10 Native American Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Julia Kuo via Dribbble

Did you all catch the girls list a couple weeks back? I know you've been eagerly awaiting the boys installment, and now I finally have it for you. Like I said before, one of the best parts about Native American names are their meanings, which are oftentimes related to nature. Those of you who like subtle nature names, one from a Native American tribe could be perfect for your little one.

Alo- Alo comes from the Hopi tribe, which are native to Southwestern America. He means "spirit guide" in the Hopi language. Alo is also an Estonian nickname for Alexander, if you prefer a longer name.

Ashkii- With the easy-access nickname Ash, Ashkii would be a great name for a 2016 baby. He's a Navajo name that means simply "boy." Ashkii is upbeat and very stylish--I'd love to see more people embrace him.

Ciye- Ciye is an Apache name, which, like the Hopi, come from the Southwest. He's pronounced like Cy, and means "my son."

Dzemi- Are silent D names the latest sub-trend? While not everyone is doing it, I have been seeing more and more of them pop up. Dzemi might be my new favorite. He's got a modern sound and an enticing look.

Kenai- Striking Kenai is a unisex name from the Dena'ina language. I think it could work well on either gender, but the strong sound (it's pronounced KEY-nai) and nickname option Kai makes it lean slightly masculine in my opinion. Kenai also has a nature connection: the Kenai Fjords are located in Alaska.

Lautaro- Lautaro is from the Mapuche tribe, which originated in southern Chile and Argentina. It was the name of a famous Mapuche military leader who died honorably defending his tribe against Spanish colonizers. Lautaro is an incredibly handsome name, and one I can picture on a man of any age.

Manteo- Does Matteo's ever increasing popularity have you reconsidering? Why not use Manteo instead? He's virtually unused, but is very similar in terms of looks and sound. The only potential downside is that he would indeed get confused for Matteo at times.

Miko- Most people know Miko as a Japanese unisex name, but it also has roots in the Chickasaw language. In this southeastern tribe, Miko is a strictly male name, and means "cheif."

Nahuel- Like Lautaro, Nahuel is a Mapuche name with an animal meaning. Lautaro means "swift hawk" and Nahuel means "jaguar." How's that for a cohesive sibset?

Zolin- Zolin may sound like a modern invention, but he's actually an Aztec name from the Nahuatl language. Like many Native American names, he has an animal meaning--"quail."

10 Native American Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

If you're someone who likes names with meanings to match, Native American names are right up your alley. All of their names have very intentional meanings that were (and sometimes still are) widely known throughout the tribes. There are thousands of wonderful Native American names from tribes all over the country, but I chose ten I think would work on girls of all cultures. As always, let me know your favorites (and names you wish I'd featured) in the comments.

Aylen- Aylen is a name from the Mapuche tribe that means "happiness." Even though she has ancient roots, Aylen features a contemporary sound that would fit in seamlessly with other children's names of today.

Citlali- Citlali is absolutely stunning. She means "star," and comes from Nahautl culture. Citlali had a brief run in the top 1000 from 2001-2006, peaking in 2005 at #915.

Galilahi- This Native American name may seem very similar to the faith-based names Galilea and Galilee, but they share no connection. Galilahi means "gentle and attractive" in Cherokee. Gala and Lila would make cute nicknames.

Lilakai- Lilakai is a name that I can see becoming embraced by people of all cultures, a la Leilani. The Navajo name feels upbeat and youthful--a quality coveted by my parents. Plus, with easy-access nicknames like Lily and Kai, Lilakai is hard to argue with.

Maiara- Maiara comes from the Tupí tribe. Despite her Native American roots, she's most popular in Portugal. Maiara made it into their top 100 for the first time in 2014, coming in at #81. I'm not sure if she could become as equally popular in America, but I do believe Maiara could make it into the top 1000 one day if she got some publicity 

Miski- Miski means "honey" and "sweet" in the Quechua language. She has a old-school sound a la Misti and Missy, but Miski is still wearable for a 21st century baby.

Nayeli- Nayeli comes from the Zapotec tribe, where she means "I love you." She is most common  among Latino families, and has been at a relatively steady ranking around #400 for the past ten years. Nayeli peaked at #175 in 2001.

Siaska- Need an uncommon way to get to Sia? Take a look at Siaska. She is a name from the Ho-Chunk tribe, which is native to Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Uki- It's not often that I recommend a U name, so I was thrilled to find the charming and likable Uki. She's an Inuit name that means "survivor." She's pronounced the same was as the Japanese name Yuki, which could lead to some confusion.

