Origin/meaning: Latin, “Variation of Emily”
This old-fashioned, pretty name is a variation of perennial list-topper, Emily, but it’s far more distinctive. Sophisticated, and with that alluring “a”-letter ending, it’s a stylish choice that will take an adventurous little girl easily into adulthood. And, speaking of adventurous, don’t forget the famous namesake here: American heroine and aviation pioneer, Amelia Earhart. Looking for a nickname with attitude? Try Mimi.
Popularity in the last decade:
2000: #207
2010: #41
Origin/meaning: English, “Wild boar”
Old-style contemporaries Ernest and Elmer may not be climbing the boy’s charts anytime soon, but this name is on the rise again. It’s got a crisp, upbeat vibe and a winning British association in dashing actor Rupert Everett.
Popularity in the last decade:
2000: #585
2010: #287
Origin/meaning: English, Greek, “Light”
This retro rebound name gets a modern boost from singer Norah Jones. (Close cousin Cora is also on the rise; it was ranked 481 in 2000 and 276 in 2010.) Another girls’ name that ends in “a,” it’s got more gravitas than Ava, Emma, or Sophia, and it’s got weighty literary associations in Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House and Dashiell Hammett’s novel The Thin Man, both of which boast famous Noras as a central character.
Popularity in the last decade:
2000: #501
2010: #159
