Place Names

New Yorkers will recognize this as a Bronx place name, others will see it as a gussied-up female version of Morris.

LeeLee Sobieski, who knows a thing or two about unique names, chose this spelling twist for her daughter. Does the extra n make it more of a name and less of a place, or more of an invention and so less authentically appealing? Your call.

The name of the 20th-century-created capital of Brazil has a good measure of spicy Latin rhythm and could make a possible female choice, while BRAZIL might work for a boy.

A familiar Canadian city name that could easily translate to use as a baby name. Cal and Callie are potential nickname options.

A Catalan county name used for both girls and boys in its homeland.

Iberia, the name of the Spanish-Portuguese peninsula, makes an attractive, unusual first name.

Oriini Kaipara is a Māori journalist who made headlines by becoming the first person with a face tattoo (Moko Kauae) to host the prime-time news in New Zealand. Her name may derive from the New Zealand place name Orini.