Zyanya- Like Nayeli, Zyanya comes from the Zapotec tribe. She means "forever and always," which I'm sure many parents would find delightful.

10 Thai Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Kiet Tran via Dribbble

On to the boys! I've got ten stylish Thai names for you all today that I think would work on babies born almost anywhere in the world. If you haven't already, check out the girls list, and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Aroon- This easy-to-like, simple boy's name from Thailand would be dashing on an American baby. His similarity to Aaron gives him a sense of familiarity, but doesn't take away from his Thai heritage.

Danai- Although Danai is a feminine name in some cultures, I don't think you'll run into many problems if you use it on a son. In fact, in Thailand Danai is only used for boys--afterall, he does mean "son."

Kamon- Craving a name with a good meaning? Well you're in luck because Kamon means "heart and mind" in Thai. He's technically a unisex name, but in English speaking countries, the intuitive choice is for boys.

Kiet- Double trouble! Kiet is a Thai and Vietnamese name--making him a stand-out choice for families of mixed descent. However, the two Kiets have separate origins and meanings. The Thai version means "honor," while the Vietnamese means "hero." Put that together and you have an "honorable hero."

Olan- Another name with multiple histories, Olan is both Thai and Irish. The Irish version is a variation of Olaf, while the Thai is completely independent. It doesn't matter what origin story you choose--Olan is an attractive name with great potential.

Pokpui- If you're looking for a name that's instantly recognizable as Thai (none of this dual origin nonsense) then Pokpui is your guy. He's got an unmistakable Thai feel thanks to his Pok- prefix, so no one should confuse him for otherwise. Plus, he's got such a cheerful demeanor. Try to say Pokpui without a smile on your face.

Puran- Lovely Thai name Puran means simply "the sea." He's a straightfoward name that's easy on all levels, including spelling and pronunciation. Puran is definitely a winner.

Rudet- Rudet is an uncommon name with a mostly unknown backstory, but he did originate in Thailand. I think he'd work very well on an American boy--wouldn't Rudy be a great nickname? (I'd love to see him make a comeback).

Somchai- Somchai is a Thai name meaning "worthy man." He's a handsome name, but it's doubtful that he'll ever become trendy in the US. If nothing else, Somchai would be a fantastic nickname.

Warun- Warun is a wonderful name that means "rain." Some people might confuse him for the more familiar Warren (one of my personal favorites), but luckily Warun has emphasis on the second syllable, rather than the first. Warun would be an easy import into the US--I'd love to see more people using this name.

10 Thai Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Deep Shah via Dribbble

While researching for this post, I was surprised at how many Thai names would assimilate well into American culture. It's astonishing we don't hear them more! There are loads of beautiful, melodic choices--it was hard for me to cut my list to just ten. That being said, I think I have ten really wonderful names for you all today. As always, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Isaree- Isa- names are very fashionable by today's standards, so why not add another one to the list? Isaree a gorgeous Thai name that would assimilate easily into the American name pool. She means "freedom."

Kannika- For those of you looking for interesting K names, Kannika is a fantastic option. She's a name used throughout Southeast Asia--in fact, it's the name of a 1947 Indian film. If you're fond of nicknames, Nika is the obvious choice, but Kiki would be fun as well.

Kasira- Isn't Kasira lovely? I've never been a fan of K names, but Thailand has so many good ones! She's a bit of a mysterious name--there's not much information out about her--but if you want a truly unusual yet beautiful name for a daughter, Kasira would be great.

Lawan- Lawan is simple yet stunning. She means "beautiful," so if you like your names with meanings to match, take a look at Lawan.

Malai- Speaking of meanings, meet Malai! Longtime readers know that I don't put much stock into name meanings, but I appreciate a quirky one. Malai means "garland of flowers," which is so sweet! Lately Americans have been loving lyrical M names (think Maya, Mila, etc.), so Malai will fit right in.

Mayura- Darling Mayura is another Thai name that I could see catching on in the US. She has the easy-access nickname May, which makes her all the better. Mayura means "peacock" (wouldn't that make a fun nursery theme?)

Nim- Nim is most commonly associated with the book and movie Nim's Island, but Nim is actually a female Thai name (as well as a male name in other cultures). Maybe it's because of the movie, or possibly my love for Pimm, but Nim really seems like a girl name to me. She'd be wonderful in a children's literature themed sibset.

