10 Hungarian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Chris Agiasotis via Dribble

Hungarian names are not a subcategory we talk about often, but I was absolutely enchanted once I started researching them, These names blend Scandinavian simplicity and the harsh consonants associated with Eastern European names. I hope you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was. Who knew Hungarian names were this good?

Agi- Agi is the short and sweet Hungarian version of Agatha. Many Americans wouldn't dare use Agi on her own, but she makes a great nickname for all the Ag- names, including Agatha and Agnes.

Csilla- Csilla is an invented name--it was created by Mihaly Vorosmarty (a poet from the 1800s) for one of his poems. She looks like she'd be pronounced the same way as Cilla (which derives from Priscilla), but Csilla is actually said CHEEL-law.

Duci- Duci is a playful name that I could see gaining favor in the U.S. She's originally a nickname for Magdolna--the Hungarian form of Magdalene--but her similarities to names like Lucy and Dulcie make me think she can stand on her own.

Emese- Emese is quite a popular name in Hungary, ranking at #55 in her native country. She means "mother," making her a thoughtful yet subtle way to honor your mom.

Eniko- Eniko is another name created by Vorosmarty--what a great namer he was! However, Eniko is used more widely across the country. She peaked in 2006 at #32 on the Hungarian charts, and is currently down-trending, at #62 in 2014.

Etelka- Etelka is a rare Hungarian name. She's the feminine form of Etele, a male Hungarian name that comes from the Germanic Mythology name Etzel, which has ties to Attila. Whew! That's quite a lineage. Regardless, Etelka has a nice sound, and could fit in nicely with the babies of today.

Iren- Iren is Hungary's answer to Irene. She would be a lovely way to honor any of the Irene's in your life, and could answer to the nickname Ren.

Piri- Piri comes from Piroska (pronounced PEE-rosh-kaw), which may be the Hungarian version of Priscilla. If you're into cross-cultural names, she would also make a wonderful nickname for the Scandinavian Piritta.

Riza- In Hungary, Riza is a feminine variation of Theresa. However, the Turkish name Riza is masculine, and comes from the Arabic name Ridha. Not to worry though--almost any name ending in -a sounds feminine to American ears, so most (if not all) people will assume your Riza is a little lady.

Sarika- Sarika has a fascinating multi-cultural background. In Hungary, she's a version of Sarah. However, she also has Indian roots, where she is a variation of the Arabic name Sari. She's seen in other parts of Eastern Europe as well, making her a perfect choice for families of mixed backgrounds.

10 Irish Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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So many Americans have Irish heritage, yet few have embraced truly Irish names. I'm not talking about Caoimhe or Eithne necessarily, but using names with Irish origins can be a fun way to showcase your heritage. I have ten more than usable choices here--stay tuned for the boys list next week.

Aine- You've definitely seen the anglicized version of Aine before--Anya. Aine is much the same, but with a slight pronunciation difference. Aine is said more like AWN-ya. In Irish mythology, Aine is the queen of the fairies.

Carlin- Spunky, androgynous Carlin is the modern answer to Carly. She's an uncommon unisex choice, but the -lin suffix has me thinking she's better on a girl, although Carlin was traditionally a boys name. Carlin is the perfect name for your young star--she means "little champion."

Darcy- Darcy is quite the pan-European choice, with roots in Irish, English, and French. Like Carlin, it can be used for boys and girls, though in Ireland Darcy is strictly feminine. Darcy's lack of popularity in the U.S. has always surprised me. She's very similar to Lucy, and many Americans love Pride & Prejudice.

Fia- Talk about a pan-European name--Fia blows Darcy out of the water with use in Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and more. In Ireland, she's spelled Fiadh, but that could prove tricky for anyone without (or even with) Irish heritage. Last Monday I talked about Full Names for Fia, in case she's a bit too short for you.

Flannery- Flannery is one of the most striking literary names out there. She's heavily associated with Southern Gothic writer Flannery O'Connor (born Mary Flannery O'Connor), who makes for a mystical namesake. We're seeing a rise in names like Waverly and Bellamy, so why not Flannery?

Mirren- Speaking of notable namesakes, how about everyone's favorite Dame, Helen Mirren? Her last name is of Irish-Scottish origins with a puzzling history. She may be a variation of the Irish Saint Mirin's name, or possibly a Scottish nickname for Marion and other Mary names. Either way, Mirren is a lovely, fashionable name waiting to be discovered.

Oona- We've all heard of Oona, right? She's hardly unheard of, but the chances that you'll run into one on an American street are slim to none. Spelled Oonagh, she's quite popular in Ireland. Like Aine, she has roots in Irish mythology, this time as a princess.

Orla- Oona may have been a mythological princess, but Orla actually means "golden princess." She's very trendy in Ireland and Scotland, ranking #69 and #29, respectively. If the "oral" anagram bothers you, consider spelling her the traditional Irish way, Orlaith (which is actually a slimmer version of Orfhlaith).

