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ORIGINAL Baby Names

  1. Annora

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "honor"

    • Description:

      Annora is a noble name, a distinctive twist on its most essential form: Honor. Other variations to explore include Honora and Nora.
  2. Arava

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "willow"

    • Description:

      Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning.
  3. Arbor

    • Origin:

      Nature name

    • Description:

      Arbor is an original unisex tree-related choice we're sure to hear more of. Highly unusual now, Arbor takes its place alongside other new arborial names ranging from the mighty Oak (or Oakley) to the more delicate Birch to the more flowery Juniper, Acacia, and Hazel.
  4. Arden

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valley of the eagle; high"

    • Description:

      Arden, the name of the magical forest in Shakespeare's As You Like It, is a stylish A name with a strong, straightforward image. Another reason to love Arden: its similarity to "ardent." Arden is solidly unisex, with the current gender distribution running about 60 percent girls and 40 percent boys.
  5. Arla

    • Origin:

      Swedish

    • Meaning:

      "early"

    • Description:

      While Arla has a literal meaning in Swedish, its roots as a name are probably more closely related to such names as Arlene or Orla. Arla is among the girls' Top 1000 names in the UK.
  6. Barnabas

    • Origin:

      Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "son of consolation"

    • Description:

      Barnabas, whose birth name was Joseph, was one of the earliest Christian disciples in Jerusalem, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle, His name is a bit Old World compared to the update Barnaby, but could gain some attention as boys' names ending in 's' are enjoying a comeback.
  7. Barnaby

    • Origin:

      English variation of Barnabas, Aramaic

    • Meaning:

      "son of consolation"

    • Description:

      Barnaby, a genial and energetic name with an Irish-sounding three-syllable lilt, is an ancient appellation that manages to be both unusual and highly attractive and deserves to be used more than it is. A sweet-spot name that's a real winner.
  8. Callista

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "most beautiful"

    • Description:

      Calista Flockhart spotlighted this lovely Greek name that has a long future in the English-speaking world. Kallista is another spelling; Calixta and Calixto are related.
  9. Calpurnia

    • Origin:

      Latin "chalice; cup"

    • Meaning:

      "chalice; cup"

    • Description:

      Calpurnia is a name with a massive history. As the third and final wife of Julius Caesar, Calpurnia has been forever depicted in literature (Shakespeare) and film (Cleopatra; Rome) as a modest and sweet woman, utterly devoted to Caesar. She is said to have foretold his death and to have tried (and failed) to have warned him of the treachery of his trusted allies. Following Caesar's assassination, Calpurnia never remarried.
  10. Clorinda

    • Origin:

      Latin literary name

    • Description:

      Clorinda is a romantic name invented by a sixteenth-century poet, but has a synthetic sound today.
  11. Coralene

    • Description:

      Coralene is a delicate feminine name that draws inspiration from the natural beauty of coral reefs. It combines 'coral' – the vibrant marine organism forming colorful underwater structures – with the feminine suffix '-ene,' creating a graceful elaboration that sounds both vintage and fresh. The name evokes images of the ocean, suggesting qualities of resilience and natural beauty. While not widely used, Coralene has appeared occasionally throughout the 20th century, particularly in Southern regions of the United States. It shares sounds with more common names like Coraline, Caroline, and Coralie, but maintains its own distinctive character. For parents seeking a rare nature-inspired name with a subtle vintage charm, Coralene offers a melodic option with connections to the sea.
  12. Coralie

    • Origin:

      French from Latin

    • Meaning:

      "coral"

    • Description:

      Coralie is a French name not often heard here, though she's gaining some recognition via Neil Gaiman's similar sounding spooky and lovely children's book, Coraline. Other literary appearances: Coralie is the stage name of an actress in Balzac's Lost Illusions, and a French girl in an 1850 Thackeray novel.

      Coralie is currently very popular in French-speaking Quebec, and there is a contemporary French singer named Coralie Clement.

