Stylish Choices Outside the Top 1000: 2015 Girls

Syd Nagoshi via Instagram

It can be really frustrating to see your top choices break into the top 1000--no one wants people to discover their favorite name! If you are looking for a name that's guaranteed to be uncommon, outside the top 1000 is the best place to look. None of these names were used over 263 times--that being said, it's impossible to tell how many of these are being used as nicknames for more popular names. The names are ordered from most uses to least: 263 to 5. Make sure to come back on Friday for the boys list, and check out the 2014 list to see what's changed.

Full Names for Pia

Tolga Gezginis via Behance

Pia is a true multi-cultural name. She's heard in cultures all over the world, from Asia to South America, and in almost every European country. Pia is such a well-liked, easily translatable name--it's high time America took a page from the global handbook. However, I fear Americans think she's too short to stand on her own, so I came up with a list of possible full name options.

Olympia- Quite possibly the most obvious way to get to Pia. Olympia is gorgeous--stylish and modern with an Ancient Greek feel.

Olympiada- Olympia's even more extravagant sister. The nickname Pia is a good counterpart.

Pacifica- Reminiscent of the soothing ocean--in fact, she means "tranquil."

Pamelia- The Spanish version of Pamela, but much more contemporary thanks to the "Amelia" hidden inside. In today's world, Pia is a more fashionable nickname than Pam.

Pascasia- A lovely feminization of Pascale, Pia and Cassie are nickname options

Patricia- A name that definitely feels dated, but using the nickname Pia negates that.

Paulina- Possibly coming back into style thanks to star power. A Paulina called Pia would be charming.

Philippa- Pippa is usually Philippa's nickname of choice, but Pia works just as well.

Piala- This aged Celtic names perfectly lends herself to the nickname Pia.

Piritta- There are probably quite a few Pirittas called Pia--Piritta is a Finnish name, and you'll find many Pias in Scandinavia.

Portia- Portia doesn't have any obvious short forms, but Pia works as a contraction nickname for her.

Sepia- As colorful as Sienna, but with the added bonus of the nickname Pia.

Full Names for Cassie

I made this.

Cascade- Everyone loves a good word name, and Cascade seems like a perfect one. She conjures up images of brisk, serene waterfalls--what more could you ask for?

Cassandra- The classic full name for Cassie. She's been on a downward trend ever since the '80s, but she doesn't strike me as terribly dated. I wouldn't bat an eye at a baby Cassandra in 2015.

Cassandria- But if you want to get more dramatic, Cassandria is the way to go. Just like Alexandra/Alexandria, Cassandra/Cassandria shows us that one tiny "I" can make a big difference in terms of image.

Cassatindra- I first came across Cassatindra while doing research for this post, and I was immediately intrigued. However, a simple Google search yielded almost no results. All I could gather was that she is a variation of Cassandra (obvoiusly), but a name like her must have some history. Cassatindra would make a show-stopping name for a daughter.

Cassia- Brought into the spotlight by the young adult novel Matched, Cassia is a beautiful way to get to Cassie. Cassia actually a nature name--the spice is often used as a substitute for cinnamon.

Cassidy- Cassidy peaked in 1999 at #99, and has been on the decline ever since. However, she's had a slight uptick in recent years--maybe it's because she's a great full name for Cassie.

Cassiopeia- This celestial name may seem like a mouthful, but fortunately enough people are familiar with her that you shouldn't get too many mispronounciations. And if she does prove to be too much, you can always call her Cassie.

Jocasta- Jocasta is one of the prettiest (and certainly most underused) Jo- names. Her long "A" sound doesn't quite lend itself to Cassie, but you can defitintely make it work.

Lancaster- Lancaster is a British surname and place name not often used on girls. With (or even without) the nickname Cassie, Lancaster would be wonderful on a baby girl.

Nicasia- A lovely name for honoring a Nicole is Nicasia. She has a gorgeous, slightly exotic feel, but the nickname Cassie makes her all-American.

Pascasia- Pascasia is the feminine version of Pascal. These names are usually used in the early Spring (they mean Easter and Passover), but a name as beautiful as Pascasia should be used all year round.

Share a Coke Names: Part Two

Might as well go with Nell ;) Make one here.

Okay, back for more. To do this post, I looked at all the names they sold in stores in the UK. Turns out it's a lot more. Like, almost five times as more. It took a long time to get all this data, but I've got some interesting observations for you guys. I'm going to list all 1,146 (!) names after the jump, then we can talk about them.

My hand hurt after writing seven pages of this.

Mom Names Reinvented

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Sunday is Mother's Day, and many moms-to-be would like to honor their mothers with their daughter's name. Unfortunately, Janet just isn't the name you picture your daughter with. Many names from the 50s and 60s are easily updateable, so have no fear. Baby girl can have a name that is both modern and honors Grandma.

Carol, Carolyn, Karen
Carina- Pretty and not too princessy.
Carmen- Given new life, thanks to Alec Baldwin's daughter.
Carys- The latest Car- name.

Janet
Jana- Simple and gorgeous.
Jane- A classic that is becoming more popular again.
January- The chicest month name, a la January Jones.

Lisa
Elisa- Both Elise and Elisa are rising, but Elisa is the less common of the two.
Lissa- Also a good way to honor a Melissa.
Lissy- Cute, but probably as a nickname.

Lori
Flora- Elegant.
Gloria- People are beginning to see Gloria's charm.
Lorelai- New moms that watched Gilmore Girls have been choosing this name for their daughters.

Mary
Margot- Margot Tenenbaum's sophisticated and blasé name transcends her name.
Marlowe- Not in the top 1000 yet, but I think this will be her year.
Marnie- Girls has helped Marnie become a recent hit.

Nancy
Annabel- All-American sweetheart.
Anneliese- Incredibly charming.
Annika- Annika has fallen in recent years, which makes her perfect for parents avoiding popularity.

Pamela
Paloma- Pamela's sounds rearranged.
Pamina- Makes Pamela sound less frumpy.
Pimm- One of my favorites, and a great update to Pam.

Sandra
Alessandra- Latin beauty.
Alexandria- Long, elegant, and rising in popularity.
Cassandra- Many parents nowadays would opt to call her Cassie.

Susan
Sukie- The cutest nickname for any of the Su- names.
Sunday- Whimsical, yet totally useable.
Susanna- It's hard to believe, but Susan is more popular than Susanna. She's an undiscovered gem.

Teresa
Tess- A name that definitely stands on her own (just ask my sister).
Tessa- But if you really don't believe me, go with Tessa.
Thea- Very sweet, and perfect for girls of all ages.

Alternatives to Isabella

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People love Isabella. She's ranked number one is past years, and while she's falling, she's certainly still popular. For many she is too popular, in that case alternatives are needed. Here are some great ones.

Sight:
Isabeau- I love the name Isabeau. This is an amazing choice for adventurous parents.
Isadora- Slightly clunky but completely charming.
Isannah- A great exotic choice.

Sound:
Annabella- She has all the frills Isabella has.
Arabella- She's so pretty in her own right, I wouldn't even use the nickname Bella.
Gabriella- Gabriella is climbing the charts, but is not at Isabella's level. Yet.

Style:
Cassandra- I personally prefer Cassie over Izzy.
Ivanna- Not popular, and has a similar feel to Isabella.
Juliana- She would make a great sister for Isabella.