Preeda- Cheerful and sophisticated Preeda would feel so stylish on an American baby. Add that to her ease of pronunciation and spelling, and we have ourselves a fabulous Thai-American crossover. Preeda is one of my favorites of today's list. Does anyone else love -da names as much as I do?

Sirinya- It's hard to think of a name more stunning than Sirinya. She just oozes beauty and elegance. Some notable namesakes: Selina and Sirinya are a Bangkok-based folk band, and Sirinya "Cindy" Burbridge is a Thai-American model and actress.

Suree- Suree may be slim, but she has substance. Thanks to sound-alike sister Suri, she's perfectly wearable on an American baby girl. Plus, Suree means "sun," which is always a nice meaning.

10 Armenian Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Kyle Steed via Dribbble

Back for round two of Armenian names! It's the boys' turn this week, and I've got a great list of names today (many that you've probably never even heard of). So let's get right to it! Tell me in the comments: What's your favorite Armenian name for a boy?

Armen- Armen is a handsome name that has roots in both Armenia and Russia. In Russia he is a variant of the names Armand and Herman, but in Armenia, he comes from the name of the country.

Haro- Haro is a multicultural surname name that's more popular in Armenia as a first. Not much information is known about the Armenian form, but he may come from Harout, which in turn is derived from Harutyun.

Levon- Impeccably stylish Levon should be all the rage right now, but instead he's an under-the-radar choice. Blogger Petite Biet has a son named Levon. If you name your son Levon, he will share his name with Armenian royalty and an Elton John song.

Narek- Narek comes from the name of an Armenian town which nowadays falls in modern Turkey. The name is sometimes translated as Nareg in Western Armenia, but I think most American parents will prefer the former.

Ohan- Ohan is the Armenian form of John. He'd be the perfect choice for an Armenian-American boy--Ohan has a modern sound and is fresh to American ears, yet has old-world Armenian roots. How perfect!

Sahak- Do you love Isaac? It's hard not to. He's an undisputably great name, but that leads to high rankings (Isaac is at #31). However, Sahak--Isaac's Armenian variation--is practically unheard of in the US. He shares all the same sounds with his Hebrew cousin, but not the popularity. That makes Sahak an A+ choice.

Sourin- Although the two are unrelated, Armenian Sourin is very similar to Scandinavian Soren. The latter is quite trendy right now, making Sourin a good alternative. Unlike Soren, Sourin's pronunciation puts the stress on the second syllable. 

Sufjan- You may have heard of Sufjan Stevens, the American folk hipster rocker, but I bet you didn't know his name was Armenian. Sufjan is actually a variant of Sufyan, which is also used in Arabic culture. Either spelling is usable for a baby boy.

Toros- Toros is the Armenian form of Theodore, although he may remind people of the Spanish word for bull, "toro." He may be confused for Taurus (not coincidentally the constellation of the bull). If you prefer classic names with unusual nicknames, you can call your little Theodore--or Thelonius--Toros.

Zako- Zack may be out of fashion, but Zako feels energetic and fresh. He's an Armenian name, as well as a Hungarian version of Zachariah. He works as both a full name and a nickname, so take your pick!

10 Armenian Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Tasha Mozgodum via Dribbble

I hate to break it to you, but Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe aren't Armenian names. However, that's about the breadth of most Americans' knowledge on the subject. Let's change that, shall we? I've got 10 great Armenian names for girls today--all of them would be equally stunning on an Armenian-American (or any!) baby.

Aghavni- Callum, Paloma, Jemima--add Aghavni to the list of names meaning "dove." This gorgeous Armenian name fits her peaceful harbinger definition. Aghavni definitely embodies a tranquil spirit.

Anahid- Anahid comes from the Persian mythological name Anahita--the goddess of fertility, healing, wisdom, and water. Anahid is typically used in Western Armenia, while Anahit is more common in Eastern Armenia. Both are quite common in their preferred regions.

Anoush- Anoush is a very charming name (and in fact means "sweet"). With the similar-sounding Anouk gaining favor among taste-makers and trendsetters, Anoush (or her alternate spelling Anush) seems like a top-notch alternative. For all you music-enthusiasts, Anoush is the name of a 1912 opera by Armen Tigranian.

