2014

  1. Shoshana
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "lily"
    • Description:

      This is a rare and lovely form of Susannah commonly heard in Israel. Shoshana Shapiro — nicknamed Shosh — is the character played by Zosia Mamet on the hit HBO series Girls — a fact that could give the name an upward thrust.
  2. Merrigan
    • Origin:

      Irish surname, related to the sea
    • Description:

      A merry surname cousin of Kerrigan, could make a lively choice for a happy little girl.
  3. Rainn
    • Description:

      Rainn is a modern unisex name that has gained recognition particularly as a masculine name. It evokes natural imagery of rainfall and carries peaceful, cleansing connotations. The doubled 'n' gives it a distinctive spelling compared to the word 'rain.' The name gained some prominence through actor Rainn Wilson, helping establish it in popular consciousness. Rainn appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with simple, clear meanings. It carries a gentle yet strong quality and works well cross-culturally. Though still relatively uncommon, Rainn has seen modest increases in usage, particularly among parents seeking peaceful, environmental names with a contemporary feel and straightforward pronunciation.
  4. Emmalou
    • Description:

      Emmalou is a feminine compound name that combines the classic Emma with Lou, creating a charming, folksy double name. Emma has Germanic origins meaning "universal" or "whole," while Lou is typically a short form of names like Louise or Louisiana, derived from the Germanic name Ludwig, meaning "famous warrior." This combination creates a name with a distinctly Southern American or country feel, evoking a sense of warmth and traditional values. Emmalou blends the immense popularity of Emma with the vintage charm of Lou, resulting in a name that feels both familiar and distinctive. While not among the most common names, Emmalou appeals to parents seeking a sweet, homespun quality with historical roots and a touch of rustic elegance.
  5. Rosellen
    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Ellen
    • Description:

      Another of the Rose-plus names, now far out of fashion.
  6. Ashwyn
    • Llewelyn