This fragrant, almond-scented name has hardly been heard in this country, which is a pity--we've loved it since John Malkovich used it for his now grown daughter.
 A French diminutive of Amanda, it was the birth name of novelist George Sand--born Amandine Aurore Lucile-- and is in the Top 100 in France.
 Of course, amandine is also a French culinary term for a garnish of almonds.

Amandine

Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way. 
 Amos was an eighth century BC prophet whose sayings are collected in the biblical book named after him. The name was also popular among the Puritans.
 There are characters named Amos in novels by George Eliot and Thomas Hardy, and its most famous contemporary bearer is Israeli author Amos Oz. The name has also been associated with Famous Amos cookies, a company founded by Wally Amos.

Amos

Friendly, unusual, but a decidedly Old Country version of Andrew and one of the classic <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/173/scandinavian-names">Scandinavian names</a>. It made a brief appearance in the US Top 1000 in 2006 and then reentered in 2010. Its rising popularity could be attributed to the interest in Anderson, which has been gaining steadily over the last fifteen years.
Trivia tidbits: The patronymic Andersson is the second most popular surname in Sweden, and in Denmark, Donald Duck is called Anders.

Anders

Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel. 

Anwen

A name that is either inspired by the classic Harriet - and by the character Arrietty in The Borrowers - or, a compound name, merging Aria or Ari with Etta.

Arietta

Aviva is vivacious and memorable, a fresh spin on the Vivian and Vivienne names that have been getting more popular since Angelina and Brad chose one for their twin daughter. Another A-beginning palindrome name: Aziza. 

Aviva

Ames

Aten

Bellamy is emerging as an up-and-coming <a href="https://nameberry.com/girls-names">girls' name</a>, an Irish surname-y riff on the super-popular Bella series of names. While the Bella connection makes Bellamy sound a little trendier and more popular than it really is, we see the name possibly rising through the ranks for both genders in the coming years.

Bellamy

Brennan is a winning Irish surname name, more modern than Brian or Brendan, more unusual than Conor and Aidan. The only possible problem with Brennan: people might think you're saying Brendan.
 Brennan eased onto the very bottom of the popularity list in 1966, and has pretty much remained in the Top 1000 ever since.

Brennan

A nature name, a word name, and a surname name, Brooks has plenty of cool factor. It gives off cowboy vibes and a sporty feel, while also maintaining a smart, collected image. 
Used occasionally as a given name throughout the 20th century, Brooks gained serious attention during the 2010’s. Following fast on the heels of stylish Kai and classic Jack, Brooks is now in the US Top 100. 
Derived from the English surname Brook, meaning “one who lives near the steam”, Brooks could appeal to anyone who wants an outdoorsy <a href=“https://nameberry.com/list/756/best-nature-names-for-boys”> name connected to nature</a> and to those enjoy the sleek, smart trend of <a href=“https://nameberry.com/list/358/surname-baby-names”>surnames as first names.</a> 
While it might feel very contemporary, Brooks has made its mark on history. Brooks Calbert Robinson played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1955 to 1977 and is considered one of the greatest third basemen ever. Other notable namesakes include: Brooks Atkinson an influential theatre critic; Brooks Betts, the guitarist of rock band “Mayday Parade”;E. B White, the author of Charlotte’s Web, who was born Elwyn Brooks; and Brooks Harris, a physicist. 
With a more masculine slant than Brooke or Brooklyn, Brooks is given to over 4000 boys each year. It could be set to rise higher in the charts over the coming years, so if you enjoy the cool, surname-y style, you could also consider Boone, Wilder, Mack, Adair, Boyd, and Briggs as less popular alternatives.

Brooks

Berlioz

Cassiopeia, the name of a mythological mother who became a stellar constellation, is challenging but intriguing, and has all those softening Cass nicknames available. And with all names Cass-related trending, Cassiopeia may be an unusual route to a stylish name.

With the rise of other otherworldly and mythical choices, from Apollo to Jupiter to Juno, Cassiopeia may just feel more possible for mortals now than ever before in its long history.

Some sources say the meaning relates to the cassia berry or tree, and may be "cassia juice," making this a botanical as well as a mythological name.