  13. Coralina

    • Description:

      Coralina is a feminine name derived from 'coral,' the vibrant marine organism that forms colorful reefs in tropical waters. With Latin roots, the name evokes images of the ocean, suggesting beauty and natural wonder. Coralina can be considered a more elaborate variation of Coral or Coraline, with its romantic -ina suffix adding a touch of elegance. The name carries associations with the pink-orange hue of precious coral, symbolizing protection and vitality in various cultures. While not among the most common names, Coralina appeals to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with a melodic quality and subtle connection to the sea.
  14. Carrinthia
    • Early

      • Origin:

        Word name

      • Description:

        A word that's been used, very infrequently, as a name for hundreds of years. Interesting sound and meaning.
    • Emer

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "swift"

      • Description:

        Popular name in Ireland -- it's pronounced ee-mer -- from the legendary wife of Cuchulainn who was supposed to possess the six gifts of womanhood: beauty, voice, speech, wisdom, chastity, and of course, needlework. Is found in the poetry of Yeats.
    • Ernest

      • Origin:

        English from German

      • Meaning:

        "serious, resolute"

      • Description:

        Ernest is one of those sober, so-far-out-they're-beginning-to-be-reconsidered Great Uncle names. Ernest recently received a big style boost when Britain's Princess Eugenie chose it for her second son.
    • Eroica

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "heroic"

      • Description:

        The name of Beethoven's third symphony, and too close to the word erotica.
    • Evrose

      • Origin:

        Invented literary name

      • Description:

        A combination-type name invented by L. Frank Baum for a Princess character who first appears in his book Ozma of Oz.
    • EXIE
      • Fenno

        • Origin:

          A Finnish tribe and language

        • Description:

          If you've heard this name, it's probably from the hero of the acclaimed Julia Glass novel, Three Junes, or else the political scientist Richard Fenno. As well as a Finnish name, it's alos a Frisian diminutive from names in the Frederick family, making it is a cousin of Freddie, Fritz and Fedde. This name is so rare it's never appeared on the charts, but with its energetic O ending it might appeal if you're looking for an alternative to names like Otto and Arlo.
      • Fenton

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "marsh town"

        • Description:

          Fenton is the kind of surname name that's starting to sound almost like a normal first name these days. While it made a brief appearance on the Top 1000 in the late 1800s, today it's distinctive but in step with the times. And Fen as a nickname is undeniably cute -- a Ben of the future.
      • Fern

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "plant name"

        • Description:

          Of all the botanicals, Fern has been one of the slowest to move back from the front parlor into the nursery, despite the appealing girl character in the children's classic Charlotte's Web. Fern was most popular from the turn of the last century through the 1940s, reaching a high of #152 in 1916. We can certainly see her rejoining the long list of popular greenery names.
      • Forsythia

        • Origin:

          Flower name, from English surname

        • Meaning:

          "Forsyth's flower"

        • Description:

          This yellow harbinger spring bloom was named for Scottish botanist William Forsyth, and is even more unusual than such species as Acacia and Azalea.
      • Grover

        • Origin:

          English

        • Meaning:

          "lives near a grove of trees"

        • Description:

          Forget the furry blue Muppet, forget corpulent President Cleveland (not too difficult), and consider this name anew. We think it's spunky, a little funky, and well worth a second look.
      • Gladiola
        • Harlan

          • Origin:

            German and English

          • Meaning:

            "rocky land"

          • Description:

            Pleasant but uninspired surname name somewhat connected to writers Ellison and Coben. After three decades off the US Top 1000, it reentered in 2013, maybe because it's an unusual example of the trendy class of two-syllable n-ending boys’ names. Kevin Harlan is an NFL, NBA, and college basketball announcer for TV and radio.
        • Helia

          • Origin:

            Greek

          • Meaning:

            "sun"

          • Description:

            The feminine form of Helios or Helio is occasionally heard in Spain and Portugal. In Greek mythology, Helia is one of the Heliades, daughters of the sun god Helios by Clymene the Oceanid.
        • Henley

          • Origin:

            English

          • Meaning:

            "high meadow"

          • Description:

            The name of a British town on the Thames that hosts a famous regatta, so it could be an appropriate middle name for the son of boat-lovers.
        • Hyacinth

          • Origin:

            Flower name, from Greek

          • Meaning:

            "blue larkspur; precious stone"

          • Description:

            Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name.
        • Juniper

          • Origin:

            Latin tree name

          • Meaning:

            "young"

          • Description:

            Juniper is a fresh-feeling nature name -- it's a small evergreen shrub -- with lots of energy. A new favorite of fashionable parents, Juniper joins such other tree and shrub names as Hazel, Acacia, and Willow.
        • Lavinia

          • Origin:

            Latin, from ancient place name Lavinium

          • Description:

            Lavinia is a charmingly prim and proper Victorian-sounding name which actually dates back to classical mythology, where it was the name of the wife of the Trojan hero Aeneas, who was considered the mother of the Roman people.
        • Livana

          • Origin:

            Hebrew

          • Meaning:

            "the moon, white"

          • Description:

            Pretty and unusual, Livana may find a lot more fans as parents look for alternatives to Number 1 Olivia. Livana was used for only seven baby girls in the US last year.
        • Locklyn

          • Origin:

            Variation of male name Lachlin, Gaelic

          • Meaning:

            "lake land"

          • Description:

            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 turning to the Locklyn spelling on the girl's side.
        • Lorcan

          • Origin:

            Irish

          • Meaning:

            "little, fierce"

          • Description:

            Lorcan is a name rich in Irish history as belonging to several kings, including the grandfather of the most famous high king of Ireland, Brian Boru. Lorcan O'Toole, known in English as Laurence O'Toole, is the patron saint of Dublin, so it's not too surprising that Irish-born actor Peter O'Toole named his son Lorcan.
        • Lorna

          • Origin:

            English literary name

          • Description:

            One of those names like Pamela, Vanessa and Wendy, Lorna was invented for a particular literary character--the protagonist of the 1869 novel Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore--and then perpetuated as the name of a shortbread cookie. The author claimed to have based it on the Scottish place-name, Lorn. In baby name limbo for quite some time, it was chosen by Judy Garland for her younger daughter, Lorna Luft. Lorna Simpson is an important contemporary American artist.
        • Lucine

          • Origin:

            Armenian, English, French

          • Meaning:

            "moon; light; grove, light"

          • Description:

            Sweet and stylish, Lucine is a versatile choice that can be used as a spelling variation of the celestial Armenian name Lusine. It is equally considered an elaboration of the classic Lucy and as a French form of Lucina, a name that means "grove", but can also be associated with light.
        • Lumina

          • Description:

            Lumina is a radiant feminine name derived from the Latin word 'lumen,' meaning 'light.' This elegant name carries connotations of brightness, illumination, and enlightenment across various cultures. Though rare in mainstream usage, Lumina has appeared in literature, video games, and as a character name in various media. The name has a magical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents seeking something uncommon yet meaningful. Its connection to light makes it symbolically rich, suggesting qualities of intelligence, hope, and guidance. The name flows melodically and has cross-cultural appeal, as variations of light-based names exist in many languages.
        • Mabel

          • Origin:

            Diminutive of Amabel, Latin

          • Meaning:

            "lovable"

          • Description:

            Mabel is cuddly Victorian favorite rising in popularity in the US, after a 50-year nap If you love offbeat old-fashioned names like Violet or Josephine, only sassier and bubblier, Mabel is one for you to consider. It is currently in the US Top 200 and the UK Top 50.
        • Magnolia

          • Origin:

            Flower name, from French surname

          • Meaning:

            "Magnol's flower"

          • Description:

            Magnolia, a sweet-smelling Southern belle of a name made famous via the iconic Edna Ferber novel and musical Showboat, is one of the latest wave of botanical names, along with unexpected blossoms Azalea and Zinnia. It is named for French botanist Pierre Magnol.
        • Marlowe

          • Origin:

            Variation of Marlow, English

          • Meaning:

            "driftwood"

          • Description:

            Is it Marlo, Marlow, or Marlowe? Suddenly they all seem very much in the air, in tune with rhyming cousins Harlow and Arlo. It all started when Margaret Julia Thomas began being known as Marlo (after being previously nicknamed Margie and Marlow). More recently, Jason Schwartzman used the e-ending version for his young daughter, Marlowe Rivers, as did Sienna Miller for her baby girl Marlowe Ottoline.
        • 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.
        • Maud

          • Origin:

            English and French diminutive of Matilda, German

          • Meaning:

            "battle-mighty"

          • Description:

            Maud, lacy and mauve-tinted, was wildly popular a hundred years ago but has been rarely heard in the past fifty. Some stylish parents are starting to choose Maud again, especially as a middle. Maude is another spelling, associated with actress Maude Apatow.
        • Meadow

          • Origin:

            Nature name

          • Description:

            Meadow's upward popularity trajectory certainly suggests that the name has transcended its connection to The Sopranos.. In the US, more than 750 baby girls were named Meadow last year, a number we expect to keep rising.
        • Minerva

          • Origin:

            Latin

          • Meaning:

            "of the mind, intellect"

