Amandine

Familiar, yet different...

This name, although similar to Amanda, comes with a gorgeous, rounded French sound. The name means 'much loved' and could be a gorgeous name for a beloved child. This name sounds great for a baker, someone who is expertly skilled in the kitchen, as the name sounds like 'almond' and 'clementine' rolled together. Delicious...

Xanthe

A name for a blonde haired baby....

This is a quirky Greek name but I've only heard of one acquaintance with a daughter by this name. The name is Greek in origin. The name apparently means 'yellow' or 'fair hair' so if you have a blonde baby then this could be a cute name. The 'X' at the start gives the name a really strong sound and the name has a real literary feel as it can be found dotted about in Greek mythology.

Other versions of the name or similar names: Xanthia, Xenia, Xena

Heath

This is a name that I adore...

This is a really classic and distinctive name. A heath is traditionally a pleasant, green area. This name is short, sweet and subtle and could make a strong name if joined with a powerful surname. I truly hope this name picks up a little. It's a really nice little name.

Orson

Orson has strength but cute roots....

From the French word "orse" meaning 'bear' this is a name for a baby as cute as a cub or a child as strong as a bear. The name is, of course, mostly known via Orson Welles but it has been adopted by celebrity parents like Paz Vega and Lauren Ambrose. This is another one of those names that sounds like a surname and therefore sounds sterling and professional.

Mazarine

Feeling blue...

This is a French name which is subtle but elegant with multiple potential nicknames thus giving the ability to really play around with the name itself. Mazarine is a deep blue colour. It is also used as a first name in honour of Cardinal Mazarin, a leader of France in the 17th century. As a first name, Mazarine is as charming as it is unusual thus making it a really unique baby name. 

Eben

Need a name for a cool little mister?

How about Eben?
It's like Eden but different. It's like a shortened version of Ebenezer. It sounds a bit like a surname like Larson or Pearson. Because it sounds like a surname it comes across as rather gender neutral. Although the name is typically used as a male name it works regardless of gender.

Edie

Let's get vintage....

A lot of rather vintage names have been cropping up lately. We've had celebrity babies sporting names like Ethel, Mabel, Marnie... Now for the latest in this trend. This week it has been announced that Keira Knightley, the Pirates of the Caribbean actress, has named her first child Edie. Edie is a sweet, short name that is usually a shortened version of the name 'Edith'

This can be a nice alternative to the name Evie which has been popular recently. Pronounced "EE-DEE" it is a simple, no fuss name to remember so it could be a good name for parents who opt for more gender neutral names.

Linus

What an animated name...

Linus hasn't really been spotted on too many birth certificates but that's a real shame. It's often known for the name of the blanket toting character of the Peanuts characters who is friends with Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Within the realm of Greek mythology, Linus is a musician and a poet. Apparently Linus invented rhythm. If your baby kicked a lot in the womb, beating his own drum, then this could be the name for you. It's totally original, no other kids will have it. The name has risen in popularity throughout Germany, Sweden and Norway but could do with some popularity elsewhere...

Nikita

This one's cute...

Nikita is the Russian version of the name Nicole. It can be shortened and played with and is a really cool, punky name for a wild child. As a name it's still rising in popularity, but barely. If you choose this name for your baby you can pretty much ensure that there will be no other Nikita's in their class.

Milo

This name is classic but always feels relevant...

Nameberry quotes the name as meaning 'soldier of the merciful' and it's a really short, cute name. It can be shortened to 'Miles' should you look for a nickname.
So many celebrities have taken the name Milo for their children but it still remains unique enough and hasn't really broken the baby name charts lately.

Clementine

...And you thought the name 'Apple' was fruity!

Clementine.The name is French and means 'mild, merciful'


You may know the name from the old song:
Oh my darlin'
Oh my darlin'
Oh my darlin' Clementine

It's a really vintage name that's fuss free with no feminine frill but it can be adapted and tweaked in so many ways. Author Laini Taylor has a daughter named Clementine Pie which is super cute.

Sailor

Ahoy there....

Liv Tyler recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy and announced his name via a cute Instagram photo of her newborn holding an anchor locket. His name is Sailor Gene Gardner.

What a cute name! Sailor is a really cute, gender neutral name. It's a name that can be really cute when a kid is running around the garden or for an ambitious 20 year old setting out on a career or an old grandparent in a rocking chair. It's a really cute name - here's hoping some more babies get this name this year!

Adaline

Time for another name...

Here's one that is almost unheard of but could be picked up this year. This name could gain some popularity this year due to the upcoming film 'The Age of Adaline' starring Blake Lively. It is a variation on the name Adeline. Similar names: Adelaide, Adalyn, Ada, Madeleine, Adrienne. The name itself means 'noble' and has French origins. This name feels rare but with a really sweet vintage feel