Roisin- Rose is a beautiful name. She's particularly alluring as a middle name, as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of girls named "first name" Rose "last name" every year. I suggest as a country, we look for alternatives to this admittedly lovely, but perhaps overused appellation. Roisin is (part of) the answer. She's a perfect middle name, means "little rose," and sounds an awful lot like America's Favorite Middle Name. Roisin isn't just reserved for the middle though. She makes a delightful first name as well.

Tierney- Tierney is a unisex first name and familiar Irish surname. The surname actually came second in this case--in the beginning, Tierney was only a first name. Like most Irish names, this isn't her original spelling. Tierney is a variation of Tighearnach--but don't worry, that spelling doesn't get much use anymore.

10 I Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Everyone loves Imogen. She doesn't even rank in the top 1000, but she's Nameberry's most popular girl name. I love Imogen too, but she's gotten so much attention lately, that I don't know if would want to use her. Thankfully, I have a list of I names that are no where near as trendy. So take a look and tell me what you think.

Ida- Ooh, I adore Ida! I love her retro feel (and wouldn't she make a good sister for Nell?). More people should use this quirky favorite.
 
Inbar- What a gorgeous Israeli name. I think she would work really well in the states. She's perfect if you want to honor your heritage with a less common name.

Indra- Okay, so India is not too popular, but Indra makes a good alternative. I personally prefer her over India. I think Indra has more spunk.

Io- Ask any baby name fanatic to name a two letter name, and the answer you get will be Io. Granted, she's one of the only two letter names out there, but she's well talked about in the community. I love Io on her own, but if she's too short for you, try one of these next two.

Iola- She's heavy on the vowel sounds, but that L in the middle makes her sound extra feminine and fluid.

Ione- Ione is such a cool name, yet almost no one knows about her. You could also use Iona, which would be a fun way to honor a Fiona.

Inoa- Noa has been getting some attention as of late for being a cool option for girls. Inoa lets you use that nickname, while having a more feminine appellation to fall back on.

Isabeau- Another favorite in the baby name community. I hear about Isabeau all the time. She is a lovely choice, and the nickname Beau is extra adorable.

Isaura- This name reminds me of a medieval princess. She sounds regal and grand, and I can picture her on a girl of all ages.

Italia- Maybe it's because I just got back from Italy, but man! Italia seems like a wonderful name for a girl. Florence, Roman, and Milania are all well used, so why not Italia?

Full Names for Nick

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Nick is a name of the nineties. He's most commonly used as a nickname for Nicholas, which maintained a steady popularity of 6 from 1995 until 2002. He's now at #54 and falling. However, Nicholas hasn't been out of the top 200 since 1881. That means he's a classic in every way, shape, and form, even if we don't think of him as one. If you're dying to use Nick, but aren't a fan of Nicholas, I have some other options listed here that will get you to him.

Benicio- Benicio may be pronounced (ben-EE-see-oh), but that doesn't mean you can't use Nick as a nickname. He gives Nick some Latin flavor.

Dominic- Dominic is as popular as ever, and arguably the most trendy name on this list. He sits at #69, down a spot from 2013's #68. Mario Lopez's son Dominic goes by Nico, but Nick works just as well.

Finnick- Finnick is an English name made popular by the book and movie series The Hunger Games. Hardcore fans of the books are a little young to be having chidren, but could we see a rise in Finnicks in the near future?

Monico- Rarely does it happen that a male name is derived from a female name. But so it is with Monico. He's the male version of Monica, a '70s staple. Monico is undoubtedly more modern than his female counterpart, and Nick (or the simpler Nic) makes a wonderful nickname.

Nicasio- Nicasio is a Spanish form of Nicholas, with a powerful meaning--"victory." He's an exotic yet wearable option for an American baby.

Nicholas- You can never go wrong with a classic.

Nichols- Nichols (and alternate spelling Nicholes) are almost unheard of as first names in the United States, but are fairly common surnames. Unlike Nicole, the emphasis is put on the first syllable.

Nicholson- Nicholson is quite a name, and most people would assume you named your son after Jack. But if you call him Nick, this is not a very significant problem.

Nicolai- Nicolai, while only ranking at #2020, is at his highest popularity ever in the United States. He's very dashing, and an easy alternative to Nicholas.

Nicolo- Nicolo is Italy's answer to Nicholas, and lends himself more to Nico rather than Nick. Nick is still a more than usable nickname though.

Nikhil- This Sanskrit name had a brief run in the U.S. top 1000, charting from 1997 to 2009. At his peak he was #818. Nihkil is a lovely choice for Indian-Americans who like Nick (or Nik).

Yannick- I first came across Yannick when I was researching for this post, and ever since then, I can't stop thinking about him. He makes a truly unique way to get to Nick.

10 French Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Last week was our first installment of this new series, and I want to know what you guys think! How is it compared to the alphabet letters? Today's list is all about French names for boys. Americans love French names for girls, but many don't consider using one on a boy (or don't even know their favorite boy name is French). Take a look.

Bastien- Bastien is the French form of the Latin Sebastian, and is often considered an alternate spelling to the more popular Bastian. Bastien, Bastian, and Sebastian are all skyrocketing in popularity, each one at an all time high (with Sebastian at #34). Bas or Baz makes a cute nickname.