Arda- Arda is a Hebrew-Armenian unisex name, although, if you're going to use it on an American baby, it might be best on a daughter. It's also used in Turkey, but as a strictly male name. One famous historical Arda is Arda of Armenia, Queen of Jerusalem.

Lusine- Lusine is a stunning name that would be just perfect on a 2016 baby. She's a very creative way to get to the every-girl nickname Lucy--much more unexpected compared to Lucille and Lucia. Lusine means "moon," and can also be spelled Lucine.

Maral- The lovely Armenian name Maral means deer, as in the Caspian Red Deer that is native to Armenia. That makes Capsian or Casper a fun brother name, or, if you're into anagrams, how about Lamar?

Shoushan- As you may be able to tell, Shoushan shares roots with such names as Shoshana and Susan. Like her sisters, she means "lily," making Shoushan the perfect name for a springtime daughter.

Siran- Siran is a diminutive of Siranush--both great names, but the slimmer Siran strikes me as more American-friendly. This Armenian-beauty's meaning is one of my favorite words--"lovely!" Obviously, that makes me a big fan of Siran.

Taline- Taline comes from Talin--the name of an Armenian town which houses a famous monastery of the same name. Her meaning is technically unknown, although many consider it simply to be "Talin, the Armenian town."

Zabel- In these days of Isabella and Isabel, why not pick something a little different? Zabel is a fantastic option. She's the Armenian form of Isabel, but stands well on her own (however, if you prefer her as a nickname, how about Elizabeth or Jezebel as the full form?). Her zippy Z beginning is lively and fun, and for a fashionable variation, she can be spelled Zabelle.

10 Czech Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Marcus Szabo via Dribbble

Most people you meet will not be able to give you an example of a Czech name. To be honest, before I wrote this post, I couldn't either! Smaller countries like the Czech Republic are often overlooked when it comes to name nationalities, but that shouldn't be the case. So many Czech names could (and should) be embraced by the general population, and I've got ten of them here to tell you about. Take a look.

Andel- Andel might be the Czech form of Angel, but in the US, he'd definitely be considered one of the many And- names. Even though he does sound a bit exotic, the popularity of those aforementioned And- names will help a little Andel fit right in.

Artis- Have people gotten on board with the nickname Art yet? He's very distinguished and poised, but has that fun old-man-chic feel for a little boy. Even if Arthur's not you're style, I think Art is a nickname to consider. The Czech name Artis makes the perfect full name. It's also the real first name of popular rapper Coolio.

Bohdan- Bohdan is a Czech and Ukranian name that may be related to Donald. In the Ukraine, he's pronounced bo-DAHN, but most Americans will put the stress on the first syllable, thanks to similar trendy names like Bodhi and Boden. Whatever way you choose to pronounce him, Bohdan makes a lovely import into the American name pool.

Jiri- The previous names might be great at blending in, but Jiri feels decidedly more Czech. This sweet, upbeat name is a variation of George. Much like Jory, I think Jiri works well on his own as well as a nickname for the more classic George.

Kafka- No matter which way you slice it, Kafka is most certainly a namesake name. Franz Kafka, the most notable wearer, authored such 20th century classic as The Metamorphoses. However, Japanese author Haruki Murakami moved Kafka into first-name territory when he gave the name to the main character of his (fittingly named) book Kafka on the Shore.

Leos- Altough Leos peaked in the '60s in the Czech Republic, he feels very current for an American baby. That's probably due to the fact that the Leo- names are super stylish right now. From Leonardo to Leopold, Americans are loving all variations of Leo. Leos seems like another one of the boys. Possible element of confusion: in most of Europe, he's pronounced LAY-os.

Ludek- Ludek is a Czech variation of Louis, but he strikes me as a great alternative to the ever-popular Luke. He has all the same sounds (and then some), and can even go by Lou. Ludek is easy to say and spell, yet still has an exotic feel. What more could you want?

Otokar- Otokar is Czech name that comes from the ancient German name Odovacar. The historical Odovacar was a Gothic ruler who became the King of Italy. Otokar is a much more wearable name, and he's an easy way to get to Otto.

Radko- Radko is a very fun name that means "happy." I love the fact that he has the word "rad" inside him (that'd make a cool nickname), and I can definitely see him catching on in the US. For those of you worried about Rocco's current rise, Radko could be an alternate option.

Vit- Vit is a perennial Czech favorite, having ranked in the top 40 for almost 40 years. He traditionally comes from the name Vitus, but the Czechs have since abandoned that for simply Vit. He might be a little short for American standards, so I urge you to consider Vit as a nickname for Victor.