          • Description:

            Minerva is the long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention, the arts and martial strength, one of the mythology names for girls that might appeal to adventurous feminist parents. With Juno and Jupiter, she made the Capitoline triad, whose worship was at the very center of Roman religion.
        • Minta

          • Origin:

            English, diminutive of Araminta, invented hybrid name

          • Description:

            Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.
        • Mirtha

          • Origin:

            Dutch

          • Meaning:

            "myrtle"

          • Description:

            The Dutch name is usually spelled Myrthe or Mirthe and pronounced meer-ta. But most English speakers will say it mer-tha and confuse the name with Martha, Bertha, or Myrtle.
        • Morley

          • Origin:

            English

          • Meaning:

            "moor, meadow clearing"

          • Description:

            Fresh choice in the vein of Carly and Harley.
        • Nanette

          • Origin:

            French diminutive of Anne

          • Meaning:

            "grace"

          • Description:

            There was a time when French names like Annette, Paulette – and Nanette – were chic, but now, we'd have to say "No, no, Nanette".
        • Nello

          • Origin:

            Short form of Antonello or Brunello, Italian

          • Meaning:

            "protection; from Antium"

          • Description:

            Energetic and sparky but warm and gentle in sound, Nello is an Italian short form of Antonello, Brunello, or similar.
        • Nole

          • Description:

            Nole is a masculine name with several possible origins. It may be a diminutive of names like Arnold or Nolan, or derive from the Italian town of Nole in Turin. The name could also be a variation of Noel, meaning "Christmas" in French. In recent years, Nole gained some recognition as the nickname of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. The name has a concise, modern feel with just four letters, while still offering depth in its cultural connections. Nole is uncommon but easily pronounced across many languages, making it an accessible yet distinctive choice for parents seeking a short, contemporary name with international appeal.
        • Ophelia

          • Origin:

            Greek

          • Meaning:

            "help"

          • Description:

            Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
        • Orna

          • Origin:

            Irish

          • Meaning:

            "little pale green one"

          • Description:

            This Irish saint's name sounds like a lopped-off Lorna.
        • Otto

          • Origin:

            German

          • Meaning:

            "wealthy"

          • Description:

            Otto is cool again. Long a quintessential Old Man Name, Otto has been promoted to trending darling of adventurous baby namers.
        • Ottoline

          • Origin:

            French and English, diminutive of Ottolie

          • Meaning:

            "prospers in battle"

          • Description:

            Curiously appealing, in a hoop-skirted, wasp-waisted way, Ottoline has recently entered the realm of modern possibility, especially since Sienna Miller chose it as the middle name of her daughter Marlowe.
        • Owen

          • Origin:

            Welsh

          • Meaning:

            "young warrior; well-born"

          • Description:

            Ever since singer Michelle Branch gave it to her daughter in 2005, Owen has started to be used for a small number of girls each year as well. Just 39 baby girls received the name in 2021, compared with over 8700 boys.
        • Parthena

          • Description:

            Parthena is a distinctive feminine name derived from Greek mythology, specifically connected to Parthenos ('virgin'), an epithet of the goddess Athena. The name directly relates to the Parthenon, the famous temple dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis of Athens. With its ancient Greek heritage, Parthena conveys connotations of wisdom, strength, and purity. While never commonly used in mainstream naming trends, it has occasional usage particularly in Greek communities and among those with an appreciation for classical mythology. The name's strong consonants balanced with open vowel endings create a melodious yet substantial sound. Parthena offers a rare choice with authentic historical roots and powerful feminine associations.
        • Paulina

          • Origin:

            Spanish, feminine variation of Paul

          • Meaning:

            "small"

          • Description:

            More stylish than either Paula or Pauline, it was given a glamour gloss by model Paulina Porizkova in the nineties.
        • Pauline

          • Origin:

            French, feminine variation of Paul

          • Meaning:

            "small"

          • Description:

            Pauline had its moment of glory almost a century ago, when movie audiences were thrilling to the silent serial The Perils of Pauline; it's a sweet and gentle name that just might be due for reconsideration. Off the list since the late 1990s, Pauline was a Top 50 name from around 1908 to 1930.
        • Penthia

          • Origin:

            Greek

          • Meaning:

            "flower"

          • Description:

            Penthia might not be the most charming flower name, but as the lovely Penelope ascends, and the lovely Cynthia fades away, a compromise may be in order.
        • Rosemary

          • Origin:

            Latin or English

          • Meaning:

            "dew of the sea, or rosemary (herb)"

          • Description:

            Despite appearances, Rosemary is not a "smoosh" name, not even a traditional one. The name derives from two Latin terms "Ros" meaning ‘dew’ and "Marinus" "meaning "of the sea". The plant was termed ‘dew of the sea’ due to its salty texture and its ability to thrive in coastal climes. Only after the Middle Ages did the English names of Rose and Mary become interchanged with the name Rosmarinus and give us the modern name we use today.
        • Rowena

          • Origin:

            Welsh

          • Meaning:

            "white spear or famous friend"

          • Description:

            A fabled storybook name via the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe (1819), which featured a heroine called Rowena of Hargottstanstede, and also a Harry Potter name, as Rowena Ravenclaw, founder of one of the Hogwarts houses..
        • Sapphira

          • Origin:

            Greek variation of Sapphire, Hebrew jewel name

          • Meaning:

            "sapphire"

          • Description:

            Sapphira is a lovely name which unfortunately has an unsavory Biblical history. The New Testament Sapphira was killed by God for lying about a tax payment.
        • Saskia

          • Origin:

            Dutch

          • Meaning:

            "Saxon"

          • Description:

            From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.
        • Soley

          • Origin:

            Icelandic nature name, variation of Sólja, Faroese

          • Meaning:

            "buttercup"

          • Description:

            Sóley is the Icelandic word for the buttercup flower, derived from the words meaning "sun" and "island." It is also used on the Faroe Islands as a short form of Sólja.
        • Sorrel

          • Origin:

            Botanical name and French

          • Meaning:

            "reddish brown"

          • Description:

            A fragrant herbal and color name that could make a sensitive, distinctive choice.
        • Spence

          • Description:

            Spence as a feminine name represents an uncommon gender crossover from what is traditionally a masculine name. Originally a surname derived from Middle English 'spens,' meaning 'pantry' or 'larder,' Spence emerged as a short form of Spencer. While primarily used for boys, its adoption for girls reflects the modern trend toward surname-inspired unisex names. The name carries associations of strength and refinement, perhaps influenced by the aristocratic Spencer family of England. As a feminine choice, Spence remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking distinctive, gender-neutral options with a sophisticated sound. Its brevity and strong consonant ending give it a contemporary feel despite its historical origins.
        • Theona

          • Description:

            Theona is a feminine name with Greek origins, generally considered a feminine variation of Theon, which means 'godly' or 'divine.' The name carries elegant ancient connections while maintaining a modern, melodic quality. Historically less common than similar Greek-derived names like Theodora or Theodosia, Theona has experienced modest increases in usage in recent decades among parents seeking names with classical roots but distinctive sounds. The name's connection to divinity gives it an ethereal, spiritual quality. With its flowing sound and relatively uncommon status, Theona offers a balance between uniqueness and accessibility. The name works well across multiple cultures and has particular appeal for those drawn to names with meaningful Greek etymology and a gentle, feminine sound.
        • Valencia

          • Origin:

            Spanish

          • Meaning:

            "brave, strong"

          • Description:

            This lovely orange-scented Spanish place-name would make an inventive namesake for an Aunt Valerie.
        • Valina

          • Description:

            Valina is a feminine name with a delicate, melodic quality. It may have developed as a diminutive form of names containing the 'Val' element, such as Valentina or Valerie, which derive from the Latin 'valens' meaning 'strong' or 'healthy.' In some contexts, it might be connected to the Greek word 'galene' meaning 'calm' or 'serene.' Valina has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, giving it a distinctive quality that appeals to parents seeking something recognizable yet unique. The name has a romantic, flowing sound with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. While not widely used in any particular region, Valina occasionally appears across various cultures, lending it an international appeal.

        • Verbena

          • Origin:

            Latin

          • Meaning:

            "sacred foliage"

          • Description:

            This name of a showy, lemony plant makes an unusual entry into the name garden.
        • Wanda

          • Origin:

            Slavic or German

          • Meaning:

            "shepherdess; wanderer"

          • Description:

            Rarely heard, and when it is, usually attached to a witch. Historically, though, Wanda was a legendary eighth century queen of Poland, and in literature it is the central character of Ouida's eponymous novel Wanda. A musical namesake is the great Polish harpsichordist Wanda Landowska.
        • davinia
          • kaleya