Croix- Croix means cross in French, making him a sweet and subtle way to honor both heritage and religion. He can be prononced KROY (like the drink La Croix, most Americans' first association) or KWAH (as it would be said in France).

Emeric- Emeric would make a great import to America. The Em- prefix is very popular right now, and unlike most of them, he's exclusively for boys.

Florin- The Flor- names (mostly Flora and Florence) are experiencing a slight rise in the United States, and they're all over the place in Europe. Florin is quite popular in France, and would be very charming on this side of the pond.

Gable- With Gabriel being so fashionable (#24), it shocks me that Gable isn't even in the top 5000. He's such a wonderful name! Clark Gable makes a dashing namesake, especially if you love Old Hollywood.

Jules- Jules may sound girly to American ears, but in French he's very masculine (and trendy! He's #6). I think it's time for Jules to go back to the boys--we need a swanky nickname for all our Julians and Juliuses.

Mathis- Matthew is an ever-popular classic, and Matthias is on his way to becoming mainstream. Next in line? Mathis. Pronounced like Matisse, he's a slim, stylish variant of Matthew with a lot of potential.

Olivier- Oliver is becoming a big hit in the U.S., and soon parents are going to be searching for alternatives. Olivier (oh-LIV-ee-ay) could be the answer. Oli or Ollie are nice nicknames.

Vardon- I've been hearing a lot of -arden names lately, is that the next big sound? If so, put Vardon on your list before the trend hits. He's a French surname meaning "green knoll."

Yann- Yann is the French form of John, and makes a very preppy pick for a baby boy. He can be a nickname for Yancy or Yannick if you prefer longer names.

Full Names for Billie

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Billie is an old fashioned nickname with lots of spunk. She brings to mind singer Billie Holiday and Michael Jackson song Billie Jean. She hasn't been used in decades, but in an era where we call our daughters Max and Charlie, Billie would fit right in.

Abilene- At first glance she may not look like much, but Abilene would make a great name for a modern baby. She shares sounds with many of today's popular names, and you could call her Abby, Billie, or even Lena.

Jubilee- There aren't many names as happy sounding as Jubilee. She's definitely a fun choice.

Sybilla- Sybil is still pretty dowdy, but Sybilla is a fresher variant. That being said, many people would still consider her too frumpy to use, so calling her Billie is a nice compromise.

Wilder- Who said Wilder is just for the boys? If girls can be called Walker, there's no reason they shouldn't answer to Wilder as well. Billie doesn't do much to ease gender confusion, but she's really the only nickname option (though a great one!)

Wilhelmina- People love Wilhelmina's shabby charm. She hasn't reached similar names like Josephine and Matilda in terms of popularity, which is perfect if you want to use her. (By the way, Billie, Josie, and Mattie would make a great sister set).

Willa- Oh man, Willa is so cute! I met a couple of baby Willas recently, and the name wears really well. I don't think she needs a nickname, but if you want one, Billie is your girl.

Willow- Willow is climbing her way up the popularity charts, and with names like Marlowe and Harlow rising as well, I wouldn't be surprised if she made it to the top 100.

Wilma- My mind goes straight to The Flintstones, though that association is already pretty obsolete. She could come back in style if given a couple of years, but for right now I wouldn't use her.

Full Names for Cal

Taylor Pemberton via Dribbble

Cal is one of those nicknames with the elusive cowboy-cool factor. He's effortlessly hip, so it's no wonder today's parents are loving Cal names. The following twelve names make excellent full forms for Cal.

Calbert- One of the more antiquated names on this list, but the nickname Cal livens him up a bit.

Calder- A creative name, thanks to artist Alexander Calder.

Caldwell- An English surname that would work just as well as a first.

Caledon- Caldeon derives from Caledonia (Latin for Scotland), and is most well known as a minor character in Titanic.

Calhoun- A jaunty Irish surname that means "from the narrow wood."

California- This place name swings slightly girl (9 uses in 2014 vs. fewer than 5), but with such low numbers, why couldn't California go boy?

Callaghan- This Irish surname is just waiting to be discovered. He's a great option if you like longer names for boys.

Callum- Sweet Callum is rising quickly up the charts. I think he'll break the top 700 come May.

Calton- Calton is a smoosh name with potential. Colton's at #65, so it's only a matter of time before parents go searching for alternatives.

Calvin- Classic, with a mischievous spirit (thanks to Calvin & Hobbes).

Macalester- A prestigious collegiate name that could answer to Mac, Cal, or Les (take your pick).

Pascal- A charming name that I'd like to see used more often.

10 Q Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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When are Q names going to become a trend? We've had X's and O's, I think Q's turn is coming up. Let's stay ahead of the curve, and look at some rad Q names for boys.

Quaid- Sure, he's a celebrity surname, but we Americans have proven we aren't opposed to that. In fact, how about a celebrity surname sibset? I like the sound of Quaid and Keaton together. Not a movie buff? Spell it Quade.

