Future
- Nayeli
Origin:
ZapotecMeaning:
"I love you"Description:
A name rarely heard outside the Latino community, but it was popular enough in the early 2000s to crack the Top 200. Since then, it's lost ground.
- Neiva
Description:
Neiva is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. In Portuguese, it may derive from 'neve' meaning 'snow,' suggesting purity and beauty. It could also have Brazilian origins, possibly connected to indigenous languages. In some Slavic contexts, it might relate to the Neva River in Russia. Neiva remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. The name has a melodious flow with its two syllables and soft consonants. Parents might choose Neiva for its uniqueness and international flair, as it works well across different cultures and languages. Though rare, it shares qualities with more popular names like Neva, Nina, and Nevaeh while maintaining its own distinct identity.
- Nere
Origin:
BasqueMeaning:
"mine"Description:
As Nerea, in the Spanish Top 100, but this streamlined version is one of those golden choices that's both supremely simple and intriguingly rare.
- Neva
Origin:
SpanishMeaning:
"white snow"Description:
Has a pure, clean aura, but is also evocative.
- Nieve
Description:
Nieve is a delicate feminine name derived from the Spanish word for 'snow,' reflecting purity and pristine beauty. In Irish contexts, it's sometimes used as an anglicized spelling of Niamh (pronounced 'neev'), which means 'bright' or 'radiant' in Gaelic and was the name of a goddess in Irish mythology. The dual linguistic origins give Nieve rich cultural associations across different traditions. While not extremely common in English-speaking countries, it has seen increased interest among parents seeking short, distinctive names with natural connections. The name carries connotations of beauty, purity, and luminosity across its different cultural interpretations, making it an appealing choice for parents drawn to names with poetic natural imagery.
- Nimue
Origin:
Celtic Mythology (one of the names of the Lady of the Lake in Arthurian legends)Description:
Nimue (Lady of the Lake) is the ruler of Avalon in the Arthurian legend. Nimue plays a pivotal role in many stories, including giving King Arthur his sword Excalibur, enchanting Merlin, and raising Lancelot after the death of his father.
- Noelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"Christmas"Description:
Noelle is the feminine variation of Noël, a masculine given name derived from the French word for "Christmas." As a word, Noël originated as a variant of nael, which evolved from the Latin natalis, meaning "birth." Noelle and Noel have traditionally been given to children born around Christmastime, particularly in the Middle ages.
- Nolia
Description:
Nolia is a delicate feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Magnolia, the beautiful flowering tree named after French botanist Pierre Magnol, thus carrying natural, floral associations. Alternatively, it could be a variation of Nola (meaning 'famous' or 'noble') or a shortening of Finola (meaning 'white shoulder' in Irish). With its soft sounds and flowing quality, Nolia has an inherently graceful character. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name has periodically appeared throughout the 20th century, particularly in southern United States. Nolia strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive, offering a less common alternative to popular floral or feminine names. Its brevity and melodic quality make it both memorable and easy to pronounce.
- Nova
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"new"Description:
Nova has the feel of both newness, from its meaning, and great energy as an astronomical term for a star that increases suddenly in brightness before fading.
- Nyree
Origin:
English from MaoriMeaning:
"flaxen"Description:
Anglicized form of Ngaire, this name is sometimes heard in New Zealand and very occasionally in England.
- Nyx
Origin:
Greek mythology nameMeaning:
"night"Description:
In Greek mythology, Nyx was a powerful goddess and the embodiment of the night, but when spoken, its negative meaning can't be ignored.
- Oceana
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"ocean"Description:
If you're a lover of the beach and sea, and want a name that relates to the largest body of water, there are several variations you could consider.
- Olesya
Description:
Olesya is a feminine name of Slavic origin, particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other Eastern European countries. It derives from the ancient Slavic name Aleks, meaning 'defender' or 'protector of humanity.' Olesya has a long history in Slavic countries but remains relatively uncommon in Western nations, giving it a distinctive yet authentic feel. The name carries a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and soft consonants. In Russia, the name gained popularity during the 20th century and continues to be used. Olesya offers an accessible entry point to Slavic naming traditions for international parents, as its pronunciation is relatively intuitive for English speakers while maintaining its cultural roots and distinctive character.
- Ophelie
Origin:
French variation of OpheliaMeaning:
"help"Description:
Though this name properly takes an accent over the first e, most Americans would probably have trouble pronouncing it with French elan.
- Orlee
Description:
Orlee is a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, derived from the word 'or' meaning 'light.' It's a variant of the more common Orli or Orly, carrying connotations of brightness and illumination. While relatively uncommon in most Western countries, Orlee has maintained a steady presence in Jewish communities. The name has a delicate, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. In recent decades, Orlee has seen modest usage in the United States and Israel, appreciated for its distinctive sound and positive meaning without being overly unusual.
- Paislee
Origin:
Spelling variation of PaisleyMeaning:
"church, cemetery"Description:
Just when we thought Paisley couldn't get trendier, this -ee suffix showed up. Although it's not our favorite, parents are choosing this spelling more and more often.
- Paisley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"church, cemetery"Description:
For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.
- Paislie
Description:
Paislie is a feminine name that represents a modern variation of Paisley, a Scottish surname and place name derived from the town of Paisley in Scotland. The name gained popularity as a given name in the early 21st century, riding the wave of interest in place names and surnames as first names. Paislie offers a slightly more unique spelling compared to the more common Paisley. The name evokes images of the intricate paisley pattern, originally from Persia, giving it an artistic and creative connotation. While less common than Paisley, Paislie has been embraced by parents seeking distinctive yet recognizable names with a soft, feminine sound and contemporary appeal.
- Paris
Origin:
French place-nameDescription:
Paris, a one-time mythical and Shakespearean boys' name, peaked in 2004 at Number 157 at least in part due to the highly publicized Paris Hilton. Michael Jackson used it for his daughter.
- Petrea
Description:
Petrea is a feminine name with Greek origins, derived from 'petra' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' It represents a feminine form of Peter (Petros). The name carries connotations of strength, stability, and endurance. Petrea has seen moderate usage in Scandinavian countries, particularly Denmark and Norway, as well as in parts of Eastern Europe. It remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality. The name sometimes appears as a variation of Petrina or Patricia. Petrea has a classical, elegant sound while maintaining a connection to nature through its stone-related etymology. Though never extremely popular, it has maintained consistent if limited usage through the centuries, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical roots and feminine strength.