10 Czech Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Eho via Dribbble

We don't hear about Czech names often, but there are some wonderful options! My personal favorite of today's list is Lida--how lovely would she be on a baby girl? Let me know your favorites, I always love to hear them.

Apolena- I don't know about you guys, but I love the name Apollonia, just not her five syllables. Thankfully, the Czech version is Apolena--a slightly shorter version that I think I like even more.

Dosia- Dosia is a Czech version of the Greek Dorothea. She also has roots in Poland, where she is used as a nickname for Teodozja or Dorota. As far as pronunciation goes, in the Czech Republic, Dosia is said like DAH-shuh.

Edita- With Edith on the rise in the US, it's time to start looking for variations. I'm particularly fond of the Czech one, Edita. She could easily go by the retro-cool nickname Edie, if you're a fan.

Evka- Speaking of names on the rise, let's talk about Eva. She's currently at #82 in America, and similar names (Ava, Eve, Evie, etc.) are soaring as well. The Czech Eva is Evka, and it's safe to say she hasn't hit it big yet. If you're not offended by the hard K sound (currently not very vogue, but I love it!), then Evka could be a lovely Eva alternate.

Lenka- Lenka is originally a short form of Madalena and Helena in the Czech Republic, but I think she's gorgeous in her own right. She's similar to the rising name Lena, but has an undeniable European feel.

Lida- Lida is name that has great potential. I can definitely see her catching on in the US. She's a diminutive of Ludmila (unfortunately, not one I can see catching on), but is unrelated to the Greek Leda. Americans love L names for girls, so tell me--am I crazy, or could Lida be our next big import?

Milena- No doubt you are familiar with Milena as the real name of mega-star Mila Kunis. She's currently ranked at #798, making her the most popular name on this list, as well as the most well-known Czech name to Americans. Milena is used in many European countries, so she's a good cross-cultural pick.

Olina- Olga might not be your style, but how about her Czech form, Olina? She's less harsh and more feminine, plus she can shorten to Lina. Olina is a Czech name by design, but also used throughout Scandinavia.

Olivie- Olivie and a Czech and French name. As you may have guessed, she's a variation of Olivia. Unlike her more popular sister, the emphasis is not on the second syllable. Instead, Olivie, is pronounced oh-liv-EE.

Tila- Isn't Tila cute? She's a Czech nickname for Matilda, and much like my favorite Matilda knock-off (Tilda!) she's splendid on her own. That being said, she makes a fun, unexpected nickname for an American Matilda.

10 Vietnamese Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Brian C. Allen via Dribbble

This is one of my favorite series on the blog. I love introducing you guys to names from cultures you never would have considered for naming inspiration. Like I said last week, I think Vietnamese names are perfect for American use. There are so many of them out there, but I picked ten of my favorites that I would love to hear on a little boy.

An- An is both a Chinese and a Vietnamese name. He's simple (though possibly too breif for some parents) but more than usable in the US. An means "peace."

Bao- Bao is a Vietnamese name meaning "protection" or "security." In China, Bao is mostly a feminine name, though sometimes used on boys as well. One possible downside: the word bao means "bun," and is heard in many a restaurant.

Binh- Like An, Binh means "peace." Binh is one of my favorites on this list--he sounds so sweet and lovely. If you don't love short first names, he'd make a great middle.

Lanh- I don't put much stock into name meanings, so I think of it as a bonus when a nice name has a meaning to match. Lanh is just that type of name. He means "happy, good, and gentle"--you can't get much better than that.

Minh- Speaking of names with good meanings, take a look at Minh! He means "bright and intelligent"--a brother name for Sophia perhaps?

Nguyen- Americans love surname names, so why not use the most common Vietnamese surname as a first? Many people will object to his pronunciation (and it varies by location), but the most common are "new-wen" or simply "wen."

Quyen- Quyen might be the most import friendly name on this list. Sure, his spelling looks daunting, but he's actually pronounced very much like Quinn. So if you're worried about Quinn going girl, I suggest you take a look at Quyen, who's stricly masculine.

Trai- Trai is a Vietnamese name meaning "oyster" (how fun!). Nameberry lists him as a variation of Trey, which was originally used for sons with a third generation name. Either way, I think he'd be charming on an American boy.