Quain- Quain is a similar, but softer version of Quaid. Plus, he shares sounds with other trendy names like Zane, Kayne, and Reign.

Quennell- This French surname means "little oak tree," and sounds incredibly smart. Maybe it's that -nell ending he shares with some top colleges (Cornell, Bucknell, Grinnell, etc.). A baby named Quennell is destined for genius.

Quill- How amazing would it be if an author named their son Quill? Answer: Totally awesome. He's even great in the middle (and you don't have to be an author to use him).

Quillan- Is Quill too nickname-y for your taste? Try Quillan. Now he has a stylish ending, and a rad nickname.

Quiller- Or you could go with Quiller! He's similar in concept to Quillan, but he might be a better fit for your family.

Quimby- Any Ramona fans out there? Her surname would be great on a little boy (or girl), and you can read the books together.

Quince- Quince is one of the better Shakespearean names out there. He's short, peppy, and much more accessible than Horatio or Othello.

Quinlan- If you're in need of a Quinn name beyond Quentin, Quinlan's your man. They're so similar, it's silly that no one is using him.

Quito- We love place names, but I haven't heard of anyone named Quito. The capital of Ecuador would be a great name to honor your heritage.

Names with "an"

I recently got an email from a reader asking for some naming inspiration.

Fiona writes:

My first 2 children both have a theme of "an" - Marianne and Kassandra. It happened accidentally, but the more we think about future names, the more we seem attracted to this sound. It would be great to have some help and inspiration please! 
Our second child was only born this year, so we are jumping the gun a little but we do plan a 3rd child (hopefully, as obviously thanks to mother nature's blips, having a child is not in our complete control!) and our experience is that it is never too early to start thinking about names.

With many thanks,
Fiona 

Past the page break I have put together an exhaustive list of names with -an in them. I've italicised the ones I think work best with Marianne and Kassandra. Feel free to leave your thoughts or suggestions for Fiona in the comments. If you have a naming question that you would like me to post on the blog, feel free to email me at skihm (at) hotmail (dot) com. 

10 Hungarian Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Ferenc Petho via Dribbble

Were you guys as stoked as I was about last week's Hungarian Names for Girls? This group of guys is just as good for an under-the-radar, but alluring name. Let me know your favorites, and if you would actually consider any of these for a son.

Andor- Andor is an attractive name with both Hungarian and Norwegian roots. The Hungarian version is a variant of Andras, and peaked in 2007 at #92 on the charts. Andor makes a great alternative to all the And- names that so stylish, from Andrew to Anderson.

Bela- Bela is a Czech-Hungarian name, although in the Czech Republic it's sometimes considered feminine, while in Hungary it's a strictly masculine name. The Belas most Americans are familiar with are men, so despite the -a ending, I think this one is best suited for a boy.

Bence- I'm always looking for cool alternatives to Ben, and Bence is just that. He is traditionally a nickname for Benedek, as well as a Hungarian form of Vincent. On his own, Bence has been the number one Hungarian boys' name for over a decade. I think he'd be a lovely addition to the American name pool.

Dacso- Dacso is Hungary's handsome form of Daniel. He's uncommon, even in Hungary, but I think he'd be sweet on an American boy.

Erno- Like Andor, Erno shares Hungarian and Scandinavian roots, though this time with Finland. He's the Hungarian form of Ernest, a name American parents haven't embraced for years. If Ernie is too Sesame Street for you, Erno makes a great alternative.

Laszlo- Quirky, hipster favorite Laszlo is one of the most well-known Hungarian names. He's been in the Hungarian top 25 for over ten years, and currently stands at #19. Laszlo is going to catch fire in America one day soon (but he might never reach our top 25).

Ödön- Ödön is Hungary's version of Edmund, Spelled Odon, without the umlauts, he's the French form of Otto, and a variation of the Norweigan name Odin. Umlauts or not, he's an interesting and stylish choice for your baby boy.

Orban- I talk about the name Urban a lot, mostly because I'm disappointed in his lack of usability. The Hungarian form, Orban solves that conundrum, since he sounds less wordy. Yet he still is attractive and modern, two major criterion in baby naming of today.

Sandor- Sandor is Hungary's answer to Alexander, although he isn't pronounced quite the way he looks. Sandor is said SHAHN-dor, like it has an sh- in the front. For you Game of Thrones fans, Sandor is a name of one of the characters.

Vincien- Vincien, like Bence, is a Hungarian variation of Vincent. That means you can use Bence as a nickname for your little Vincien, though it will thoroughly confuse many people. Vincent is a classic name, holding steadfast in popularity, so it's always nice to consider some other options.

10 Hawaiian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Mele Kalikimaka friends! Our last Wednesday post of 2015 is all about Hawaiian names for girls. Enjoy!

Ailani- Sweet, lyrical Ailani makes a lovely name for a baby girl--Hawaiian or not. She means "cheif," which is a strong and empowering sentiment.

Ekika- Ekika is the chirpy Hawaiian form of Edith. She's a fun and unusual way to get to Kiki, but still fits in with the three-syllable-ends-in-"A" name trend. Ekika is a downright cheerful choice--I'd love to see her used on a baby.

