Current favs

Once popular (and still familiar) in Norway, Stian could make an interesting choice for anyone with northern European roots. It is a modern form of the Norse Stígandr, with its appealing, wanderer meaning.

Theda is most famous as the name of silent film vamp Theda Bara. Today most fashionable little Theodoras and Theodosias are called Thea, but Theda makes an intriguing change.

A name with religious resonance, as the Vedas are the most sacred texts of Hinduism. Outside of that religious context, Veda has the makings of a modern popular name, with its sharp V initial, two syllables, and feminine a ending. This is evidenced by it reentry into the US Top 1000 in 2015, after fifty-five years off the list. Similar names on the rise are Vera and Vada.

Vibeke is a feminine Scandinavian name particularly popular in Norway and Denmark. It derives from the Old Norse name Vibeka, which combines 'vi' (sacred) and 'beka' (protection), essentially meaning 'sacred protector' or 'woman of sanctuary.' The name gained prominence in Scandinavia during the medieval period and remains moderately common there today. Outside Nordic countries, Vibeke is considered quite exotic. It's typically pronounced 'VEE-beh-keh' with emphasis on the first syllable. The name carries connotations of strength, spirituality, and guardianship within Scandinavian culture, reflecting ancient Norse values of protection and sacred duty.

West is the most fashionable of what you might call the direction names, with North and East (or Easton and Easter) coming up behind, and South not yet on the map.