Aesthetic Names: Beautiful and Bohemian

This lovely surname of the three novel-writing sisters, now used as a baby name, makes a fitting tribute for lovers of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. While the original name took an umlaut over the e, modern English speakers may find that more trouble than it's worth.

Variant of Brunhild, still clad in heavy armor. Though the heroine Brunhilda of Quentin Tarantino's recent film Django Unchained may have given this version of the name new appeal.

Cara is a simple, sweet, Italian endearment that enjoyed its greatest popularity from the 1970s through the 1990s, reaching a high of Number 189 in 1977. Despite the rising celebrity of English model/actress Cara Delevingne, who played Enchantress in Suicide Squad, Cara dropped off the Top 1000 in the US in 2020, perhaps because it sounds too close to the dreaded Karen.

Catrine is a feminine name of French and Scandinavian origin, serving as a variation of Catherine or Katherine, which derives from the Greek 'Aikaterine,' meaning 'pure.' This elegant variation is most common in Scotland, France, and Scandinavian countries. With its crisp pronunciation and refined quality, Catrine offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely used Catherine. The name gained moderate popularity in Nordic countries during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon globally. Catrine combines historical depth with a modern feel, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with traditional roots yet a contemporary sound. The simplified spelling gives this classic name a fresh, streamlined quality.

Celeste is a softly pretty and somewhat quaint name with heavenly overtones, which kids might associate with Queen Celeste of Babar's elephant kingdom. She's a light and lovely choice that's finally getting noticed.

The name of a French city famous for its fine lace. Another association: Chantilly cream – a sweetened whipped cream apparently invented there in the 17th century by a chef at the Château de Chantilly. The town probably takes is name from the Gallo-Roman personal name Cantilius, derived from a word for "white".

Charlett is a feminine name that represents a more distinctive spelling variant of Charlotte. Derived from the masculine name Charles, which comes from the Germanic word 'karl' meaning 'free man' or 'warrior', Charlett maintains the elegant French flair of its traditional counterpart while offering uniqueness through its spelling. This variation emerged as parents sought ways to personalize traditional names. While not as common as Charlotte, which has enjoyed consistent popularity throughout history, Charlett provides the same classic sophistication with a modern twist. The name carries connotations of strength and nobility, likely influenced by notable royal Charlottes throughout European history. The alternative spelling gives the name a contemporary feel while preserving its historical roots.

Charlotte, the name of the young Princess of Cambridge, is the latest classic name to join Sophia, Emma, Olivia, and Isabella at the top of the popularity list. It is now among the most popular girl names in many English-speaking and European countries.

Though Isabel is a smash hit, Christabel still hasn't been fully embraced. It was originally popularized in England via the Coleridge poem Christabel ("whom her father loves so well") and was given to the poet's granddaughter. Christabel Pankhurst was a famous U.K. suffragist.

The name Christian has fallen a bit from its 90's and 00's heights, but it's still quite popular. Once considered overly pious, Christian is now seen as making a bold statement of faith by some, while also having secular appeal for others. Christian's enduring popularity may be influenced by such celebrities as Christian Slater and Christian Bale, not to mention the fashion world's Dior, Lacroix, Louboutin and Audigier.

There are much chicer versions of this name today, such as Claudie, Claudia, or Claude itself. Claudine is a name wobbling on the edge of extinction.

A color name, a gemstone name, and an ocean-inspired choice, Coral has a lot going for it with its sharp C sounds yet sweet vintage feel. Unlike Scarlett or Violet, however, it is only quietly used in the US these days, perhaps because of its similarity to more 'dated' Carol.

Cyan is an attractive color names, but for a girl, better go all the way to Cyane, the name of a Sicilian nymph who lived in a blue pool.