Huali- Huali may sound like she means "hula," but her real denotation is "pure, bright, polished, and gleaming." Either way, she's bound to conjure up images of the beautiful dance for some people. Huali is the name of an electric van company in China, but if you live anywhere else, she's more than usable.

Inoa- All you name nerds, are you looking for a name that sums up your obsession? Inoa could be your girl--she means "name" or "name chant." Noa is currently becoming more popular among girls--Inoa is a great way to use that name while distinguishing her from all the male Noahs.

Iolani- Unlike many other Io- names, Iolani's first syllable is pronounced like an "E," ee-oh-LAHN-ee. Her meaning is somewhat debated. Nameberry (my go-to for reputable information) says she means "hawk of royalty," while other sites claim "bird of heaven" or "to fly like a hawk" as her meaning. No matter what the case, Iolani definitely counts as a bird name, and a mighty one at that.

Kalea- Kalea is Hawaii's answer to Claire, though unlike her "light" sister, is said to mean "joy" or "happiness." She's a simply gorgeous name--one of my favorites back in the day. Kalea would wear well back on the mainland. I can see many parents embracing her--much like they have with Leilani.

Kilikina- I love a name that's fun to say, and Kilikina is just that! She's the Hawaiian variation of Christina, but feels like a more contemporary choice. Kiki or Kina would make cute nicknames.

Moanna- Moanna is a beautiful, beachy name meaning "ocean." She's quite similar to the Maori name Moana--meaning "sea"--which is also used in Hawaii. Moana is also the name of a princess in an upcoming animated movie.

Noelani- It wouldn't be a Hawaiian name post without three names that end in -lani. Noelani, though she means "heavenly mist" is an especially appropriate name for a baby born around this time of year. The easy-to-spot "Noel" makes her a Christmas name of sorts.

Silivia- Silivia seems like a made-up mash-up of Silvia and Olivia, but she's authentically Hawaiian. She is the Hawaiian form of Sylvia, and is said to mean "woman of the woods." Silivia is a unique and appealing name--I wonder if she'll ever catch on in the U.S.

Full Names for Toby

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Isn't Toby a charming name? He's so sweet and lovable. When Joanna Goddard gave the name to her son five years ago, I was pleasantly surprised. Toby feels very fresh on a baby, even though he's taken a slight dip in popularity. If you can't commit to using Toby on his own, take a look at this list to see some of his fuller forms.

Alberto- Alberto may not have the "tob" sound directly, but separately, it's all there. He's a funky, but fun way to get to Toby, especially if the nicknames Al or Bertie aren't your thing.

Barton- Barton is a serious English surname that could have potential--if only his most obvious nickname wasn't Bart. If you decide to go the nickname route, Toby is the best answer.

October- October is an exciting unisex name that works especially well for babies born this month. However, at three syllables long, people start looking for a nickname. There aren't many choices, but even if there were, I'd still suggest Toby.

Tobiah- Tobiah is the biblical name that eventually gave way to Tobias. With names like Isaiah and Josiah so popular, it's surprising that people have rarely heard of him. Tobiah makes for a unique and easy way to get to Toby, although you could use him in his own right too.

Tobias- Toby may be falling in popularity, but Tobias is rising. He's the most popular full name for Toby, and many people use him specifically for that purpose. I have too many Arrested Development associations to ever pull the trigger on Tobias, but he is a classic and classy option.

Tobin- Tobin is a surname derivative of Tobias, and has a contemporary, pleasant sound. If you're not into "old-man-chic" style names, he could be a wonderful full name for your Toby.

Umberto- Umberto is an extremely Italian name, so if your little Toby is going to have Italian roots, he's one to consider. He's a variant of Humbert, and infinitesimally more attractive.

10 Dutch Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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We're talking about Dutch names for boys today--this list is full of short and sweet choices perfect for nicknames or own their own. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Arjan- Arjan (pronounced AHR-yahn) is the attractive Dutch form of Adrian. Speaking of Adrian, he's at an all time high right now at #59, so Arjan makes a nice alternative if you want something less popular. Arje is a sweet nickname possibility.

Bas- Bas is quite trendy in the Netherlands, both on his own, and as a nickname for such names as Sebastiaan and Bastiaan--the Dutch variations of Sebastian and Bastian. Another, much more American spelling is Baz, which you might recognize as the name of esteemed director Baz Luhrmann.

Bram- Bram is a lovely choice--one of my very favorites. He's the Netherlands' answer to Abraham, and feels decidedly more modern. The Dutch can't get enough of Bram--he ranks #2 over there. Bram makes for an incredibly easy import into the United States. With names like Graham starting to make their way up the charts, I wouldn't be surprised to see Bram crack the top 1000 sooner or later. So grab him while he's fresh!

Mies- Calling all you nature mamas and papas: Mies means "son of the earth"--perfect for the child of planet-loving parents. He's originally short for Bartholomeus, meaning he could work as a nickname for Bartholomew, assuming you're not a fan of Bart.