Cassiopeia

Forget the oil. It's one of the twins that make up the constellation Gemini, and a mythological name on the cutting-edge of fashion; used by Metallica's James Hetfield. 

Castor

In Greek myth, Circe, daughter of Helios, the sun, was a sorceress living on the island of Aeaea, who could turn men into animals with her magic wand, which is just what she did to Odysseus's crew in Homer's Odyssey, transforming them into swine. All was forgiven, however, as Circe and Odysseus later had a child together&mdash;Telegonus.

The name and legend have appeared in countless forms, from a section of James Joyce's Ulysses to short stories by Julio Cortazar to Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon to films to DC comics to a dance by Martha Graham.

So is Circe's seductive legend too powerful for a modern little girl to carry? Your call.

Circe

We all heard it on Seinfeld as the long-concealed first name of Kramer, then considered a punchline. Now some pioneering parents are embracing this expansive Greek name, which makes a creative and cool choice for a baby. Influential celebrity couple Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost chose it for their son, born in 2021, which will likely drive Cosmo up in popularity. In the UK, it currently ranks within the Top 1000 boy names and is trending upwards.

 In literature, Baron Cosmo Bradwardine is a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel Waverly and Cosmo Topper is the befuddled banker in Thorne Smith's humorous novel Topper. In modern times Cosmo has become the short form for Cosmopolitan – both the magazine and the cocktail. And for those wishing to honor a medic in the family, Cosmo is also the name of the Arabian-born patron saint of doctors.

Cosmo

Celandine

If you're looking for a name with Scandinavian roots, this would make a stronger and more appealing import than Dagmar. With its meaning of "new day," it could make an ideal choice for a girl born around New Year's.
 Dagny Taggart is the powerful railroad executive and steel mogul heroine of the Ayn Rand novel Atlas Shrugged. 
 Dagny is also a French place name.

Dagny

This Old Norse girl name has a lovely meaning and a familiar yet distinctive sound.

Edda

This Biblical name was rising dramatically for boys, but has plateaued in recent years. Although it's more popular for girls, it's a delightful unisex choice. Eden is one of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/popular-names/france">Top 100 Boy Names in France</a>.

Eden

Egan's likeness to the word eager gives this Irish surname a ready-to-please, effervescent energy, and it would make an appropriate substitute for the overused Aidan.
 This popular Irish surname originated in County Tipperary.
 Egan O'Rahilly (born Aogan O Raithaille) was the outstanding poet of his age, specializing in the vision poem, or aisling, in which he told of prophesies that Ireland would triumph over her enemies. In folklore, this Egan is depicted as a wise trickster.

Egan

When given the French pronunciation (ay-LAN), has a great deal of esprit and élan. 

Elan

This variation has the popular Eli (or for femalies Elli) prefix and nickname. Elian ranks in the Top 20 in Puerto Rico.

Elian

Before there was the campy TV Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Elvira was the long-suffering wife of Don Juan, and remnants of those negative, gothic images still cling to it, though they are fading.
Other references include the romantic film Elvira Madigan, based on a real person, and the main ghostly character in Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, as well as appearances in several operas.
 Elvira was in common use in the US in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, remaining in the Top 1000 until 1981; it's still popular in Scandinavia, ranking Number 39 in Sweden.

Elvira

This version stands out from the pack of Alyssas, Elissas et al, as Elysia relates to Elysian Fields, the mythological home of the blessed. 

Elysia

Evander is a name that could build on the popularity of shorter form Evan, and could work and play well with schoolmates like Zander and Xander.
 Evander was prominent in Greek and Roman mythology: in classical lore Evander was a wise Arcadian hero who founded the city in Italy that preceded Rome, appearing in Virgil's Aeneid.
 Evander also derives from a Norse name meaning bow warrior.
 In modern times, the name has been associated with boxing champ Evander Holyfield.
 Evander could make a more distinctive aternative to Alexander.

