potential baby names

A surname very rarely heard as a first, associated with Hall of Fame basketball star Patrick Ewing and, in the 1980s, the oil-rich Ewing family on the nighttime soap, "Dallas"

Tindra is a new name in Sweden, used only since the 1980s, that has become enormously popular: It's in the Top 100 there. And while unknown in the US, Tindra certainly has possibilities as a substitute for the flagging Kendra.

Louisiana is a geographic spin on the Louise theme. Pretty, if a bit of a syllable overload. Short form Lou or Lulu lightens it.

Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.

Ave is a concise feminine name with multiple origins and meanings. In Latin, it means 'hail' or 'farewell' and is recognizable from the prayer 'Ave Maria' (Hail Mary). It can also derive from the Latin 'avis,' meaning 'bird,' symbolizing freedom and grace. As a modern name, Ave appeals to parents seeking minimalist elegance - short, simple, yet distinctive. Despite its brevity, it carries significant cultural resonance through its religious connections and natural symbolism. While not widely used as a given name, Ave's simplicity makes it versatile across cultures and languages. The name's compact nature also makes it unlikely to be shortened to nicknames, preserving its clean, pure quality.

This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated.

A more unusual, if slightly snooty, masculine Bailey alternative.

An important name in Irish myth, belonging to a beautiful giantess who was both mother and wife of Brian Boru. It is usually Anglicized as the phonetic Bevin, but also as Vivian.

Lovely name that's been overshadowed by sister ZAHARA, which was chosen by Brad and Angelina for their oldest daughter.

Emmaliese is an elegant feminine name that combines elements of the popular Emma with the German name Liesel or the name ending found in Annaliese. It can be interpreted as a compound of Emma (meaning 'universal' or 'whole' from Germanic origins) and Liese (a German diminutive of Elisabeth, meaning 'God is my oath'). This elaborate, melodious name carries a European sophistication and fairy-tale quality. Though uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Emmaliese appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name with international flair. The name's flowing syllables create a graceful rhythm, while its familiar components make it accessible despite its rarity. Emmaliese offers the perfect balance of uniqueness and traditional elements.