Pim- It's no secret I love Pimm--for a girl. Well, the masculine form, Pim is a Dutch nickname for Willem and just almost as cute. If you're not feeling Will, Billy, or even Liam as a nickname for William, Pim is an intriguing and very unexpected option.

Rem- Unlike the Dutch, most American parents won't consider a name as short as Rem stand-alone. Fortunately, he can act as a nickname for Jeremy, Remington, and the like. Rem is a bit more masculine than the unisex Remy, if you are searching for an alternative.

Roel- Roel is the Dutch form of Roland--pronounced like "rule" in the Netherlands, but more likely "role" in America. He's a classy way to honor a Joel, Roland, Rudolph, or Orlando in your life.

Rutger- Rutger comes from Roger, and could be used as a contemporary update for him. Rutger could also be a fun way to honor your alma mater, provided you went to Rutgers University. The University in New Jersey was named after Colonel Henry Rutgers, who fought in the Revolutionary War.

Sander- Sander is the Dutch and Scandinavian nickname for Alexander, although he is considered a name in his own right as well. Sander, or even more so, Sanders would make an extremely topical choice right now, considering the impending presidential election, and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders.

Thijs- Thijs (pronounced like "twice" without the "W") is another Dutch favorite, ranking at #15. He comes from Matthijs, the Netherlands' variation of Matthew. News anchor Matt Lauer subtly honored himself by naming his son Thijs--something only a name enthusiast would notice.


Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers! I'm taking Friday off for the holiday weekend--see you next week!

10 H Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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H names for boys. I love them. The only problem is that they're so popular. Henry, Harrison, and Hunter are great names, just too widely used for my taste. That's where this list comes in. If you love H names but hate their popularity, use one of these ten.

Haco- Two syllables, starts in H and ends in O? Haco has all the components of a popular name, yet doesn't even make the top 1000. This is the kind of name parents kill to find, so have at it.

Hadriel- Part Adrian, part Ariel, Hadriel is a completely masculine (even though the two previous names are unisex) and totally rad.

Hal- I really love Hal. He's an old school nickname that would make a great sibling to Gus, Sid, and Max.

Hale- Hale is modern and fresh with a boy-next-door quality. Bonus points for naming his sister Leah.

Hanson- A cool surname with definite first name potential. He would make a great alternative to the rising Harrison.

Harp- I think Harper has officially gone to the girls. Want a way around that? Try Harp. This unisex name feels pretty masculine, and is not yet claimed by any gender.
 
Hart- He's similar to Harp, just a little more romantic. Hart is a great short name, but many elementary school boys might not be in favor of it.

Hartigan- Don't want to commit to Hart? Use the Irish surname Hartigan instead. He's upbeat and charming, plus, Hartigan's is the name of an ice cream shop in my city. Sweet.

Harvey- Yes, I'm bias. Harvey is the name of baby puppy. He ranks in the 600s, making him the most popular name on this list, but he's still widely underused. And you know what? Now that I think about it, Harvey would make a great sibling for Hal, too.

Hewitt- Darn. Your sister just named her baby Hugo after beloved grandpa Hugh. Now how are you supposed to honor him? Hewitt. He's completely different and scarcely used. Just make sure his nickname is Witt, not Huey.

Holmes- Want a great hero name? Holmes is the answer. He's very culturally relevant right now, which is my only worry. Will he sound weird in thirty years?

Howell- I talked about Howell recently in my Full Names for Wells post. I think he's a great choice. With the nickname Wells, you really can't go wrong.

10 Z Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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On April 30, 2014, I wrote a post entitled 10 A Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls. Now, over thirteen months and 52 posts later, this little series is coming to an end. Sob! Enjoy the final installment of this alphabetical series. Without further ado, I present to you, 10 Z Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys.

Zacha- Lately we have come to see Sasha as a possibility for boys, but if that's still a little feminine for you, try Zacha. This spelling is definitely more masculine than Zosia (of the same pronunciation).

Zade- Names like Cade, Kade, and Jade all reside within the top 500, so why haven't parents gravitated toward Zade? I don't have a satisfying answer, but if you like modern, invented names, just know that Zade is an underused option.

Zale- Dale is more likely to be baby's grandpa rather than the baby, and that name can be a tough one for honoring purposes. Zale offers a contemporary equivalent.

Zed- Zed is the pronunciation of the letter Z in English speaking countries besides America. So I know he'd be an interesting and usable choice here in the United States, but what about for Canadians and Europeans? (someone tell me). That being said, we name our children Bea, Sea, Jay, Kay, and Elle, so why not Zed?

Zelman- Zelman is a variation of Solomon, which means "peace." If you're looking to put a modern spin on a biblical classic, Zelman is one to consider.

Zen- What better name for the baby of spiritual, meditative parents? Zen requires a brave namer, so if you're not up to the challenge, put him in the middle.

Zero- Zero might not be the best number to name your kiddo for, but after watching The Grand Budapest Hotel a couple of times, I'm convinced it could work.

Zeru- Of course, the name Zeru eliminates the number connotation, all while keeping the same sounds. He's actually a Basque name meaning "sky."