Evander

Eivin

An ancient Roman clan name, Flavia is one choice that's unusual but historic. Now a Top 60 name in Italy, Flavia has been a rarity in the US, but with the upswing in F names for girls, this could change. Seen more in literature than real life, Flavia was used as far back as an1580 romance, then in a William Dean Howells novel and as a Princess in The Prisoner of Zenda. Although the original pronunciation is FLAH-via, Flavie (as in flavor) could make a cute nickname.

Flavia

One of those simple, straightforward English surnames -- and with a presidential pedigree -- that's easy to translate into a first. It was recently chosen by both Kevin Costner and Jessica Alba for their sons, which can likely be credited for its spike in popularity in the past few years. Surname names and nature names like Hayes, which qualifies on both counts, along with occupational names all make up the new generation of stylish <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/502/english-names-for-boys">English names for boys</a> that go far beyond Harry and Edward.

Hayes

The feminine form of Helios or Helio is occasionally heard in Spain and Portugal. In Greek mythology, Helia is one of the Heliades, daughters of the sun god Helios by Clymene the Oceanid.

Helia

Ilias

Illyria can trace all its varied associations to the name of an ancient place in the western part of the Balkan peninsula, also called Illyricum. Its inhabitants, conquered by the Romans in 168 BC, were called the Illyrians. Its mythological ancestor was Illyrius, a demigod and son of King Cadmus and the goddess Harmonia.
 
Illyria also plays a role in literature, both as a place-name and a character name. Shakespeare set his play Twelfth Night in a fictionalized Illyria. More recently, Joss Whedon created a (female) character named Illyria, a powerful "Old One", for his show Angel. And there's a (male) Illyrio in Game of Thrones.
 
Although Illyria sounds like the Italian Ilaria, which means cheerful, it has a different root.

Illyria

Ilsa is remembered as the radiant but tragic heroine of "Casablanca," and it's having something of a European resurgence. 

Ilsa

Inessa is a truly multi-cultural name, heard in Spain, Germany and Russia, and is related to the names Agnes and Ines/Inez.
 The singer who goes by the single name Inessa is German.

Inessa

Why is Isabella megapopular while Isadora goes virtually ignored? Too close a tie with tragic modern dancer Isadora Duncan (born Angela Isadora), who was done in by her long flowing scarf, perhaps, or with fusty male version Isidore. But we think Isadora is well worth reevaluating as an Isabella alternative. Quirky couple singer Bjork and artist Matthew Barney did just that and named their daughter Isadora. Isidora would be an alternative, just as proper but not quite as charming spelling--the one used as the spelling of a fourth century saint's name.
 Isadora Wing was the liberated central character of Erica Jong's 1973 bestseller Fear of Flying. There is also Isadora Quagmire in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events--who was named for Isadora Duncan.
 And she could share the nickname Izzy with cousin Isabella.

Isadora

The name of an ancient country located in South Asia Minor, perfect for someone looking for a rare and feminine name with history.

Isaura

Izela

Jacoby, a surname spin on Jacob shot up the charts in the middle of the 2000's, thanks largely to the popularity of Jacoby Ellsbury, the first Native American of Navajo descent in the Major Leagues, but has been dropping steadily since it peaked at Number 423 in 2008. As of 2022, it dropped out of the US Top 1000 and is given to around 170 boys each year.

Jacoby

Jessamine, a charming name occasionally heard in England, is just beginning to be appreciated in the U.S. as a possible successor to all the Jess names of the past. It's also spelled Jessamyn, as in Quaker novelist Jessamyn West, author of Friendly Persuasion--who started life with Jessamyn as her middle name.
 Jessamine began to be used as a first name in Britain around 1900, along with other flower-related names. Yasmin and Yasmine are other Jasmine variations.
 This would make a great choice as a namesake honoring a Jessica.

Jessamine

Jessamy and big sister Jessamine are all but unknown in the U.S., but make distinctive alternatives to overexposed Jessica, Jessie, and Jasmine.

Jessamy

Keaton is an engaging surname with warmth, energy and a sense of humor, identified with silent comedian Buster Keaton and contemporary actors Michael and Diane Keaton. Although rare as a first name, a young Keaton would fit right in with classmates Keenan and Kellen.

Keaton

Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew. 

