My Guilty Pleasure Names

Yes, it's the name of the brightest star in the sky, but can't you just hear people saying, "Are you serious?" Singer Erykah Badu used it as a middle name for son Seven.

Snowdrop is a delicate nature-inspired feminine name derived from the early-blooming white flower that often emerges while snow still covers the ground. This botanical name symbolizes hope, purity, and resilience as snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom at winter's end. Though uncommon as a given name, Snowdrop belongs to the category of modern flower and nature names that have gained popularity in recent decades. The name carries a whimsical, ethereal quality that appeals to parents drawn to nature-themed names. Snowdrop combines the purity associations of snow with the gentle beauty of a small flower, creating a name that's both distinctive and meaningful.

Yael is an Old Testament name often heard in Israel that could work well here: just remember that it's pronounced with two syllables...it is also spelled Ya'el. In the Bible she was a Kenite woman in the time of Deborah who killed the enemy general, Sisera.

An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb.

Zygmunt is a masculine name of Polish origin, equivalent to the English Sigmund or German Siegmund. It derives from Germanic elements 'sigu' meaning 'victory' and 'mund' meaning 'protection,' thus conveying 'victorious protection' or 'protector through victory.' The name has deep historical roots in Poland, with several Polish kings bearing the name, including Zygmunt I the Old and Zygmunt II Augustus. While common in Poland and other Slavic countries, it remains rare in English-speaking regions. The name's distinctive 'Z' beginning and unusual consonant combination give it a strong, distinctive quality. Zygmunt represents Polish heritage and carries historical gravitas, making it an excellent choice for parents seeking to honor Polish ancestry.