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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
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Finnigan
Irish
"fair"
Finnigan is another way to spell Finnegan, one of the energetic Irish surname-names in vogue now. One note: While Finnigan, Finnian, Finley and so on are appealing names on their own, you don't need…
Ariadne
Greek
"most holy"
This name of the Cretan goddess of fertility is most popular now as the more melodic Ariana, but Ariadne has possibilities of its own. It first entered the US Top 1000 in 2014. The renewed interest…
Lowri
Welsh, from Latin
"laurel"
This unusual and appealing form of Laura is popular in sections of Wales.
Elea
Short form of Eleanor
A sweet, breezy short form of Eleanor, that happens to coincide with the name of an ancient Italian town. It is a popular choice in Switzerland, Finland, and France, though the spellings Eléa and…
Effemie
Effemie is a delicate feminine name with vintage charm and old-world elegance. This uncommon name appears to be a variation of Euphemia, which derives from Greek origins meaning 'well-spoken' or…
Locklyn
Variation of male name Lachlin, Gaelic
"lake land"
This phonetic spelling of a traditional Scottish male name wasn't seen until used by Vince Vaughn for his daughter. As Lachlan becomes more of an established boy's name in the US, more parents are…
Signe
Scandinavian
"new victory"
Signe could make an offbeat, more unusual alternative to Sydney or Sigrid. In Norse mythology, Signe was the twin sister of Sigmund. Can also be spelled Signy.
Betsan
Welsh pet form of Elizabeth
Betsan is little-known outside of the U.K. but it could provide an intriguing alternative to Liz, Beth, Betsy, Betty, and Libby.
Junie
Diminutive of June
A cute nickname, but June is a much better bet for the birth certificate.
Elidi
Greek
"gift of the sun"
Elidi is intriguing but potentially confusing. Try the French Elodie instead.
Story
English word name
"an account of incidents or events"
An imaginative choice with an uptempo Cory/Rory/Tori sound, perfect for the child of a writer — or anyone with a good story to tell. Story has been finding some appreciation among celebs like…
Truly
Word name
"in a truthful way"
A would-be up-and-comer if it wasn't for the spiked seltzer brand.
Waverly
English
"meadow of quivering aspens"
Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish…
Zuly
Short form of ZULMA, Arabic
"healthy, vigorous"
Zuly is the spunky short form of Zulma, and is commonly used on its own, often in the Latino community.
Eponine
French literary name
Eponine is attracting new notice via the movie of Les Miserables, based on the book by Victor Hugo. Eponine is the spoiled daughter of Cosette's foster parents whose name, according to the story, was…
Irie
Jamaican
"positive and powerful"
A name used in the Caribbean, taken from the Rastafarian term that translates best to "positive and powerful." Rastas often greet each other by saying, "Are you feeling Irie today?"
Grantham
Grantham is a masculine name derived from an English place name and surname, originating from the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The place name comes from Old English elements possibly meaning…
Wild
Word name
Asking for trouble.
Ellery
English
"island with elder trees; descendant of Hilary; cheerful, happy"
In the past few years Ellery has gone from middle-aged male detective -- from old school fictional hero Ellery Queen -- to a plausible girls' name, a la Hillary. Ellery is one of the golden names…
Thisbe
Greek mythological name, meaning unknown
Thisbe, the name of a beautiful but tragic lover in mythology, is lively and cute -- in a slightly thistly, prickly way. Ovid retold the story of Thisbe and Pyramus, young lovers in ancient Babylon…