Zevi- If you love Levi, but not his popularity, Zevi could be the right name for you. The two are actually not related--Zevi comes from Zvi, both Hebrew names meaning "deer."

Zorion- Zorion (and brother Zorian) is the Basque form of Orion, a name that is surging in popularity. For a shorter version, you could use Zoran or Zoren, of the same origins.

10 K Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Have you ever played that game where you pick out your favorite name for each letter of the alphabet? Well, K is always my hardest letter. I just don't love K names. That being said, I really like some of the names on this list (Kahlo is a new guilty-pleasure name of mine). So take a look, and maybe a name or two will surprise you.

Kahlo- Love it, love it, love it. She's on trend, but not trendy, and has a great namesake (the best).

Kalila- Kalila, on the other hand, has a very trendy sound, which she probably won't retain for much longer. But, if you're looking for an unpopular name with a stylish sound, she could be your girl.

Katell- She's a form of Katherine that is never heard in the U.S. I think she'd make a great import, and a wonderful alternative to Kate.

Keela- Keela seems sweet and innocent, yet I can picture her on a woman of any age.

Kerensa- This was my top choice for the Kimye baby back when we were in denial over the whole  "North West" thing. She's got the movie-star glam and star potential.

Keziah- There are two girls in my grade with this name. One pronounces it KEZ-ee-uh, and the other kez-EYE-uh. I prefer the former (it's the original), but either works for this distinctive biblical name.

Kia- Short and sweet. I think the only reason people haven't embraced this name is because of the car brand, but I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal.

Kit- Remember that game I was talking about? Kit is always my answer for girls. Fair warning: if you name your daughter Kit, be prepared to buy all of the American Girl themed items. Though the doll's real name is Margaret.

Kedzie- She's got that andro-girly charm. A nice pick for parents who want something a little less popular than Kenzie.

Kimball- A unisex name that will probably work better for girls these days. Kimball would be a nice way to honor all the Kimberlys that will be grandparents in about ten years. So keep this one in your back pocket if you're my age.

10 Portuguese Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Tiffany Patterson via Dribbble

I'm so excited to be featuring Portuguese names for girls today. There are some really stunning choices in here. Come back next week for the boys list.

Baia- Gorgeous Baia rhymes with Maia and means "bay" in Portuguese. She could also work as a nickname for Beatrice, if you're not a fan of Bea.

Clementina- Clementine just cracked the top 1000 back in 2014. The similar, but slightly more exotic Clementina makes a less common substitute. She has roots in both Spanish and Portuguese.

Evora- Can't get enough of the Eve names? Add Evora to your list. She's actually a Portuguese place name--Evora is a the capital city of Portugal's Alentejo region.

Graca- Sure, Grace is a lovely name, but she's remained at the top of the charts for years, so you might be craving a fresh alternative for your babe. Graca, Grace's Portuguese variation could be the answer. She's just as simple and sweet, but the added syllable rejuvenates her.

Jacinda- You might remember talking about Jacinta a few weeks ago in my Spanish Names for Girls post. While Jacinta is the Spanish version of Hyacinth, Jacinda is the Portuguese. They're both equally charming.

Luzia- We hear Lucia and Luc- names all over the place these days, but I've scarcely run into a Luz or a Luzia. That leaves a whole branch of stylish names untapped. Luzia is one of the prettiest ones (in my opinion), and Luz is a darling nickname.

Neves- You might be tempted to pronounce Neves like "nevs"--I certainly was--but the traditional Portuguese pronunciation is NAY-vesh. As you would expect, she means "snows."

Palmira- Palmira is one of my favorite new finds. She'd be perfect on a 2015 baby--"palm" names are very familiar, and Mira is an on-trend nickname. For all you multi-cultural families, she has roots in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Rosalia- With the Rose names coming back into style, you'd think Rosalia would be a shoe-in for the top 1000. However, she was only given to 119 girls last year (more girls were named Austin and Italia). Like Palmira, she's has usage in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Victoriana- Victoria remains steadfast in her popularity, despite feeling a little faded. Victoriana amps her up a bit, and makes her ultra-femme with that -iana ending--getting her up to five syllables.

10 H Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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This list was a fun one to put together. There are so many great, undiscovered H girls names. What's your favorite on this list? (I can't decide between Hero and Harbor). Which names would you add? Tell me in the comments!

Hadiya- Hadiya is a GORGEOUS name. I've loved it ever since I used it in a school assignment freshman year.

Halona- Super pretty and feminine, yet not over the top. She would be a great way to honor a Hal.

Hanita- I get it, Anita sounds super dated. Have no fear! Hanita is a unique choice that updates Great Aunt Anita's name.

Harbor- I can't believe no one has thought of this yet. Harbor just sounds like a name. Plus, there are so many parents looking for a name that is similar to Harper, yet barely used. Harbor is the obvious answer. Put me in the books for predicting the popularity of Harbor. I can feel it. Next big celebrity baby name?

Helaine- She sounds like a mix of Helen and Elaine, which is perfect if you need to honor both of those ladies.

