10 English Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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English names are always popular in America, due to the fact that there is no language or pronounciation barrier. However, trends in Britain are very different from those on this side of the pond. I've picked ten very British names for this list today--any of which would be right at home in America.

Araminta- Araminta is one of those quintessentially English names. She's long and regal, but in true British style, comes with a spunky nickname--Minty.

Cicely- Cicely is the English form of Cecilia. Switch the i for an e, and you have Cecily--who's poised to break into the top 1000. Or, spell her Sicily, and she becomes an Italian place name.

Ginny- Sweet Ginny was long ago replaced by Jenny, though I believe she may be making a comeback. I've met more than one young Ginny at my job, and she sounds very fresh. In these days where we're tired of Jennys and Jennifers, might Ginny be the perfect solution?

Halsey- Halsey is an undiscovered gem. She's a great alternative and honor name for Hallie and Holly, and she fits right in with the preppy surname trend.

Jennison- Like I said before, people are so over Jennifer (well, not everyone, she's actually still at #220). Jennison is a more contemporary option, and shares many of the same sounds--she's honor name material.

Jessamy- If Jessamine is a little much for you, try Jessamy. This less formal variation is bright and chirpy. She means jasmine flower, which is fantastic if you need to honor a Jasmine.

Norabel- If you're looking to expound upon Nora, but aren't a fan of Honora, Norabel could be the right name for you. She's quirky and cute--and much more interesting than Annabel. Best of all, as a smush name, she has a whole new meaning--beautiful light. Can't get much better than that.

Ouida- I always like to throw a polarizing name into the mix. You're either going to love Ouida, or you'll hate her. She's a diminutive of Louisa and Ouisa, and pronounced WEE-dah. Ouida requires a brave namer, but I think she'd be an amazing addition to many European inspired sibsets (Tilda and Ouida, Romy and Ouida?)

Romilly- Speaking of Romy, my favorite full name for her is Romilly. She was originally a boy name, but now would only be considered for a daughter. Romilly couldn't be more perfect for Italian-English families, considering her British roots and meaning of "man of Rome."

Tamsin- Looking for a good name for a twin? Try Tasmin, as that is her meaning. She comes from Thomasina, a name that's almost never used today. If you must use a nickname, Tamsy is much more modern (and more British) than Tammy.

10 T Names You Never Thought of Using: Girls

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Is it already time for T names for girls? Yikes, we only have a few more letters left to do. I am really excited about this list today. There are some really good choices, so pay attention.

Tacy- I'll always have a soft spot for Tacy, after reading the Betsy, Tacy, and Tib books when I was younger. She can be used as a nickname for Anastasia, and is perfect for honoring a Stacy.

Tamar- I love Tamar. She's a strong, powerful name that Americans should embrace. She has never been in the U.S. top 1000, but she is much more popular in Georgia and Israel.

Tamsin- Tamsin is a diminutive of the Thomasina, both of which are scarcely heard in the United States. She would work nicely as an honor name for a Tamara or Tammy.

Tarot- Are you a fortune teller? Maybe an astrology enthusiast? Consider Tarot for a daughter. She has a lovely sound, and would be a great middle name.

Thais- Thais is a gorgeous Greek name that has never been in the top 1000. She ranks at #4873, so it's practically guaranteed that she'll be the only Thais on the block.

Thisbe- Thisbe is a more well-known Greek name--because of her role in Greek mythology. Her story may be a tragic one, but her name is still a perfectly fine choice.

True- True is a Modern Virtue Name that works well on a girl or a boy. Cakies blogger Rubyellen used True for her daughter (with sisters named Brave, Soul, and Glow).

Tuesday- Days of the week names aren't particularly popular, but I think Tuesday is one of the best. She's a quirky day name without Addams family associations.

Tulia- Tulia wins for my favorite of the list. I recently met the most wonderful woman named Tulia, and she made me fall in love with her name. Tulia is perfect if you're looking for a more interesting alternative to Julia.

Twila- Twila peaked in the 1930s, which means she's almost ready for a comeback. Even though we may be a decade early, I think Twila would work really well for the 2015 baby of a night owl.