January Baby Names

Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.

One of the few masculine names to derive from a feminine name — in this case, Clara. Clarus is the name of a French saint, the patron saint of tailors.

Used in France as a male name, this would make an appealing and unusual choice, as would two other Gallic month names, Avril and Mai.

Astrological name retains a hippielike Age of Aquarius feel.

Ulan is a gentle, intriguing nature name used in the Philippines, though it might also be a Kazakh name meaning "young man", a Ghanaian name referring to a first born twin, or a Russian name, from uhlan meaning "cavalry, lancer".

Will assure your daughter she's numero uno.

Shot to fame as the middle name of Brangelina's daughter Shiloh Nouvel, after French architect Jean Nouvel.

This Victorian pen name is the childish version of the novelist's real name, Louisa, but it has managed to gain a sophisticated image. Ouisa is a similar childhood nickname name.

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and her feast day on January 25 is the equivalent of Valentine's day in Wales. The short form Dwyn may be more manageable for the non-Welsh.

Strong name from the Esan language of Nigeria, with a satisfyingly specific meaning for a child's place in the family.

Although it's more commonly seen as a surname, Haviland is occasionally used as a first name, particularly for girls.

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

An almost unknown member of the cool two-syllable, n-ending group of boy names.

Rhythmic and enchanting.

Cheever has a nice, cheery sound, literary ties to novelist and short writer John Cheever and also, sideways, to the Edward Arlington Robinson narrative poem "Miniver Cheevy," as well as a subliminal association with the desirable word achiever: all strong pluses.

Charismatic choice among January baby names.

The raja sequence of sounds gives it a regal feel.