Something different

With parents beginning to show an interest in virtue names for boys, this Puritan favorite just might be revived, for what could be more admirable than nobility in terms of having strength of character, dignity, and high moral ideals?

A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.

This frilly Victorian name is a variant of Cecilia and Cecily, with which it might well be confused. Cicely was a surprise choice for comedienne Sandra Bernhard.

This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.

Fiore is a masculine name with Italian origins, literally meaning 'flower' in Italian. This lyrical name carries artistic and natural connotations, reflecting beauty and growth. Though traditionally more common in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions, Fiore has gained some international recognition as parents increasingly seek names with cultural depth and melodic quality. The name has a gentle yet dignified presence, balancing masculine strength with aesthetic elegance. While not widely popular in English-speaking countries, it represents a growing trend toward borrowing poetic names from other languages. For those with Italian heritage or an appreciation for Italian culture, Fiore offers a distinctive option that honors these connections while remaining accessible.

Mietta is either a diminutive of Mia (which in the tradition of many Romance language diminutives is longer than the original) or a "smoosh" name combining Mia and Etta. As combined names go it is elegant and fresh, and avoids the sensation of having been made up.

Also spelled Liselotte, this is a clunky-but-cute compound name of German, Danish, Swedish, and Dutch origin. It combines elements of popular Elizabeth with popular Charlotte to create a name with a very different feel: sweet and oldy-worldy.

More obscure Irish surname-name, also spelled Molloy, that's prime for use.

Brilie combines elements of the megapopular Briana and Riley to form a pleasant merger. Some would call Brilie a Smoosh Name.