Killian

With Noah taking the Number 1 spot in 2013, Koa is attracting more attention than ever.
 

A Hawaiian name with a fierce meaning, Koa is also a type of tree native to the islands, its wood favored for building canoes and surfboards. It strikes a nice balance: part-gentle nature name, part-bold adventurer.
 

No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont has a son named Koa Thomas, a brother for Ace and Rio, and a name that fits right in with all of the band's stylishly named offspring.

Ketan

Leander is an almost unknown name with great potential as a possible alternative to the overused Alexander. In Greek legend, Leander was the powerful figure who swam across the Hellespont every night to visit his beloved Hero, a priestess of Venus.
 Leander is currently a Top 40 name in Norway; Leandro is the attractive Spanish form, and Leandre is popular in France--it appears in three Moliere plays.
 Leander Sydnor was the name of one of the younger police detectives on The Wire.

Leander

Linnea is an attractive <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/173/scandinavian-names">Scandinavian name</a> that derives from the renowned 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who developed the Linnean system of classifying plants and animals.
 Linnea is megapopular in Sweden and Norway, ranking in the Top 8--it was the Number 1 name in Norway in a recent year, and actually appeared in the U.S. Top 1000 in 1903, reaching as high as 744 in 1945.
 There is a charming children's book called Linnea in Monet's Garden in which the protagonist visits the Giverny gardens that inspired the great Impressionist painter.
 All in all, Linnea is a lovely, lilting name that could make an interesting namesake for an Aunt Lynn or Linda.

Linnea

Lior is a unisex name frequently heard in Israel, capturing the popular light theme through its meaning.  For English speakers, the one down side is possible pronunciation confusion with "liar," though it's really lee-OR, with a long e sound and emphasis on the second syllable.

Lior

A delicate name with an ancient pedigree, more appealing to some than Lucille.  It elaborates on Lucy and even Lucia and feels more distinctive than Lucinda. 




Lucilla

Lydia is one of the first place names, after an area of Asia Minor whose inhabitants are credited with strong musical talent great wealth. Always among the US Top 1000 girl names, Lydia is a quietly fashionable classic.
 Although mentioned in the New Testament (Lydia was the first European convert of Saint Paul), it didn't really emerge as a viable first name until the eighteenth century, promoted via the character of Lydia Languish in Sheridan's popular 1775 play The Rivals, and the youngest of the Bennett girls in Pride and Prejudice.
 Lydia continued to be a literary favorite, found in the novels of George Eliot and D. H. Lawrence. And there's also the iconic Groucho Marx ditty: "Lydia the Tattooed Lady."
 Lydia is increasingly appreciated for its history and haunting quality. Cute nickname: Liddy or Lydie.

Lydia

Lysander is a distinctive Greek name that could be thought of as a more creative cousin of Alexander. In ancient history, Lysander was the name of an esteemed Spartan naval commander and his literary cred comes from one of the two star-struck young men in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, as well as one of the twin sons (the other being Lorcan) of Luna Lovegood, whom we learn about in the Harry Potter epilogue.
 Previously confined to the nurseries of Mayfair and Belgravia, we think Lysander could easily emigrate to the playgrounds of Park Slope.

Lysander

What with Mason scooting up the charts, this attractive place-name, with its thick Georgia accent, could make a more distinctive alternative.
 Macon has played major roles in two novels, Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist and Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, in the latter as both a Macon Sr. and Jr.

Macon

Marin is a lovely county north of San Francisco, and a lovely baby name on the rise, one which sounds more refreshing than the more familiar Marina.
 As a place-name, Marin is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable, Ma-RIN, sort of like Marie, though when used as a name, many would say MAR-in, to rhyme with Karen.
 Marin is unisex in several European countries (in Croatia it's currently Number 29 for boys); Maren is an alternate, Scandinavian, spelling. In France a very fashionable alternative for girls is Marine.

Marin

Comedian Tracy Morgan added this one to the lexicon when he chose it for his daughter.  In English, a maven can be defined as an expert or connoisseur.  Maven feels more nameworthy than some other word choices given its similarity to the Irish Maeve or the trendy spiritual choice Haven.

