Unique Name Sightings (over the years)

An international — much fresher — twist on Nicola.

This name of an ancient Egyptian princess could make a fitting choice for a bicoastal child.

For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.

Ryler is one of those names created by marrying two trending sounds, the Ry beginning as in Riley, Rylen, and the literary Ryle, and the er ending, as in hundreds of boys' names trending over the past several years.

Parents who have tired of Sean are now contemplating Seamus, the Irish form of James, which has a lot more substance and verve.

This name of a giant tree, itself named for a nineteenth-century Cherokee who invented a way to write his tribe's language, makes a strong, stately statement.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa.