  English occupational name
- Meaning:
  "carter"
- Description:
  Jagger, made famous as the surname of Rolling Stone Mick, gets an entry in the girls' column thanks to Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross, who chose it for their daughter. For either gender, this name rocks...but a bit jaggedly. Currently, there are nearly 20 times as many baby boys than girls are given the name Jagger. That balance may shift, making Jagger a more truly gender neutral name.
Jensen
- Origin:
  Spelling variation of Jenson and Danish surname
- Meaning:
  "son of Jens"
- Description:
  The number one surname in Denmark could make a sophisticated and stylish girl's name. Jensen Huang is the (male) cofounder of AI giant Nvidia.

Joelle
- Origin:
  Feminine variation of Joel, Hebrew
- Meaning:
  "Jehovah is his God"
- Description:
  Joel is one of those boys’ names that's never been super-popular yet has never been UNpopular either -- it's been in the Top 400 in the US since we started keeping statistics in 1880. So it's inevitable that its female form Joelle would gain visibility too, and indeed Joelle was used most widely during Joel's reign in the Top 100, from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.
Joree
- Description:
  Joree is a feminine name with uncertain origins, possibly representing a modern invented name or a creative variation of names like Jorie or Jori. It may have connections to the French name Joeri or could be derived from the Hebrew name Jorah meaning 'autumn rain.' With its melodic two-syllable structure and appealing 'ee' ending sound, Joree has a contemporary feel while remaining distinctive and memorable. The name is quite rare, making it appealing to parents seeking something unique yet pleasant-sounding and easy to pronounce. Its uncommon nature means it carries few preconceptions, allowing a child to define the name through their own personality.
Kyella

Nyx
- Origin:
  Greek mythology name
- Meaning:
  "night"
- Description:
  In Greek mythology, Nyx was a powerful goddess and the embodiment of the night, but when spoken, its negative meaning can't be ignored.
Raidan
- Description:
  Raidan is a modern masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may represent a variant of Raiden, which derives from Japanese elements meaning "thunder and lightning" or "thunder god." Alternatively, it could be a contemporary creation combining elements of common names like Aidan and Ray. The name has gained modest recognition in Western countries since the early 2000s, partly due to its appearance in popular video games and media. Raidan carries a strong, dynamic sound with its crisp consonants and flowing vowels. Though still relatively uncommon in usage statistics, it follows phonetic patterns familiar in contemporary naming trends. For parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible modern name with a powerful sound quality, Raidan offers cross-cultural appeal and contemporary style.
Roux
- Origin:
  French From Latin
- Meaning:
  "russet"
- Description:
  Roux, a color name meaning russet or reddish brown, is a possible middle name for your little auburn-haired babe, though a post-Hunger Games child would more likely be called Rue. Roux is also a culinary term for a mixture of fat and flour used in French cooking to make sauces.