Maven

This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized tribute to an Aunt Melissa or Melanie. 
 
Pelleas and Melisande is a play by Maeterlinck, the inspiration for the Debussy opera of the same name. In modern times, Melisande became a princess via the Rankin and Bass film The Flight of Dragons. And Broadway buffs might remember Melisande as the name the main character Ella Peterson takes in the musical Bells are Ringing. The name of the beautiful red-haired character on Game of Thrones is spelled Melisandre.

Melisande

Niamh, derived from the Old Irish Niam, is an ancient Irish name that was originally a term for a goddess. In Irish myth, one who bore it was Niamh of the Golden Hair, daughter of the sea god, who falls in love with Finn's son Oisin and takes him to the Land of Promise, where they stayed for three hundred years. Niamh can be Anglicized as Neve, Nieve, or Neave.

Niamh is particularly popular choice in Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales. Niamh Cusack is part of the acting family that also includes Sinead (wife of Jeremy Irons), Sorcha and Padraig. Americans have recently become better acquainted with Niamh via the heroine of Christina Baker Kline's bestselling novel Orphan Train.
Here, the Anglicized Neve would undoubtedly prove simpler, if less intriguing. Actress Neve Campbell pronounces her name (a family name) "NEV", and Neve is the daughter of Conan O'Brien.

Niamh

A name bestowed in honor of the Virgin Mary, Nuestra Señora de la Nieves, referring to a miracle she performed with unmelted snow in the August heat of Rome. 

Nieves

A name that Yanks might see as overly British, but combined with the right surname, it does have a measure of Sherlock Holmesian dash via Nigel Bruce, who played the original Dr. Watson to Basil Rathbone's Sherlock Holmes. 

Nigel

The mythological queen whose perpetual weeping for her slain children turned her into a stone has always cast a pall over this name. Still, when other names with less-than-savory associations -- Delilah, Ophelia, Persephone -- are becoming popular, parents might want to consider this one of the more unusual <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/325/mythological-baby-names-for-girls">mythology names for girls</a>.

Niobe

Octavia began as the Latin, then Victorian name for an eighth child. While there aren't many eighth children anymore, this ancient Roman name has real possibilities as a substitute for the overused Olivia; recommended for its combination of classical and musical overtones. It was chosen for his daughter by Kevin Sorbo. 
 Octavia has a rich history and literary pedigree. Commonly used in the Roman Imperial family, one first century BC Octavia was the daughter of Claudius, sister of the Emperor Augustus and the second, pre-Cleopatra, wife of Mark Antony (she appears in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra), while another ancient Octavia was the teenage wife of Nero. The British civic reformer Octavia Hill actually was an eighth daughter.
 The name came into the spotlight recently via Octavia Spencer, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her strong performance in The Help. And Octavia is part of Cinna's prep team for Katniss Everdeen during the 74th and 75th Hunger Games.
 Octavia is also a First Daughter name as the child of President Zachary Taylor.

Octavia

Though it has never charted in the United States, this frilly name has the elements some brave, modern namers might find attractive—namely, the initial O and the -ia suffix.
 St. Odile of Alsace, also known as Odilia, is a Roman Catholic saint from the seventh and eighth centuries.

Odilia

Olivine

With its relation to Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods, and to the Olympic games, this name has an athletic, goddess-like aura, making it the perfect Olivia substitute.
 A well-known art reference is the famous 1865 painting of a reclining nude by Edouard Manet titled Olympia. Contemporary bearers include former Maine Republican Senator Olympia Snowe and actress Olympia Dukakis.

Olympia

Oona is a name made famous by Eugene O'Neill's daughter, who became Charlie Chaplin's wife. One of the original Oona's granddaughters was named after her, and is now an actress famous in her own right for playing Talisa of Volantis in HBO's "Game of Thrones." The double-o beginning gives their name a lot of oomph.
 In Irish legend, Una/Oona was a daughter of a king of Lochlainn. The name was very popular in Ireland in the Middle Ages, and is currently seeing a comeback--also spelled Oonagh.

