Wears long blonde braids, carries a spear, and sings duets with Brunhild. But variations Ottilie, Ottiline, or Ottoline are both unusual and chic.

There's a football player called Pepper (born Thomas and given the childhood nickname for sprinkling pepper on his cereal) Johnson -- but the name has yet to make waves for boys. Given to around 5 boys each year, the musical link to The Beatle's album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club might appeal to some.

For football fans who have decided Peyton has become too feminine. Or they could look to brother Eli for inspiration.

A presidential and place-name that's not a stand-out in either category.

It's a nature name evocative of rushing waterfalls. But also a dishwashing detergent.

Curran is a common surname in Ireland, but unusual even there as a first. With its savory feel, calling to mind curry and currants, Curran can make for an attractive update on Colin or Connor.

This name's buttoned-up British vibe is what makes it cool - that, and the fact that it was chosen by Anne Bronte as her pseudonym - Acton Bell. That's quite the literary - and may we add feminist - credential for a name. For those with an adventurous edge, Acton is one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.

Mellie is not Millie and it's not Nellie, though it will forever be confused with those too more familiar nicknames. It's cute, too, and while some of the names it's usually short for may be sailing into the sunset (so long, Melody!), others like Amelia are rising through the ranks and may give Mellie a new chance to shine as a cute girls' nickname. Just be prepared for endless confusion.

An undiscovered Irish surname with a cool meaning. It could work as an alternative to Connor and Lachlan.

Arlie or Arley might be diminutives of Arlo, which means 'hill' or 'fortified hill'. The Arley spelling is used twice as often for boys in the US -- about 70 baby boys got the name last year, versus 35 girls -- while Arlie is the more popular spelling for baby girls, used for about 60 girls last year versus 15 boys.

One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John Singer Sargent.

An All-American, surname style Dale relative that finds place amongst similar names like Cullin and Hamelin as well as the more common Allen and Dylan. It is borne by Youtuber Dallin Lambert, of Della Vlogs.

While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.

Although it has a sweet meaning, this name feels dated nowadays, like a fifties poodle skirt. Lavender may be a fresher alternative.

Lydie is a feminine name with French origins, representing the French form of Lydia. The name traces back to ancient times, derived from the historic region of Lydia in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). The name means 'from Lydia' and has connections to the ancient Greek culture. In France and French-speaking regions, Lydie has maintained steady usage, appreciated for its elegant simplicity and classical roots. The name has a delicate, refined quality while remaining straightforward to pronounce. While less common in English-speaking countries than the form Lydia, Lydie offers a subtle French twist that appeals to parents seeking names with European flair. The name carries associations with culture and refinement, reflecting its ancient heritage and continued use in sophisticated naming traditions.

An elaborate Italian name associated with fashion designer Simonetta Colonna, a key figure in the emergence of Italian haute couture.

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

Attie is a feminine name that traditionally functions as a diminutive or nickname for names like Harriet, Athaliah, or more commonly now, Matilda. It has Dutch origins where it served as a pet form of names containing the Germanic element 'adal' meaning noble. In Afrikaans communities, it's sometimes used as a standalone name. Attie has a vintage charm that aligns with the trend of reviving nickname-style names as formal options. Though never widely common as an official given name, it has persisted as a beloved nickname across generations. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sounds and ending 'ie.' Its short, simple structure makes it easy to pronounce while its vintage associations give it character and depth.

As dated as the old Pat Boone song.

Vernie is a vintage feminine name that functions as a diminutive of Verna or Laverne, though it occasionally appears as a masculine form of Vernon. Derived from Latin 'vernus' meaning 'spring-like' or 'youthful,' the name evokes freshness and renewal. Popular in the early 20th century, particularly in rural America, Vernie peaked between 1890-1920 before gradually declining. The name carries a nostalgic, homespun quality that connects to simpler times. While now considered rare, Vernie maintains appeal for parents drawn to reviving classic diminutive forms or honoring family heritage. The name's friendly, unpretentious sound and nature-based meaning give it an understated charm despite its current rarity.