ALL TIME FAVORITES. NARROWED DOWN BOYS AND GIRLS.
- Leonia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lioness"Description:
Leonia is one of the rarest of the feminizations of Leo and brothers that have lion-related meanings and are growing in popularity throughout the Western World. Leona is the most popular of the group in the US, followed by Leonora, Leonor, Leonie, and even Leo and Leon for a handful of baby girls last year. But Leonia was given to fewer than five baby girls in 2022.
- Livana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Lucine
Origin:
Armenian, English, FrenchMeaning:
"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.
- Luna
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"moon"Description:
The name of the Roman goddess of the moon, Luna is derived straight from the Latin word for moon, luna. Luna may be the name most likely to surprise someone from an older generation by its Top 10 status in the US and its widespread international popularity.
- Lundy
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"grove near the island, place by the marsh"Description:
A lively and engaging Scottish surname with an outdoorsy feel, Lundy (almost) coincides with the French word for Monday.
- Marsh
Origin:
English nature nameDescription:
Soft and mellifluous nature-surname name, situated miles away from the dated Marshall.
- Merrit
Origin:
English surnameMeaning:
"boundary gate"Description:
This unusual unisex surname name is pretty evenly divided between the sexes these days than it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when it was almost entirely male.
- Minerva
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"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 nameDescription:
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.
- Mintie
Description:
Mintie is a feminine name with English origins, likely derived as a diminutive form of names like Araminta or simply from the herb mint (associated with freshness and sweetness). Popular during the late Victorian era, particularly in the southern United States, Mintie has the characteristic endearing quality of the '-ie' suffix that was fashionable in that period. It shares stylistic elements with names like Hattie, Mattie, and Dottie. This charming vintage name has faded from common usage in the 20th century but holds potential for revival among parents seeking authentic historical names with a sweet, nostalgic quality. Mintie's association with the fresh herb also gives it nature-inspired connotations that may appeal to contemporary naming trends.
- Nestor
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"traveler, voyager"Description:
A wise ruler of legend--his sage advice helped the Greeks win the Trojan War--whose name is a possibility for the adventurous, though related in sound to the dated Lester-Hester family.
- Octavie
Description:
Octavie is a feminine name with Latin origins, derived from the Roman name Octavius, meaning 'eighth' or 'born eighth.' It's the feminine form of Octave, particularly used in French-speaking regions. This elegant name carries a classical, sophisticated air with its French styling and historical connections. In Roman times, the name indicated the eighth child or a child born in the eighth month. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Octavie has maintained modest usage in France and other Francophone areas. The name offers a distinctive choice with a melodious quality and refined character. Its rarity makes it stand out, while its classical roots give it substance and historical depth.
- Ondine
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"little wave"Description:
Mythological spirit of the waters; spelled Undine, she was an Edith Wharton heroine.
- Orinthia
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"to excite, to stir the mind"Description:
A pretty, feminissima name, more distinctive than Cynthia. George Bernard Shaw used it for a character in his play The Apple Cart, about which it is said 'Orinthia is a name full of magic for me.'
- Ottoline
Origin:
French and English, diminutive of OttolieMeaning:
"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.
- Prudence
Origin:
Virtue nameMeaning:
"caution"Description:
Prudence, like Hope and Faith, is a Puritan virtue name with a quiet charm and sensitivity that is slowly returning to favor, though it hasn't yet registered on the charts.
- Radley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"red meadow"Description:
Radical Bradley.
- Radmond
Description:
Radmond is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variation of Raymond, which has Germanic origins combining the elements 'ragin' (advice, counsel) and 'mund' (protector). This rare spelling variant maintains the strong, traditional feel of Raymond while offering a distinctive twist with the 'd' replacing the 'y.' The name Raymond became popular throughout Europe after being introduced by Norman invaders to England, and was borne by several medieval saints. While Raymond has remained a classic choice throughout the centuries, the Radmond variant is exceptionally rare, likely appealing to parents seeking a traditional-sounding name with an unconventional spelling. The name conveys strength and wisdom through both its sound and etymological meaning.
- Redmund
Description:
Redmund is a masculine name with Germanic roots, derived from elements meaning 'advice' or 'counsel' and 'protection.' It's a variant of the more common Raymond or the older form Raimund. This name carries medieval associations and conveys wisdom and strength. Redmund has never been widely popular but persists as a rare classic that appeals to parents seeking distinctive traditional options. Historically, it appeared occasionally among Anglo-Saxon and Norman families. The nickname 'Red' provides a friendly, accessible option that can reference either the name's first syllable or potentially the bearer's hair color. The name has a dignified quality that ages well, making it suitable from childhood through adulthood.
- Ridley
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"cleared wood; reed clearing; channel clearing"Description:
Director Ridley Scott and actress Daisy Ridley made this surname-style name familiar, and with its outdoorsy meaning and rugged yet preppy sound, it could blend in with Oakley, Reid, Riley, and Ridge. Some parents might be put of by the first syllable (as in, "get rid of" or "horrid" or "riddles"), but since Scarlett (scar), Colton (cult), and Titus all rank in the Top 400, it could still work for those looking for a standout last-name first name.