Oona

Floral, elegant, and bold, Ophelia re-entered the US Top 1000 in 2015 after more than 50 years off the charts. It has risen more than 700 spots since then and shows no signs of slowing down. Now in the US Top 300, could Ophelia one day become the next Olivia or Amelia?
 
It's certainly catching up in the UK, where, as of 2022, it's in the Top 100 and given to nearly 600 baby girls. Less likely to be heard as 'I feel ya', as it is pronounced with four syllables in the UK, Ophelia makes an arty but approachable choice. 
 Derived from the Ancient Greek word "opheleia", which means "help", Ophelia was used first by the poet Sannazaro in his 15th century poem "Arcadia". It was then popularized by Shakespeare's Hamlet in the 1600s and again in the 19th century by John Millais' painting. 
 
Other namesakes include the gutsy Ophelia in Harriet Beecher Stowe's 1852 Uncle Tom's Cabin, which seems to have had some influence on baby namers at the time, and more recently, the song "Ophelia" by The Lumineers.
 Among the actresses who have played modern non-Shakespearean Ophelias are Jamie Lee Curtis in "Trading Places" and Blake Lively in "Savages". The heroine of the film Pan's Labyrinth uses the Spanish spelling, Ofelia, while a popular YA novel, Ophelia After All by Racquel Marie sticks with the Shakespearean one.
 Actress Patricia Neal and author Roald Dahl named one of their now grown daughters Ophelia, and more recently musician Dave Grohl named his baby girl Ophelia Saint.
 
A hugely popular name on Nameberry and now out in the 'real world' too, you may hear this Shakespearean gem more often in the coming years. So, if you love Ophelia but want to beat the trends, you could try Cressida, Olympia, Cordelia, or Cerelia.

Ophelia

Orla is an Irish name closely associated with the high king Brian Boru, as it was the name of his sister, daughter and niece. It was very popular in the Middle Ages – the fourth most popular name in twelfth century Ireland – and has become popular again in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales today. In Irish, the name is commonly spelled Orlaith or Orlagh.
 There is a student at Hogwarts School named Orla Quirke in the Harry Potterbooks.

Orla

Ottilie is trending in the UK, where the pronounced T helps the name sound pretty and delicate, rather like Amelie and Elodie. Ottilie is less popular in the US, where many Americans pronounce it as a near-homonym for "oddly".
 
Sweet but stylish, Ottilie was once reserved for the British upper crust, to be spotted among The Telegraph name rankings, rather than in your average school class. However, it has been quickly climbing the charts since 2015, and in 2022, it debuted in the UK Top 100.
 
Rarely seen in the US since the 1880s, Ottilie does have a few cultural references: She is a key character in Goethe's Elective Affinities, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a poem called To Ottilie, Franz Kafka had a sister named Ottilie, and it is the name of the protagonist in the John Wyndham sci-fi story Random Quest.
 
Probably the best-known Ottilie is the German journalist, abolitionist, and feminist Ottilie Assing, who had a long involvement with fellow abolitionist Frederic Douglass. Others include the Irish Jazz singer, Ottilie Patterson, and Ottilie Rue Sugg, daughter of British influencers, Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes. 
 
Popular among Nameberry users, Ottilie is both vintage and playful, with the sweet nickname options of Lottie, Tillie, Otto, and Otter.
 
If the popularity of Ottilie puts you off, or it doesn't sound right in your accent, you could try a variant, such as Ottoline, Ottilia, and Odile, or names with similar sounds and style, such as Odessa, Odette, Romilly, or Coralie.

Ottilie

Oleander

Persephone is the esoteric name of the Greek mythological daughter of Zeus by Demeter, the queen of the harvest. After she was kidnapped by Hades to be Queen of the Underworld, it was decreed by Zeus that she would spend six months of the year with her mother, allowing crops to grow, and six in mourning, thus accounting for the seasons.
 Despite the mixed message of her mythological past, Persephone has a light and lyrical aura, and pleasant associations with springtime and the harvest; she was also goddess of spring growth. Persephone was seen in the Matrix movies, played by Monica Bellucci, and could make an interesting replacement for the overused Stephanie.
 Persephone's meaning is in dispute: While some sources give it as the worrisome "bringing death," others indicate that's it's associated with dark blue and with speaking. Persephone was called Kore in childhood; in Roman mythology, she is Proserpina.
 Persephone is popular on Nameberry, ranking in the Top 100.

