Autumn Names

Appropriate for a girl born between late September and late October, Libra suggests both balance and freedom.

Not, in fact, a spelling variation of Hazel (although it could be used as such). But Hazal is also a nature name — it refers to the dried, fallen leaves of Autumn.

The whole Talulla, Talullah, Tallulah, Talula thing is very confusing, but basically the versions that have one l first are Irish and those with two are Native American. However you parse it, Talulla is an adorable name with ancient roots and a quirky, contemporary feel.

Ye is a name with a lovely meaning, which is probably just a bit short for usage outside the Chinese community. Paired with Mei, however, it could work. Ye-Mei would mean beautiful leaf, a lovely name for an autumnal daughter.

A name made most famous by the operetta The Merry Widow which features "The Vilja's Song". A vila is a woodland spirit or fairy in Slavic mythology. Vilja also means "grain" in Finnish and "will, intent" in Swedish, and is very popular as a girls' name in Scandinavia, ranking in the Top 100 in both Finland and Norway.

In addition to being the appellation of an ancient grain goddess, this name was also borne by two mythic Irish figures, one of whom was betrothed to legendary chieftain Finn MacCool, the other the brave sixteenth century pirate Grainne Ni Mhaille— known in English as Grace O'Malley-- whose name passed into poetry as a symbol of Ireland.

Efficient feel.

Popular in Israel for girls and boys born on Shavout, a harvest festival. In Babylonian mythology, Dagan was the god of the earth and grain.

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.

Woodsy names are fashionable for boys, as are surnames and occupational names, so Forester scores on all three. It can also be spelled Forrester.

A unisex season name that's rare in the US: it hasn't been in the charts for boys or girls since the early 2000s.

Aki is a simple international name from two wildly divergent cultures.

Shaquille O'Neal came almost as close as he could to a Junior when he selected this name for his son.

One of the more unusual nature names, Maize is given to a dozen or so boys and girls each year and is almost completely unisex in terms of usage. Disclaimer: potential for "corny" jokes.

Gracious African choice.

A Cornish vocabulary bird, meaning the swallow bird, used in modern times.

A pleasant seasonal name.

A seasonal name sometimes given to girls in the USA.

A unisex season name that's rare in the US: it hasn't been in the charts for boys or girls since the early 2000s.

This seasonal name has never been in the US charts. But as Turkish names become more popular in the US, it could be an appealing option.