I love what this means.

  1. Meyer
    • Origin:

      German surname or Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "landlord, farmer; bringer of light"
    • Description:

      Favored by first-generation Jewish families from the affluent Guggenheims to criminal-producing Lanskys; now Meyer is pretty much relegated to poolside gin games in Boca.
  2. Mitzi
    • Origin:

      German, diminutive of Maria
    • Meaning:

      "bitter"
    • Description:

      Mitzi is a spunky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage chorus girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Lively entertainer Mitzi Gaynor--who was originally named Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber--made the name notable in mid-century America.
  3. Nimrod
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "we shall rise up, we shall rebel"
    • Description:

      Our kids laughed when they saw this name. Enough said.
  4. Orville
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "gold town"
    • Description:

      Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.
  5. Rosalind
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "supple horse or pretty rose"
    • Description:

      Rosalind has a distinguished literary history – used and popularized by Edmund Spenser and Shakespeare via one of his most charming heroines, in As You Like It. Along with a bouquet of other Rose names, Rosalind might be ready for a comeback.
  6. Saskia
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "Saxon"
    • Description:

      From the first time we saw the name Saskia attached to a portrait of Rembrandt's wife (her full name was Saakje van Uylenburgh, but she was always called Saskia), we have found it utterly charming and wondered why it hasn't attracted more fans In this country--she's appreciated by the Brits, who have moved her to Number 392. Saskia is one of those names that's been used in Europe since the Middle Ages, but has never crossed the ocean.
  7. Shelby
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "estate on the ledge"
    • Description:

      Southern name still occasionally heard in a male context (author Shelby Foote and the son of singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire), but it's much more associated with girls.
  8. Simeon
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "he [God] has heard"
    • Description:

      Could Simeon be the next Gideon? Parents seeking a less simple form of Simon might consider this biblical appellation that was chosen by Wynton Marsalis for his son. Simon is actually the Greek substitute for Simeon.
  9. Stanley
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "near the stony clearing"
    • Description:

      Although Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire personified brute force, most Stanleys have been portrayed as meek milquetoasts. It could be a Sydney-like girls' choice.-Bette Davis once played a character named Stanley, and it was the name of President Obama's mother (named for her father)--or possibly could be revived down the line a la Walter and Arthur.
  10. Stockard
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "tree stump"
    • Description:

      Stockard Channing -- "West Wing" 's first lady -- picked this strong, Waspy first name over her original, Susan.
  11. Taye
    • Origin:

      African, Ethiopian
    • Meaning:

      "he has been seen"
    • Description:

      Taye, also used as a short form of Taylor, began to stand on its own with the emergence of actor Taye (born Scott) Diggs.
  12. Teagan
    • Origin:

      Irish or Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "little poet or fair"
    • Description:

      As Meghan/Megan and Reagan/Regan show signs of wilting, along comes Teagan to take up the slack: definitely one to consider. The vast majority of American babies named Teagan are now girls. A variant spelling is Teaghan.
  13. Tirzah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "delight"
    • Description:

      A fairly common Hebrew name without much crossover potential.
  14. Wendell
    • Origin:

      German, English
    • Meaning:

      "wanderer; to travel, to proceed"
    • Description:

      This name has hardly been used since Wendell Willkie ran for president in 1940, and it may not quite be ready for revival yet. Still, clunky grandpa names like Lionel, Douglas, Benedict, Carl, and Melvin have received more attention in recent years, so Wendell can't be ruled out just yet.
  15. Yael
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "ibex"
    • Description:

      Yael is an Old Testament name often heard in Israel that could work well here: just remember that it's pronounced with two syllables...it is also spelled Ya'el. In the Bible she was a Kenite woman in the time of Deborah who killed the enemy general, Sisera.