Mamie's Picks
- Biagio
Description:
Biagio is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin 'Blasius,' which has roots in the Latin word 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering.' Despite this etymology, the name has been honored for centuries due to its association with Saint Blaise (San Biagio in Italian), a 4th-century Armenian bishop and martyr who is venerated as the patron saint of throat ailments. Traditionally popular in Italy, particularly in southern regions like Sicily and Calabria, Biagio has a melodic quality characteristic of Italian names. Though uncommon outside of Italian communities, it retains strong cultural connections and family significance for those of Italian heritage. The name has a distinctive charm with its blend of strength and musicality.
- Blake
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fair-haired, dark"Description:
Blake -- an early unisex option -- dropped out of the Top 100 in 2017 for the first time since 1988, but remains a sophisticated choice. And yes, both conflicting meanings of Blake are accurate. It originated as a surname in England derived from a nickname. Much of its masculine image was influenced by the wealthy, silver-haired character Blake Carrington in the massively popular 80s TV series Dynasty. Rosie O'Donnell has a son named Blake.
- Bo
Origin:
Norse nicknameMeaning:
"to live"Description:
A popular name in Denmark, in this country Bo has some cowboy swagger and a lot of substance in its minimal two letters. In Mandarin Chinese, Bo means "wave".
- Brennan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the sad one"Description:
Brennan is a winning Irish surname name, more modern than Brian or Brendan, more unusual than Conor and Aidan. The only possible problem with Brennan: people might think you're saying Brendan.
- Bash
- Calliope
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"beautiful voice"Description:
Calliope is the name of the muse of epic poetry -- and also the musical instrument on the merry-go-round. Bold and creative, it debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016, and entered the Top 500 in 2023. Similar in rhythm and sound to Penelope with usable nicknames Callie, Clio, and Lola, it is no wonder it's on the rise.
- Giacomo
Origin:
Italian variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Giacomo is a primo member of the Giovanni-Gino-Giancarlo-Giacomo gruppo of Italian names that are beginning to be adopted by American parents. Singer/creative baby namer Sting chose it for his son.
- Gianna
Origin:
Italian, diminutive of Giovanna or feminization of Gianni, forms of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
The Italian Gianna undoubtedly owes much of its popularity in the US to its status as an honor name for John. Before the importation of Gianna, there was no truly workable feminine form of John, so Gianna found widespread favor among American parents with Italian roots and far beyond.
- Giovanni
Origin:
Italian variation of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Giovanni is a venerable Italian classic that suddenly sounds fresh and cool. Ubiquitous in Italy, it has countless notable namesakes, from writer Boccaccio to designer Versace (nn Gianni).
- Ivy
Origin:
Botanical nameDescription:
The quirky, offbeat and energetic botanical name Ivy is enjoying a deserved revival, propelled even higher by its choice by high-profile parents Beyonce and Jay-Z for daughter Blue Ivy. Ivy is also traditionally used at Christmas, make this one of the perfect names for December babies.
- Jericho
Origin:
Biblical place-nameDescription:
A biblical place name with trumpeting verve and strength.
- Karrah
Description:
Karrah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Kara, which has roots in several languages: in Irish it means 'friend,' in Latin 'beloved,' and in Greek it can mean 'pure.' The distinctive double 'r' and final 'h' give this variation a more elaborate, contemporary feel. Karrah emerged in American naming practices during the late 20th century when unique spellings of traditional names became increasingly popular. Though relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a familiar-sounding yet distinctive choice. The name has a soft, melodic quality while maintaining strength through its crisp 'K' beginning and distinctive spelling, offering a balance of familiarity and uniqueness.
- Kayleen
Description:
Kayleen is a feminine name with Irish and American origins, created as a modern variation of Kathleen or a combination of the popular Kay and the suffix -leen. The name carries the meaning 'pure' or 'slim and fair' from its Kathleen roots. Emerging in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States, Kayleen exemplifies the trend toward creating unique variations of traditional names. The name has a melodic quality with its long 'ay' sound followed by the soft ending. While never reaching top ranking status, Kayleen appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive, offering a more elaborate alternative to Kay while maintaining its friendly, approachable quality.
- Kieran
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"little black-haired one"Description:
Long popular in Ireland and England, Kieran, the name of Ireland's first-born saint and twenty-five other saints, has been building its U.S. fan base thanks to its strong and attractive sound, and its fashionable Irish brogue. While Ciaran is the more authentic Irish spelling, Kieran is more popular this side of the Atlantic.
- Killian
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"war strife or church"Description:
Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew.
- Madison
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Matthew"Description:
Since we wrote a book called Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana, encouraging parents to move beyond overused names, it's no secret what we think of this trendy surname name, inspired by a mermaid named Madison in the 1980s movie Splash.
- Marlowe
Origin:
Variation of Marlow, EnglishMeaning:
"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.
- Patience
Origin:
Latin virtue nameMeaning:
"ability to accept or tolerate inconveniences, and suffering without anxiety or anger"Description:
Patience is a passive virtue turned engaging name, fresher than Hope, Faith, or even Charity. Its resemblance to the trendy Payton may be one reason that it returned to the US charts back in the 90's and 2000s, having been absent for a century.
- Peonie
Description:
Peonie is a feminine name derived from the peony flower, known for its lush, full blooms and sweet fragrance. This variant spelling of the more common 'Peony' adds a traditional feminine ending, giving it a softer, more name-like quality. The peony has significant cultural importance, particularly in Eastern traditions where it symbolizes honor, prosperity, and romance. In Chinese culture, it's known as the 'king of flowers' representing wealth and distinction. While flower names have enjoyed popularity throughout various eras, Peonie remains relatively rare, offering an uncommon botanical choice. The name evokes images of beauty, abundance, and natural elegance, appealing to parents drawn to nature-inspired names with visual richness and cultural depth.
- Roselle
Origin:
Combination of Rose and ElleDescription:
Most contemporary parents would probably opt for the more streamlined Elle.