Hallie -- it rhymes with alley and is not to be confused with Halle or Hailey or Holly -- is one of those comfy nicknamish names that are in favor in these complicated times.

Kalani is a rhythmic name that can be used for either gender though it is predominantly used on girls in the US. With its celestial meaning, and cool K beginning, it only entered the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2015. Now in the Top 400, it joins Kai and Leilani as popular choices with Hawaiian origins.

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey, perhaps because it's more distinct from Mackenzie offshoot, Kenzie.

Sydnie is a modern feminine variant spelling of Sydney/Sidney, a name with Anglo-Saxon origins derived from French place names combining 'Saint Denis' or from Old English elements meaning 'wide island' or 'wide meadow'. This particular spelling emerged as parents sought distinctive variations on the more traditional Sydney spelling. Gaining modest popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, Sydnie offers a slightly more feminine appearance through its 'ie' ending while maintaining the same pronunciation. The name carries associations with the vibrant Australian city while offering a contemporary twist. Sydnie balances familiarity with uniqueness through its alternative spelling.