Helia- A pretty Greek name with the best meaning (sunshine!). I would choose Helia over Delia in a heartbeat.

Heloise- Eloise too mainstream? Try Heloise, which is essentially the same...but less popular. (I don't suggest this one for use if you want to avoid Eloise confusion).

Helsa- Frozen ruined Elsa. Maybe, but we can't say for sure. You could always go with Helsa, but unfortunately her first syllable is not as pretty.

Henrietta- Are there people besides myself who like this name? Henrietta is super cool, embrace her charm and wealth of nickname possibilities.

Hero- A Shakespearian modern word name? That sounds like a oxymoron, but it's not. Hero meets both those requirements while managing to be super spunky, and yes, useable.

Holloway- Holloway seemed a little crazy at first, until I met an adorable little girl with the name. She's a lovely name that is more modern than Holly and less Christmas than Holiday.

10 Italian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Today we're talking about ten lovely Italian ladies. If you're in need of a glamorous name with a hint of mystery, these girls have got you covered. Take a look. 

Celestina- I'm a fan of any Celeste name, so naturally, I'm fond of Celestina. She's the Italian and Spanish form of Celeste, although in Italian, she's pronounced with a "ch" sound at the beginning. If you're looking for a long, romantic, unusual name, put Celestina on your list. 

Cosetta- Cosetta is an extreme rarity--she was given to four or fewer girls in the U.S. last year. For those of you searching for an almost unique name, Cosetta is a pleasant option. She's the Italian variation of the French name Cosette--almost instantly recognizable from the character in Les Miserables. 

Dicembre- Need an Italian name for your December-born baby? Dicembre would be perfect. She's scarcely used--both in America and in Italy. Like Cosetta, Dicembre is an almost unique choice. 

Domenica- Domenica is a lively, refreshing alternative to Dominique. She's a feminized form of Dominic, and works to honor any of the Dom- names. Nica makes a cute nickname, and is much more modern than Nicki. 

Eloisa- If Eloise is a little too "Plaza Hotel" for you, Eloisa could be the answer to your problems. She's just as sassy and retro, but doesn't carry the same mischievous little girl associations.

Graziella- Graziella is one of those names that is just so fun to say. She can be said with either three or four syllables, but in the U.S. it might be easiest to do four--grahtz-ee-EL-ah. She's a diminutive of Grazia, the Italian form of Grace. 

Isabetta- Elisabetta is a five-syllable mouthful, but fortunately her nickname Isabetta is more managable. She's very charming on her own, but Isabetta can also be used as a nickname for American favorite Elizabeth. She is perfect for families that pass down the name Elizabeth, but want a more distinctive nickname.

Leonida- There's been a lot of love for Leo names lately, especially on the boys side. Leonida is a gorgeous option for a girl. She's the Italian version of Leona, and also stems from the Greek Leonidas. 

Simona- Simona is a name used throughout Europe, particularly in Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria. She's a nice option if you want a name that can honor a Simon, but is longer, or a bit more exotic than Simone. 

Vivia- No doubt about it, "V" is the hottest letter of 2015. We love names with Vs in them--Olivia, Vivian, Ava, Evelyn, etc. Vivia an undiscovered gem that will blend right in. She seems like she could have been made-up--essentially a mash-up of Olivia and Vivian--but trust me, Vivia is one hundred percent Italian.

Ends with "X"

The latest trendy ending is "X." What's not to love? "X" is a cool letter, and gives off a tough girl/guy vibe. If you love the "X" ending, but want something beyond Max, here are some great names to look at.

Girls:

Expected:
Beatrix- If you want something wilder than Beatrice, or the nickname Trixie.
Margaux- The French spelling of Margot.

Unique:
Bellatrix- The associations with Harry Potter are strong, but she's a nice name.
Bex- Best left as a nickname for Rebecca.

Unheard of:
Leatrix- If Beatrix is too tame for you, try Leatrix.
Lux- Perfect for the middle spot, Lux means light.


Boys:

Expected:
Felix- A lovely name meaning happy.
Hendrix- A la Jimi.
Jax- Very trendy right now, there are more Jax's out there than you think.
Maddox- A great name, if you don't mind the Jolie-Pitt association.
Max- A fun name that many young boys answer to.

Unique:
Dax- Cool, unique, and nicknameless.
Dex- Whether he's short for Dexter or on his own, Dex makes a great name.
Fox- Popular hipster baby name.
Knox- Another Jolie-Pitt baby name.
Pax- And another.
Rex- Still too dog-ish? I think it could work.

Unheard of:
Ajax- Not unless you love bleach.
Bronx- Masculine and unexpected.
Calix- Has the cowboy-ish nickname Cal.
Fairfax- He has a surname-y feel, and he'll be the only one in his class.


Either:

Expected:
Alex- Works on its own or as a nickname.

Unique:
Lennox- This cool name works on either gender.
Lex- Makes a great middle or nickname for Alexander or Alexandra.
Phoenix- Gaining popularity, but still a good choice.

Unheard of:
Onyx- Dark, mysterious, color name.