OC Possibilities

A strong Greek name with pan-European charm, Petra is a relatively recent feminization of Peter, though it relates back to an incredible ancient city in Jordan that was rediscovered in the early nineteenth century.

Worthy sibling for Oak, Elm, Juniper, and Spruce.

A lyrical choice with a similar feel to Story and Posy and a similar sound to Penelope. It might refer to either a work of poetry, a collection of poems, or something that is comparable to the beauty often associated with poetry as a form.

Unspecific place name with a wonderfully wide-open, spacious, western feel; used for a character in Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland.

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?

Primula is related to Primrose, the name and the flower, and would make a quirky yet charming (or is it charming yet quirky?) botanical name for a first daughter.

Widely used across Europe as a common baptismal name symbolizing spiritual rebirth, Renata, in this country it has an operatic image via Italian-born divas Renata Tebadi and Renata Scotti.

Reveca is a feminine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Rebecca, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning "to bind" or "to tie." This alternative spelling may reflect Spanish or Latin American pronunciation influences, where the 'b' sound is sometimes softened to a 'v' sound. The biblical Rebecca was known for her beauty and kindness as the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. While the traditional spelling Rebecca has remained consistently popular across many generations, the Reveca variant is quite uncommon, offering a distinctive twist on the classic name. The name carries connotations of beauty, faith, and maternal strength from its biblical associations.

Russian form of Roderick given to a small number of American boys each year.

In Slavic mythology, Rusalka is the equivalent of the Little Mermaid — she's a water nymph who falls in love with a land-dwelling man and eventually dies of a broken heart. Her tale was made into an opera of the same name by Dvorak. A good alternative for those who are turned off by the popularity of other fairy tale names like Aurora and Ariel.

Ruthven is an unusual feminine name with Scottish origins, primarily known as a Scottish surname and place name. Historically, Ruthven was more commonly used as a masculine given name or family name in Scotland. The name derives from Gaelic elements possibly meaning 'red river' or may relate to the lands of Ruthven in Perthshire, Scotland. While rare as a first name, particularly for females, it carries a distinctive Scottish heritage and aristocratic associations due to its connection with the historical Ruthven family, who were prominent in Scottish affairs. The name has a strong, somewhat austere quality with its consonant-ending sound, which contrasts with more traditionally feminine name patterns. For parents seeking an uncommon name with historical depth and Scottish connections, Ruthven offers a bold choice that defies conventional gender-naming patterns.

With its appealing double-a configuration, this is the name of an Israeli kibbutz on the Galilee beach. For girls, Saar is a popular modern name in the Netherlands, a shortened form of Sarah.

An unusual name related to the willow family.

Sanne is hugely popular in the Netherlands, but almost unknown here; which makes it an interesting prospect for the parent in search of an unusual name. Pronounced sah-na, Sanne is in keeping with the Dutch taste for nicknames plucked from the middle or end of a name vs. the beginning, such as Bas for Sebastien or Bram for Abram.

This long-popular name in France sounds fresh, elegant and unusual here. Severine is the name of the most recent gorgeous James Bond Girl in the film Skyfall. Students of film history will associate the name with the complex character Catherine Deneuve played in the 1967 Bunuel classic, Belle de Jour..

Slate, Stone and Steel are on the rise, so why not Shale?

Could there be a more poetic name than Sonnet? Actor Forest Whitaker was inspired to choose it for his daughter.

A name with some sterling qualities, most associated with the British currency and silver markets. Sterling has several recent TV associations, with characters Roger Sterling (on Mad Men) and Sterling Archer (on Archer), and actor Sterling K. Brown (on This is Us).

Sunniva was an Irish-born saint who fled to Norway, where she hid in an island cave with her followers and eventually died. After miracles were reported on the island, the cave was excavated and Sunniva's intact body was found. Sunniva is the patron saint of Western Norway. Her name would make a fascinating and unusual choice for a modern baby girl, and if her story is a bit grim, you can take refuge in the upbeat nickname Sunny or Sunni.

Teodozji is a feminine name of Polish origin, derived from the ancient Greek name Theodosius, meaning 'gift of God.' This distinctively Polish variant features characteristic Slavic spelling and pronunciation patterns. The name carries significant historical weight, as it was borne by several early Christian saints and Byzantine emperors. In Poland and other Slavic regions, Teodozji has maintained a presence through the centuries, though it has never been among the most common given names. The name conveys a sense of spiritual devotion and historical tradition. Modern usage of Teodozji is relatively rare, making it an uncommon choice that connects a child to Polish heritage and Eastern European naming traditions.