The Hoarder's List of Names

Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.

Alexandrina is the most elaborate and unusual of the Alex- girls's names.The real first name of Queen Victoria, who was given it in honor of her godfather, Alexander I of Russia (her childhood nickname was Drina), it would make a distinctive pick, even though some might find five syllables a bit much. It was particularly popular in Scotland in the 1930s.

Alexei could well join the legion of Alex names popular in the US. There are countless opportunities to liven up Alexander, and Alexei (or Alexey) is one of the most straightforward and appealing.

This diminutive, similar to Alex or Alexis, has been yo-yoing in popularity since the turn of the 21st century.

This spin on the "Alex" prefix was the 88th most popular girl name in Scotland in 1900.

Alexine could be a diminutive for the classic name Alexandra, a short form of Alexandrine, or a feminine form of the French Alexin, a variation of Alexinus. Alexine Tinne (born Alexandrine "Alexine" Pieternella Françoise Tinne) was a 19th century Dutch explorer and the first European woman to cross the Sahara, while radio DJ and influencer Alexine Sy is a contemporary bearer.

Alexis, a one-time exclusively-boys’ name, was more popular than its sister Alexandra for quite a while, but in recent years Alexandra has overtaken it once again. Alexis was a Top 20 girls’ name from 1994-2010 but has experienced a decline in popularity in recent years, though now it's one of the top unisex names.

Alfie is a Top 20 name throughout the British Isles, where retro nickname names are mega-popular, but it hasn't really been picked up in the US yet. Both Alfie and rising star Archie are spunky nickname possibilities with a bit of an English accent.

Also seen as Alyenor and Eleonore, this is an old French name dating back to the Arthurian romances and still heard today.

Alissandrine is an elegant feminine name of French origin, derived as an elaborate variant of Alexandra. This uncommon and ornate name combines the French style of Alessandrine with alternative spelling. Alexandra itself stems from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning 'defender of mankind' or 'protector of people.' Alissandrine carries the same noble meaning but with a distinctively French flair and feminine sophistication. Extremely rare even in France, it appeals to parents seeking a unique, elaborate name with classical roots. The name has a melodious quality with its five syllables and offers the potential for nicknames like Ali, Lisa, or Sandrine. It conveys elegance, uniqueness, and a connection to the more common Alexandra family of names.

While Alivia may not have achieved the megapopularity of its mother name, it's still a widely used choice. Alivia combines the trendiness of A names with the trendiness of Olivia to create a choice that's slightly off the beaten track -- slightly being the operative word here. Is the distinction the initial A earns you worth a lifetime of explaining, "No, it's Alivia, with an A, not Olivia"? Your call, though ours would be no.

Unusual and attention-grabbing, but this unusual spelling also could make your child's life more complicated than it has to be.

Alize feels like a blend of Alice and Eliza but it's not related to either of those names, rather to the more unusual (in the US, at least) Aleeza, a Hebrew name meaning joy, or Alizee, a French name meaning wind, or the related Alizeh, a Persian name that also means wind. The final e can take an accent, which might elucidate pronunciation, but English speakers are sure to be confused.

Obscure form of an old-fashioned favorite that's poised to make a comeback. This version, which owes as much to Alison as to Louisa, has a stylish A beginning and a multi-syllabic feminine grace.

Alouetta is a feminine name derived from the French word 'alouette,' meaning 'lark' (a type of songbird). It's closely associated with the famous French-Canadian folk song 'Alouette, gentille alouette.' The name evokes images of music, freedom, and the natural world. Alouetta has never been widely used in English-speaking countries, maintaining its distinctive French character. The addition of the final 'a' softens and feminizes the traditional word. This melodic name carries connotations of joy and lightness, characteristics often attributed to the lark in literature and folklore. Parents drawn to Alouetta might appreciate its musical quality, French origins, or the symbolism of birds. The name has a romantic, whimsical quality that sets it apart from more common choices.

This name is a classic example of an underused golden oldie that ticks so many boxes - unusual yet traditional, heaps of cute nicknames, a statement name that exudes retro cool. Aloysius is the Latin form of many more common names like Louis, Luis, Luigi and the uncommon but symphonically familiar Ludwig.