Persephone

Refers to one of the seven sacred rivers of India. 

Reva

Old-style creative name of the Greek mythological earth mother of all the gods. A lot better than the Roman equivalent: Ops. Rhea reentered the US Top 1000 in 2015. Its only previous appearance on the list since 1968 was 2004.
 Rhea Perlman is an American actress known for her role as Carla Tortelli on Cheers and as the wife of Danny DeVito.

Rhea

If you're looking for an unusual alternative to all those Rose names, Rhoswen might be a good choice. This name has the soft sounds we've come to love from the Welsh language but is still not as familiar as Bronwen and Rhiannon.

Rhoswen

Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly John became Admiral of the Fleet in England. 
 A French surname from the twelfth century on, it's more recently been heard as a girls' name. Emma Thompson, for example, used Romilly as her daughter Gaia's middle name. And Romilly was used in the US last year for a dozen baby girls.
 The logical nicknames would be Romy or Milly, both very much in style.

Romilly

Seneca was both a Roman philosopher-statesman and is a Native American Iroquois tribe. Occasionally used for both girls and boys, Seneca is now a Hunger Games character.

Seneca

An attractive French word name known here via former child TV star Soleil Moon Frye, aka Punky Brewster. It started to be lightly used in the U.S. in the 1920s and is now attracting some attention as both a sunny nature and an international word name. It's currently in the Nameberry Top 500.

Soleil

Sybilla

Saria

Tamla

Tenzin

Théophile

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. 

Valeria

This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick. 

Vevina

This is one of the most vibrant and feminine of the <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/377/names-that-mean-life">names meaning life</a>, and it's sure to gain more attention as the whole sisterhood of Viv- names rise. 
 Celebrated Swedish actress Viveca Lindfors, born Elsa Viveca, was one of several notables bearing this pretty, feminine V-name in a variety of spellings, including Viveca Paulin, the Swedish-born wife of Will Ferrell and the non-Scandinavian Vivica A. Fox.

Viveca

Vivia, the fresh Italian version of newly popular name, streamlines and even vivifies the original.

Vivia

Vidia

Rugged, outdoorsy, and full of energy, Wilder entered the US Top 1000 back in 2015. Part bad boy, part Western, part preppy, and part nature-loving, Wilder is given to nearly 800 babies each year.
 
Once an off-beat, rarely used choice, Wilder began to climb the charts in 2007, after American actress Goldie Hawn became a grandmother to a Wilder. Similar in sound to Wiley and Wyatt and with the -er ending of Carter or Cooper, Wilder sounds bold but familiar, and fits in with the likes of Ledger, Forrest, Fox, and Maverick. Until recently, Wilder was much more familiar as a surname, borne by such notables as authors Laura Ingalls and Thornton, composer Alec, director Billy, and actor Gene. Douglas Wilder was the first African American to be elected Governor of Virginia. Wilder was one of the 10 fastest-rising boys' names back in 2016, though its climb up the charts has slowed in recent years.

Wilder

Xela

Zinnia is an unusual floral choice with a bit more edge and energy than most and beginning to find its way onto namers' wish lists of botanical possibilities. Named after an eighteenth German botanist called Johann Gottfried Zinn, it appears in Roald Dahl's Matilda as the young protagonist's mother.
 In the language of flowers, Zinnias symbolize remembrance.

Zinnia

A zippy little international name. The Hebrew name relates to the month of Israeli independence. The Slavic Ziva (also spelled Živa and Siva) is a goddess of love, life and fertility.


Ziva

Zéphyrine

Millia's list "Uncommon Substitutes" of 89 great name ideas: Amandine - Zéphyrine!

Uncommon Substitutes

Looking for something similar to your favorite, but oh so popular name? Maybe I can help! To prevent clutter, I've decided not to include (most) of the international variations of the name, just names I think are similar in sound and/or style. Some are a bit far fetched, but a girl can dream ;)  (ctrl+f is your friend!)