Tuan- The Vietnamese masculine name Tuan made it into the top 1000 back in 1982 and 1983. This was a time when many Vietnamese immigrants were coming to the United States, so this isn't too surprising. However, not many other Vietnamese names were on the list, so he must be a popular choice.

Van- Van is most well known as a Dutch name, but there's a Vietnamese version as well. Depending on the accent mark above the A, he either means "cloud," or "knowledge and literature." Apparently he's quite a popular middle name choice for Vietnamese boys, but I think he'd make a great first name too.

10 Vietnamese Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

Kerstin Sterl via Dribbble

Names from Asian cultures are some of the trickiest to import into the English-speaking world. Many of them use sounds we can't pronounce, or have slightly "off" translations. However, Vietnamese uses an alphabet rather than characters, so many of their native names are ripe for American use. The following ten names would work very well on a mixed-culture baby, for first or middle names.

Cam- Though it may sound nickname-y to American ears, the name Cam is very much complete by Vietnamese standards. The Vietnamese version means "orange," like the fruit. She is the perfect Vietnamese-American name, since she's familiar in both countries.

Chau- Chau is a sweet and delicate Vietnamese name meaning "pearl." She shares this meaning with the Marg- names, so Chau could be a subtle way to honor both Vietnamese heritage, and Grandma Margaret.

Chi- Lovely Chi means "branch" in Vietnamese. The Igbo tribe in Western Africa also uses the name Chi, but there it means "spiritual being."

Hoa- Looking for an exotic alternative to Noa? Hoa is your girl. She means "flower," and unlike Noa, is strictly feminine.

Hue- While she might be considered a word name by American standards, in Vietnam, Hue is a well-known given name. She means "intelligence" or "lily."

Linh- Linh looks like she'd be pronounced like Lynn, but she is actually said more like LEEN or LEENG, depending on the region. Either way, she's an easy import. Like so many Vietnamese names, Linh has a lovely meaning--"soul."

Mai- Mai is one of my favorites on this list. She has roots in Japan and Vietnam, but the pronunciation varies slightly. The Japanese version is two syllables, MAH-ee, but the Vietnamese version sounds more like "my." Mai is one of the few Vietnamese names to ever break the top 1000--in the late eighties and early nineties she got as high as #793. Mai means "apricot blossom."

Phuong- Phuong is one of the most consistently popular names in Vietnam. If you live in an area with a lot of Vietnamese Americans, you've probably heard this one quite a bit (I know I have). Phuong actually have two meanings, depending on the accent marks. The more common spelling means "phoenix," while the other means "direction." Though they have slightly different pronunciations depending on the accent marks, in English, they'd both be said as "FOON"

Tien- Tien is a fantastic Vietnamese name. She's one that would translate well in America. She means "spirit" or "fairy," which is almost too adorable to pass up.

Yen- Speaking of wonderful meanings, Yen means "peaceful." I'm not usually a fan of Y names, but I really like Yen.

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 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 Portuguese Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Nilo Sadi via Dribbble

Portuguese is the third most common language in the world, yet compared to other cultures, they have relatively few uniquely Portuguese names. Many names have roots in both Spain and Portugal, neighboring countries with somewhat similar languages. However, these names are used all around the world, mostly in the countries that speak Portuguese natively. Go to Brazil, Mozambique, or even some parts of India, and these names will not seem so rare. But the U.S. hasn't quite jumped on the Portuguese name bandwagon yet, so I have a few suggestions to get us started.

Bento- Ask any American what they think of when they hear the word "bento" and they will respond with "bento box." While this Japanese style of lunch might inspire a few Bentos (though, it's more commonly heard on pets), chances are, if you meet a Bento, his name is the Portuguese variation of Ben.

Breno- Breno is the Portuguese form of Brennus, a Celtic name that insinuates royalty. He's a little less foodie than Bento, but more exotic than Ben. Breno Borges is a Portuguese footballer, and probably the namesake for many a Breno.

Carmo- In Portugal, Carmo is a unisex name, although it does come from the female name Carmel. The -o ending makes it read masculine to me, so I would choose to use Carmo on a boy. The original name, Carmel, means "garden" in Hebrew, and has ties to the Virgin Mary.

Isdro- Is- names are heating up for boys (possibly the next mini-trend?) and Isdro is a great one to add to that list. He's a more contemporary-sounding variation of Isidore, a name that hasn't been in the top 1000 since the 1920s. You could call your Isdro by the unisex nickname Izzy, but I also like the sound of Dro.

