Talullah or Talulla, the old Irish name of two early saints, is almost identical to the Native-American Tallulah. A modern hipster favorite, however it's spelled.

Animal names are on the rise, especially more of the aggressive Hawk-Fox-Wolf variety than cute little Bunnys or Robins, and Hawk is a prime example.

Maksim is a masculine name of Slavic origin, representing the Eastern European form of Maximus, derived from Latin meaning 'greatest' or 'largest.' Particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries, Maksim carries connotations of greatness, achievement, and leadership. The name has historic connections to several saints and notable figures throughout Eastern European history. In recent decades, Maksim has gained some international recognition as cultural boundaries blur, though it retains its strong Slavic identity. The spelling with a 'k' rather than an 'x' reflects the Cyrillic alphabet's representation of the sound, giving the name an authentic Eastern European character while remaining accessible to English speakers.

Ruaridh is a masculine Scottish Gaelic name pronounced roughly as "ROO-a-ree." It derives from the Old Irish name Ruaidrí, combining the elements "ruadh" meaning "red" and "rí" meaning "king," thus translating to "red king" or "red-haired king." This name has deep historical roots in Celtic culture and was borne by several significant figures in Scottish and Irish history, including Roderick, the last High King of Ireland. While primarily used in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles, Ruaridh remains relatively uncommon outside Celtic regions. The name preserves authentic Gaelic heritage and pronunciation, offering a distinctive alternative to the anglicized Rory or Roderick.

Has an old-time country feeling, perhaps due to Ma Rainey, considered the "Mother of the Blues". This is the most popular spelling of the name, given to about 50 girls last year, with half as many called Rainy and a quarter named Rainie, the spelling used by Andie MacDowell for her now-grown daughter.

Laird is a Scottish title for the landed gentry – it ranks just below a Baron – with a pleasantly distinctive Scottish burr that must have appealed to Sharon Stone, who chose it for her son.

Osias has a Latinate and biblical feel without making an appearance in the Bible. The related Ozias, on the other hand, is a form of Uzziah, found in the Greek and Latin Old Testament, and could make a distinctive path to the nickname Oz or Ozzie--both far cooler, in our opinion, than Oswald.

The mythological queen whose perpetual weeping for her slain children turned her into a stone has always cast a pall over this name. Still, when other names with less-than-savory associations -- Delilah, Ophelia, Persephone -- are becoming popular, parents might want to consider this one of the more unusual mythology names for girls.

Mads is a perennial favorite in Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands, where it is usually to be found in the Top 50. Just remember the D is not pronounced. Famous bearers include Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, the villain of the Bond film "Casino Royale".

Pan is the Greek god with the legs of a goat and the body of a pipes-playing man known for his mischievousness. Pan is also the god of shepherds, pastures, and fertility. Pan is also a Hindi name meaning leaf or feather.

Nickname sometimes heard on its own, sort of an updated Sally and playmate of Hallie.

Olwen is a Welsh favorite, the name of a legendary princess in what is believed to have been the earliest Arthurian romance, and in fact one of the first recorded examples of Welsh prose.

A jovial and jaunty Irish name, the title of a long-gone TV crime drama, this would make an appealing choice. Slight downside: Maddy is already a mega-popular nickname for Madeline/Madelyn and Madison, so this Mad- name might not feel as distinctive as the stats would suggest.

Hardy is a spirited and durable un-Germanic German surname that is starting to be used in this country.

Fallon was one of the first of the unisex surname names, but thanks to "Dynasty" in the 1980s it now has a feminine image. For a boy, try Phelan instead.

A few decades back, this name -- which hardly shows its Irish roots -- evoked a man in a gray flannel suit; now, though still upscale, it's more likely to be attached to a female.

An unusual and straightforward name with an attractive Scandinavian accent; a royal name in Norway.

Another feminine form of the old saint's name Mael. Spelled Maëlys, it is a very popular name in France today.

Mythological son of Odin, powerful and mute.

Ten years ago we would have advised people to steer clear of this name (and maybe choose the similar sounding Walter instead); but with the rise of other Nordic and Eastern European names like Viggo and Casimir, maybe its time to re-thing Valdemar. It's a big name, but with enough penache, it could be pulled off. Valdemar was introduced to Scandinavia in the 12th Century by a Danish king named for his Ukrainian grandfather, and is currently in the Danish Top 20.