Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin put Ireland on the map when they chose it as a first for their daughter, saying that geographic names were a family tradition. And it seems they were a bit ahead of the curve (or trendsetting)—Ireland has been among the fastest-rising names of recent years. Other Irish place names include Shannon, Kerry, Galway, and Dublin.

This name of an admired Puerto Rican pop singer has been picked up by hundreds of Hispanic parents.

A contemporary, feminized variation of Carson.

Aeris is a feminine name with ethereal qualities, derived from the Latin word 'aer' meaning 'air' or 'atmosphere.' The name gained significant recognition through the character Aeris Gainsborough in the popular 1997 video game Final Fantasy VII, contributing to its modern usage. With its connection to air and the heavens, Aeris evokes a sense of lightness, freedom, and spiritual elevation. The name has a melodic quality with its soft consonants and flowing vowels. While still relatively uncommon, Aeris has attracted parents seeking names with nature connections and mystical undertones. Its popularity saw some increase in the early 2000s among gaming enthusiasts and those drawn to names with celestial or elemental associations.

Army plus meaner equals an unappealing name.

Natalynn is a feminine name that blends elements of the traditional name Natalie with the popular suffix 'lynn.' Natalie itself derives from the Latin 'natalis,' meaning 'birthday' or 'birth,' traditionally associated with Christmas. The addition of 'lynn,' a common name element derived from the Welsh word for 'lake' or 'waterfall,' creates a melodic, extended variant. Natalynn emerged as part of the trend toward combining traditional names with distinctive endings to create unique variations. While less common than Natalie, Natalynn appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet stands out. The name carries connotations of birth, renewal, and natural beauty, blending classical origins with a contemporary sound.

Londyn is now a more popular name than the original London for girls. Some parents feel that varying the spelling nudges the name away from over-identification with the British capitol. Substituting a y for another vowel is also seen by some as more feminine. For boys, London is five times as popular as Londyn -- though both variations are far more popular for girls.