Leandro- Most American readers will want to pronounce Leandro the Spanish way--lee-ANN-droh. The Portuguese version varies only slightly--lee-AHN-droo--like adding an extra syllable to Andrew. He currently ranks at #784. I'll be curious to see if that number goes up this Spring.

Matteus- Matthew is one of those names that has a variant everywhere you go, and Portugal is no exception. Matteus is one of my favorite ones. He's short, easy to say, and a global pick--that's right, he also has roots in Norway and Sweden.

Nilo- Bored by the dated and frankly overused nicknames for Daniel? Use Nilo instead. He's a Spanish/Portuguese (and possibly Finnish?) diminutive, and the perfect length for a nickname. So there's no confusion, he does not rhyme with Milo, he sounds like NEE-low.

Rui- Speaking of global names, how about Rui? Surprisingly enough, he's used in Portugal, Japan, and China. However, he's most popular in Portugal, where he's ranked #52 (but falling). The Portuguese version is a variation of Roderick, which means "famous ruler."

Sansao- Sansao is my favorite name of today's list. He's uniquely Portuguese--their version of Samson--and I think he'd make a great American import. With Samson rising in popularity, I can definitely see Sansao becoming a more mainstream choice--if only he can get on peoples' radar screens.

Urbano- The name Urban would be so appealing, but I fear it's one of those word names that will never catch on, simply because he's too "wordy." But I can picture Urbano being a hit. He has an exotic yet familiar sound, and the wordiness of Urban is cut by the extra syllable. Two thumbs up for Urbano.

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 Spanish Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

Joshua Krohn via Dribbble

Time for Spanish names for boys! These sophisticated señor‎‎s are lovely on a baby of any nationality. 

Augusto- August is all the rage these days, but what about his suave Spanish cousin, Augusto? Turns out, the latter doesn't even crack the top 1000, making him a prime choice for parents seeking a creative way to get to Gus.

Baez- Baez is a unisex Spanish surname with a lot of potential. It's most well known as the last name of singer Joan Baez, who would be a worthy namesake for your baby.

Cisco- Cisco is a hipper, more causal off-shoot of Francisco. The latter ranks at #232 in America, making him a familiar, yet not overused name. But if you're looking for something less formal, and a bit more unique, Cisco is the way to go.

Cordovan- It's not always easy to find long names for boys with easy nicknames, but Cordovan is just that. His cowboy-cool nickname Cord is a winner.

Cortez- You guys, I am SO excited about Cortez. I think this name is really going places. Cortez is basically the perfect name--not too long or short, easy to say and spell, familiar enough but not even in the top 1000, and he can shorten to Cort. 2016 is Cortez's year, I'm calling it.

Fredo- Alfredo may seem a bit fusty on a baby, but Fredo? Totally different vibe. He's actually the Spanish version of Jeffrey (though he's also short for Alfredo), If you think he's too nickname-y on his own, try Fredo as a nickname for Frederick.

Isra- Upset about Israel's recent Duggar-fication? Isra could be the answer to all your problems. While he does have an "A" ending, his ties to Israel and similarities to Ezra make him read masculine.

Oro- Looking for a gold-star baby name? Oro is your man--he literally means "gold." He's also got a very sophisticated and stylish sound--reminiscent of names like Ari, Orin, and Arlo.

Sidro- Long time readers might remember my post about Full Names for Sid. How I wish I knew about Sidro when I wrote that post! Sidro strikes me as one of the coolest ways to get to Sid--no nickname necessary.

Teo- Theo's all the rage these days--he and full name Theodore are still on the up-and-up. However, his Spanish counterpart, Teo is no where to be found. He's short and sweet, and works as a nickname for countless names, from Matthew and Matteo, to Theodore and Thelonius.

10 Hawaiian Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

via Nick Mealey on Dribbble

It's been a couple weeks since our last "10 Names" post, so today we are picking up where we left off--halfway through Hawaiiian names. Today's post is all about the boys. Let me know, which ones are your favorites?

Akoni- Handsome Akoni comes from Anakoni--the Hawaiian version of Anthony. If you're looking for a fresh spin on a classic name, Akoni is a great one to consider. Musician Tariqh Akoni could be a possible namesake.

