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i n t e r e s t i n g names

  1. Elestren

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "Iris"

    • Description:

      Less known than other Cornish beauties like Demelza, Elowen and Kerensa, Elestren is a pretty Cornish botanical name ripe for wider usage.
  2. Elexis

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Alexis

    • Description:

      Rather than confusing things with Elexis, we'd stick with the original Alexis version.
  3. Elva

    • Origin:

      Icelandic and Danish form of Alf, anglicized form of Ailbhe, Irish

    • Meaning:

      "bright, light, white; elf"

    • Description:

      Elva is a multicultural choice, being both an anglicization of the Irish Ailbhe and an feminine form of the name Alf, meaning "elf". Popular in the US at the beginning of the 20th century, it remaining in the charts until the '70s, but it has not been given since. The alternative form Alva has faired slightly better, while in Ireland, Ailbhe remains the preferred spelling. Nevertheless, Elva combines the sounds of Elsa, Ella, Eva, and Ever and may also appeal to those expecting a baby at Christmas.
  4. Endellion

    • Origin:

      Cornish place and saint's name

    • Meaning:

      "fire soul"

    • Description:

      Endellion is the name of an early saint who was a daughter of King Brychan and goddaughter of King Arthur whose life is commemorated by the Cornish village of St. Endellion. This intriguing ancient name was brought into modern usage by British Prime Minister David Cameron, who used it as one of the middle names for his fourth child, a baby girl.
  5. Exie

    • Description:

      Exie is a vintage feminine name that enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Often used as a nickname for names beginning with 'Ex-' or as a diminutive for Elizabeth or Exilda, it has a quaint, old-fashioned charm. The name nearly disappeared from usage by the mid-20th century, making it extremely rare today. Its brevity and distinctive sound give it potential appeal to modern parents seeking truly uncommon vintage names. Exie has Southern American associations, as it appeared more frequently in Southern states during its peak usage. The name's simplicity and unique 'x' sound offer a combination of antique appeal and contemporary phonetic interest.
  6. Eyla

    • Description:

      Eyla is a short, melodic feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Isla (Scottish for 'island'), Ayla (Turkish for 'moonlight' or Hebrew for 'oak tree'), or Ella (Germanic for 'fairy maiden'). The name's simplicity and soft sound have made it increasingly popular in recent years as parents seek short, distinctive names with international appeal. Eyla combines contemporary style with a timeless quality. Though still relatively uncommon in most countries, its usage has been growing gradually, especially in Scandinavian regions and among parents drawn to names with nature connections.
  7. Huw

    • Description:

      Huw is a traditional Welsh masculine name, representing the Welsh form of Hugh. Derived from the Germanic element "hug" meaning "heart," "mind," or "spirit," Huw carries connotations of intelligence and soulfulness. Despite its brevity, the name has a rich history in Wales, where it has been used since medieval times. The distinctive Welsh spelling with the 'w' instead of the more common 'gh' ending reflects Welsh phonetics and gives the name its authentic character. While primarily found in Wales and among Welsh diaspora communities, Huw has gained some recognition beyond these regions due to notable bearers including Welsh actors and musicians. The name combines simplicity with cultural depth, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctively Celtic name with straightforward pronunciation.

  8. Ignatius

    • Origin:

      Latin

    • Meaning:

      "fiery"

    • Description:

      The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical feel, Ignatius might just fit in with Blaze, Griffin, Ember, or Atticus.
  9. Iona

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      This name of a small island off the coast of Scotland is trending upwards along with other I names.
  10. Liesel

    • Origin:

      German diminutive of Elizabeth

    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"

    • Description:

      Sweet but sleek, and distinctive, Liesel is an old German nickname-name for Elisabeth. It might have once seemed inextricably tied to to its country of origin, but now, like Elsa, Enzo, Saoirse, Freya, Soren, and Heidi, it leans more towards being international and European chic.
  11. Lilabet

    • Description:

      Lilabet is a charming feminine name that originated as an affectionate Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth. The name gained wider recognition as it was the childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, used by her close family members, particularly her father, King George VI. Lilabet combines the popular 'Lil' prefix seen in names like Lily and Lillian with a shortened version of Elizabeth, creating a name that feels both familiar and distinctive. Though uncommon as a formal given name, it offers a sweet alternative to the more common Elizabeth derivatives like Liz, Beth, or Eliza. The name carries a cozy, intimate quality while maintaining royal associations. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical connections yet an uncommon presence in modern naming trends.
  12. Llewellyn

    • Origin:

      Welsh, variation of Llywelyn

    • Meaning:

      "leader's image"

    • Description:

      Llewellyn/Llywelyn is a common patriotic first name in Wales, with its distinctive Welsh double LL's; in the U.S. Llewellyn would make a daring choice, though with the chance that some might find the ellen sound slightly feminine.
  13. Maeve

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "she who intoxicates"

    • Description:

      Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. It joined the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 and now ranks at Number 75.
  14. Majorie

    • Description:

      Majorie appears to be a variant spelling of Marjorie, a feminine name derived from Margaret, which comes from Greek 'margarites' meaning 'pearl.' This medieval variation developed in Scotland and gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages. The spelling with 'j' rather than 'rj' gives it a slightly different visual impact while maintaining the same pronunciation. Majorie projects warmth and friendliness with a vintage charm that recalls the early to mid-20th century when Marjorie ranked among popular girls' names in America. Though less common today, this name carries nostalgic appeal and the friendly nickname options of Marge or Margie. Its classic sound balances familiarity with relative rarity in contemporary use.
  15. Margo

    • Origin:

      French, diminutive of Margaret

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Margo and Margot sound exactly the same, so why has the Margot spelling hopped back onto the Top 1000, outpacing Margo in numbers more than two to one? (Over 350 baby girls were named Margot in the most recent year, versus 150 named Margo.)
  16. Megumi

    • Origin:

      Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "blessing"

    • Description:

      An Asian name not widely known in the West.
  17. Mekhi

    • Origin:

      Derivation and meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Fans of versatile, rising African- American actor Mekhi Phifer have begun to adopt his unusual first name for their sons.
  18. Meliora

    • Origin:

      Latin, Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "better; honey"

    • Description:

      Unusual and lush Roman name adopted, improbably, by the Puritans.
  19. Noreen

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Nora

    • Description:

      Noreen's in limbo, especially now that Nora has made a comeback.
  20. Onyx

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "gem stone; claw, nail"

    • Description:

      Onyx is a fresh and trending gemstone name for boys, currently in the US Top 500, having climbed the charts rapidly since 2018. Now, an increasing number of girls are receiving the name, with a recent count revealing nearly 200 baby girls were called Onyx in 2023.