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Haroun
Arabic variation of Aaron
"exalted, high"
This common Arabic name is related to Aaron, but feels far more distinctive in the US. Haroun Khalifa is the protagonist of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and the Sea of Stories .
Briona
Variation of Briana, English
"strong, virtuous and honorable"
Briona is another of the increasingly popular Bri picks, a cross between Briana and Briony.
Laoghaire
Laoghaire is a traditional Irish masculine name with deep Celtic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'LEE-ree' or 'LAY-ree', it derives from ancient Gaelic elements. Historically, the name was borne…
Emmelyn
Emmelyn is a feminine name that appears to be a variation of Emmalyn or Emmeline. It combines the popular Germanic name element 'Emma' (meaning 'universal' or 'whole') with the suffix '-lyn,' which…
Alastriona
Irish: feminine form of Alasdar
Spelled Alastríona in its native language, this Irish cousin of Alexandra is little-known but fairly intuitive.
Evanthe
Greek
"fair flower"
Evanthe is a pretty Greek name not often heard outside its native culture. With its stylish Ev-begining, Evanthe could make an interesting choice if you're looking for a generic flower name.
Kenidee
Kenidee is a modern feminine name with American origins, likely created as a variation of Kennedy or a combination of the Ken- prefix with a trendy -idee ending. The name has no specific historical…
Viera
Slovak; Russian variation of Vera
"truth"
With the rise of both international names and those that start with the letter V, this sharp alternative to Vera may become more familiar in the English-speaking world.
Nessa
Scandinavian
"headlands, promontory"
Like its cousin Tessa, Nessa -- a shortening of Vanessa or Agnes or Anastasia among other possibilities -- is an attractive nickname that can stand on its own.
Kismet
Word name
"fate"
The next Destiny? Kismet seems like it might be fated for increased use.
Sven
Scandinavian
"youth"
Especially for parents of Scandinavian descent, Sven is an accessible and attractive name with an appealing mix of strength and swagger. It comes from the ancient Swedish tribe, the Sviars, who gave…
Emmalynn
Combination of Emma and Lynn
"universal lake"
An updated form of Emmeline or Emmaline or a compound name that makes your chosen pronunciation more obvious. Spelling variation Emmalyn reached the US Top 500 in2017, but has since fallen out of Top…
Jonathon
Spelling variation of Jonathan, Hebrew
"gift of Jehovah"
Like many spelling variations of popular names , Jonathon's star rose and is now falling along with that of the original Jonathan. Jonathon occupied the very last spot on the boys' US Top 1000 in…
Nerys
Welsh
"chief, lady"
A sweet yet substantial name of Welsh origin, Nerys has the fresh feel of Carys, but the vintage charm of Mavis, Morag, and Lois. Likely borrowing from the Welsh element nêr meaning "lord, chief",…
Cian
Irish
"ancient"
A handsome Irish name for boys, very popular in that country, but in the US this traditional spelling might cause pronunciation problems. Still, whether Cian or Kian, it's simple and straightforward…
Alethea
Greek
"truth"
Alethea, the name of the Greek goddess of truth, came into fashion in England in the 16th century, in tandem with the virtue names. Alethea may find new favor now, thanks to its similarity to Athena,…
Auden
English
"old friend"
The poetic, soft-spoken Auden has recently started to be considered as a first name option, used for both sexes, appreciated for its pleasing sound as well as its link to the distinguished modern…
Pilar
Spanish
"pillar"
The fact that this Spanish classic, which honors the Virgin Mary, does not end in the conventional letter 'a' gives it a special sense of strength, elegance, and style, making it a worthy choice. The…
Raoul
French variation of Ralph
"wolf-counsel"
Raoul, with its unique three-vowel middle, rolls off the tongue in an appealing way. Raoul is one of the French names that sounds infinitely more romantic and attractive than the somewhat harsh…
Rae
English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew
"ewe"
All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back — Kay, Fay, Mae/May — and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin. Even more popular in the…