Holokai- Holokai means "seafarer," making him the perfect name for your beach babe! He's an extremely uncommon name (even in Hawaii), but is the name of multiple boating companies in Oahu. Holokai is wonderful if you want a longer name for Kai, or an unusual alternative to Malachi.

Kahua- Bring on the K names! Kahua is a lovely name, though unfortunately, not much is known about him. He has that quintessential Hawaiian sound, and would be a practically unique choice for a son.

Kainoa- Why choose between two trendy names when you can have them both? Kainoa blends current favorites Noah and Kai into one dazzling (and legitimate!) name. He means "sea of freedom."

Kaleo- You can't go wrong with a name as tailored and suave as Kaleo. The -leo suffix is right on trend (although in this case, it's pronounced as LAY-oh). Kaleo was given to only 52 boys last year, so he's the perfect under-the-radar pick.

Kealoha- The best part about Kealoha is word "aloha" right at the end. You can't get more Hawaiian than that. He means "the loved one," which is just about the sweetest it can be. Plus, he was given to fewer than five babies last year, for those of you who like uncommon names.

Kimo- Kimo is the Hawaiian form of James. His looks perfect on paper--not too long, easy to pronounce, etc--but my only hesitation is that he sounds like "chemo," That might be a deal-breaker for me, but what do you guys think?

Koa- Koa is the most popular name on this list, with 110 uses in 2014. He's the perfect under-the-radar pick for a baby of today, with similar sounding Noah so popular. Koa is also the name of a native Hawaiian tree, and means "warrior."

Lui- Lovable Lui is Hawaii's variation of Louis. He's pronounced like Louie, but his alternate spelling gives him some Polynesian flair. Lui is also sometimes used in Denmark and China, making him quite the multicultural name.

Makeo- At #106 and rising, Mateo is on the verge of being too popular. However, his Hawaiian cousin, Makeo is practically unheard of. He's an ideal substitute. Keo would work nicely as a nickname.

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.

10 Italian Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Today's Italian boys names aren't quite Romeos, but they have something even better--scarce usage. That being said, they do have their charms, and some are quite romantic. Take a look, and let me know what you think.

Alessio- Alessio is the Italian form of Alexis. He's not quite as dramatic as Alessandro, although if you like both, Alessio would work as a nickname.

Aurelio- You've likely heard of Aurelia, the Latin girls name steadily rising up the charts, but what about Aurelio? This just as attractive Italian name hasn't caught on for the boys yet. If you're a fan of color related names, Aurelio means "the golden one."

Brio- Brio is a unisex name in Italy, but the -o ending (rather than an "A") sounds more masculine to the American ear. Brio is a musical name, the definition being "vigor or vivacity of style or performance." He's an uncommon yet alluring music name--a difficult combination to find.

Carlo- With the popularity of Charlie, Charles, and Carlos being so high, it baffles me that Carlo isn't even in the top 1000. That puts him in the "uncommon yet familiar" category--a sacred place of baby name gems. Use them, and nobody will call you crazy, but there also won't be another one on your block.

Cassio- Cassio is a handsome Shakespearean name, coming from the play Othello. He's the Italian version of Cassius, so Cash could be a nickname if you so choose. Cassio's feminine form is Cassia--a cinnamon-like spice and modern day Cassandra.

Cecilio- Like his sister name Cecilia, Cecilio unfortunately means "blind." But that hasn't stopped thousands of parents each year from using them. Meanings aren't often talked about--or even known--so this is a minor issue, at most. Cecilio is very fashionable, and has a gentlemanly Italian feel.

Cosimo- Cosimo is a charming, sophisticated name waiting to be discovered. He comes from Cosmo, a more antiquated Italian choice. Cosimo means "the universe," perfect for night-sky loving parents.

Nino- Ooh, Nino! Ever since I watched the movie Amelie (one of my favorites) I swoon every time I see the name. Nino is a lovely, nickname style name that's gaining favor in many European countries (#26 in Switzerland!). He works as a nickname for any -nino name, but is just as delightful on his own.

Pellegrino- Pellegrino may remind people of the elegant bubbly water, but is that such a terrible association? He comes from Peregrine, which means "traveller" or "pilgrim," and is also a type of bird. Nino would make a cute nickname. If you need convincing, see above.

Silvio- Silvio is a common name in many parts of Europe, but unsurprisingly is most used in his country of origin--Italy. With Sylvia and Silvia increasing in popularity in the U.S., Silvio makes a friendly and usable option for a boy.

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.

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!