the ultimate list of girl names

Tyas is an unusual Indonesian name that's simple and straightforward and could make an distinctive choice in the Western World.

Unfamiliar Asian choice that can work for a parent in search of something really different.

Effortlessly stylish, with plenty of sweetness and strength, Valentina feels like a fresh alternative to Valerie, Victoria, or Vanessa.

Valeria -- the original form of the name, used by early Christians --has been experiencing significant popularity in recent years. While Valeria was nearly always on the charts, the name peaked in 2009 at #72, surpassing the longtime Franco-American version Valerie. Today Valeria and Valerie are at about equal rankings, sitting in the 150s.

While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.

This elegant Finnish feminization of Wendell is one of those rare names that has never appeared on the US official charts, but is straightforward to spell and say. It has been among the most popular girl names in Finland for at least 15 years, and would be a lovely, unique way to honor Finnish culture.

Vera was the height of fashion in 1910, then was for a long time difficult to picture embroidered on a baby blanket. Now, though, it has come back into style along with other old-fashioned simple names such as Ada and Iris.

A unisex nature name much more popular for boys in Finland, with a simple, strong sound. It is also used in Albania as a strictly feminine name, equally connected to nature.

Said to refer to either Jupiter or Venus, either of which would be preferable as a name.

Victoria is the Latin word for "victory" and a feminine form of Victor. It is the name of the ancient Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike, and also a popular third century saint.

The Icelandic form of Victoria, pronounced with the stress on the first syllable.

Violetta is a more vibrantly colored, feminissima form of Violet. It is the name of the heroine of the Verdi opera La Traviata--in fact Violetta was the original title of the work.

Vital and vivacious, Vita is stirring back to life along with many of her V-themed sisters -- Vivian, Vivica -- and is becoming a new celebrity baby favorite.

An appealing Italianate alternative.

An ancient tree that figures in literature from Shakespeare to Harry Potter and is believed to possess magical powers, Willow is a lovely name, as graceful as its inspiration.

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

A lovely name with many possible meanings depending on the characters used. A common feature of Chinese names for both sexes.

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.

A Slavic classic, as common as Jane or Joan here.