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Fun 'n Fresh but Familiar

maplemay
By maplemay
Updated Thu Jan 19 2023
  1. Alma

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "nurturing, soul"

    • Description:

      Alma is a somewhat solemn, soulful name that had a burst of popularity a century ago, then faded into the flowered wallpaper, and is now finding its footing once more.
  2. Beatrix

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "she who brings happiness; blessed"

    • Description:

      Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.
  3. Becca

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Rebecca

    • Meaning:

      "servant of God"

    • Description:

      The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.
  4. Bonnie

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "beautiful, cheerful"

    • Description:

      Bonnie is an adorable nickname name, heading back up the popularity list after a 50-year nap. A Top 100 girls' name throughout the rest of the English-speaking world, Americans are later to jump on the Bonnie bandwagon but now it's trending here too.
  5. Brigitta

    • Description:

      Brigitta is a feminine name with rich historical roots, derived from the ancient Celtic name Brighid, meaning 'exalted one' or 'high goddess.' It's the Central European form of Bridget, particularly popular in Hungarian, German, and Scandinavian cultures. The name is associated with Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints known for her generosity and compassion. Brigitta gained international recognition through characters in literature and film, including Maria's friend in 'The Sound of Music.' While maintaining its classic origins, Brigitta offers a more distinctive alternative to the more common Bridget or Brigitte, combining ancient Celtic heritage with continental European elegance.

  6. Carlie

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carly

    • Description:

      The ie ending injects this late 20th century favorite with a bit of late 19th century charm. But not quite enough to make it a good 21st century choice.
  7. Catrina

    • Description:

      Catrina is a feminine name with Spanish and Latin roots. It's a variation of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' meaning 'pure.' Catrina has special cultural significance in Mexico, where 'La Catrina' is a iconic skeletal figure associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations, representing the elegance and attitude toward death in Mexican culture. The name gained some recognition in the United States during the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Catrina carries an exotic, spirited quality while maintaining its classical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a melodic sound.

  8. Daphne

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "laurel tree, bay tree"

    • Description:

      In Greek mythology, Daphne was the nymph daughter of Peneus, a river god. Peneus saved Daphne from Apollo’s romantic obsessions by transforming her into a laurel tree. It is from this myth that the plant genus daphne, which contains the laurel species, gets its name.
  9. Felixa

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "happy, lucky"

    • Description:

      The futuristic consonant x sets this apart -- for better and worse -- from all the other Felices, Felicias, and Felicitys.
  10. Gemma

    • Origin:

      Italian, Catalonian, Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "precious stone"

    • Description:

      Gemma is a jewel of a name, an Italian classic that was very popular in 1980s England, but has only recently been started to be used here; it entered the list in 2008.
  11. Jemima

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, most recently ranking at #231 there in 2017. But despite its lovely sound and peaceful meaning, this attractive name hasn't ranked in the US Top 1000 since 1893, no doubt due to the problematic association with racial stereotyping, exemplified by the Aunt Jemima brand of pancakes.
  12. Julianne

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "youthful or sky father"

    • Description:

      This variation on the Julia theme has stayed in play due to the popularity of Julianne Moore, though it now sits at the bottom of the US Top 1000.
  13. Kelsey

    • Origin:

      English surname

    • Meaning:

      "Cenel's island"

    • Description:

      Yesterday's hottie, today's mom name. It derives from several English place names and may mean "Cenel's island", from the Old English name Cenel "fierce".
  14. Louisa

    • Origin:

      Latinate feminine variation of Louis

    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"

    • Description:

      Louisa, a quaint but strongvintage name, is an example of the idea that these days, old-style girls’ names are more fashionable when they end with an a rather than with an e, as in Julie/Julia, Diane/Diana. So for the next generation, Louisa may rise again, especially with the growing popularity of other Lou/Lu-starting names, like Lucy and Luna. Louisa reentered the US Top 1000 in 2014 after a 45 year absence.
  15. Lucy

    • Origin:

      English variation of Lucia, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      A versatile classic, Lucy is both sweet and solid, a saint's name, and the heroine of several great novels. First fashionable in England and Wales, Lucy is now a popular choice in the US, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.
  16. Lydia

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "woman from Lydia"

    • Description:

      Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.
  17. Marnie

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "of the sea"

    • Description:

      Retro short form of Marina, now dated to the era of the Hitchcock movie that made it famous. In the UK, it's one of the hottest vintage names of the moment, perhaps inspired by British singer Lily Allen, who gave it to her second daughter in 2013. It's also a character name on the hit TV show Girls.
  18. Martha

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "lady"

    • Description:

      The name of our first First Lady still has something of a prim and proper image, academic and efficient. That quiet, traditional, and tasteful gestalt is exactly what makes Martha appealing to some parents today.
  19. Nina

    • Origin:

      Short form of names that end in -nina

    • Description:

      Nina is as multiethnic as you can get: Nina is a common nickname name in Spain and Russia, a Babylonian goddess of the oceans, and an Incan goddess of fire. Here and now, it's a stylish possibility that's been underused. "Weird Al" Yankovic chose this decidedly nonweird name for his daughter.
  20. Olene

    • Description:

      Olene is a feminine name with Greek roots, possibly derived from Helen (meaning 'torch' or 'bright one') with the O- prefix. In some contexts, it may also relate to the name Arlene or serve as a variation of Eileen. The name has a vintage, gentle quality that evokes mid-20th century charm. Olene is quite rare in contemporary use, giving it a distinctive quality for those seeking uncommon names. Its soft sound pattern creates a delicate impression while still being substantial. The name may also have connections to nature through its similarity to the word 'oleander,' adding subtle botanical associations.