December Baby Name Roundup!

Hello, name fans!
Looking for a name?
Well here is our round up of cool names that we've been appreciating in the month of December. Here we love Unique Baby Names. If you choose your baby name based on a name found on this blog, tweet us and let us know!

1. Yvaine (f) The name, a mixture of names like Yvonne and Elaine, is a twinkling gem. Made famous from Neil Gaiman's Stardust this is a beautifully starry name. The name means 'evening star' and has a real romantic charm.
2. Calhoun (m) This name is an Irish surname now being introduced as a last name. It serves as a cool variation on the name Callum which has been a bit more popular in recent years. The name means 'from the narrow forest'
3. Isis (f) This is a really strong name as it is the name of an Egyptian Goddess, the Goddess of the moon, sky, magic, motherhood and fertility.
4. Cohen (m) Another name that was previously a surname but is now becoming popular as a first name. It is of Hebrew origin and became popularised by the show The O.C
5. Cosima (f) The name means 'order/beauty' and is a rather elegant name with an Italian twirl.
6. Ivor (m) This is a really strong name that has cropped up all over the world in several cultures and yet it still remains off the radar.
7. Brook (unisex) This can also be spelled as Brooke or changed to Brooks. It was popular in the 90s but is due a renaissance. This is a great nature-based, gender-free name.
8. Zen (unisex) Although a baby is far from calming, especially on first time parents, this is a great name for a Buddhist/spiritual family. The names means 'calm/state of serenity'
9. Lyric (unisex) This is a musical name for the child of poet parents or a baby born into a music family. Could be shortened to 'Lee'
10. Merritt (unisex) From the word 'merit', this could be a great virtue name like 'Faith', 'Hope', 'Honor', 'Valour' etc. This name is absolutely unknown, genderless and fuss free.

Paloma

Here's something music based...

Inspired by the wonderful Paloma Faith, this is our name of the day. According to Nameberry, it means 'dove' in Spanish. This therefore makes it a rather peaceful, faith-based name. It's still really quirky and out there. Many celebrities have used this name for their children. It's quirkly and far from popular.

Tree Names

It's time to branch out...

Okay, okay, puns aside... I've decided to do another ten minute round up of names on a familiar theme. Today we're looking at trees! Yes, our leafy friends are something to be thankful for. They are responsible for the air we breathe. I decided to throw together some tree themed names for you to showcase something a little more nature-based.

Here are my suggestions:

• Arbor
• Oakley
• Ash
• Leif
• Sequoia 
• Cedar
• Birch
• Bloom
• Maple
• Blossom
• Elm
• Spring
• Willow
• Forest
• Grove
• Asher
• Laurel
• Acacia
• Juniper
• Aspen
• Linden
• Barkley 

Langston

If you're a fan of boy names that were originally surnames, this is a good one.

Langston is arguably influenced by the African-American author Langston Hughes. The name holds an air of sophistication and artistry. It is only just in the top 1000 baby names in the US so there isn't a huge threat of it becoming overly popular just yet.

Similar names: Leighton, Leyton, Langdon, London.

Breeze

This one's a really light hearted, simple name.

It's Breeze.
I'm sure I don't have to explain the meaning to you. Nature based names like this are becoming far more popular now. A name like this is a breath of fresh air and is really sweet but also short and snappy which makes it easy to remember.

If you like Breeze you may also like: River, Ocean, Summer, Autumn, Harper, etc.

Aurelius

Now here's a name I'd never heard before...

Aurelius, similar to the female name Aurelia, is a gorgeous name. It's strong yet musical. The Latin name means 'the golden one' and is fairly unknown at this moment in time. It was the name of a Roman Emperor (Marcus Aurelius) and therefore has a strong, regal feel to it. Marcus Aurelius was said to be a stoic philosopher. A character called Dr Aurelius in the Hunger Games movies may boost the visibility of this Latin charmer.

Alternatives To Most Popular Baby Girl Names 2014

From year to year, certain names come in and out of fashion. From the baby names given to new children, baby name charts are created to show which baby names are most popular. Certain trends will impact which names are popular. Below are some of the most popular names for baby girls from the past year. Beneath them we offer some alternatives so that you may be able to offer your baby a name that isn't as common as other baby names. This way they won't have to share a name with others in their class. They're more likely to have their own little name. It's simply food for thought.

Olivia
Alternative names: Livia, Riva, Livia, Flavia,

Emma/Emily
Alternative names: Emmeranne, Emmy, Emmanuelle, Emanuella, Ember, Emberly, Emine, Emerson

Sophia/Sofia
Alternative names: Sofiche, Safiya, Sapphire,

Ava
Alternative names: Aviana, Aviva, Viva,

Isabella/Isabelle/Isobel
Alternative names: Arabella, Isara, Isis, Mirabella, Mirabelle, Mireille, Arielle,

Mia
Alternative names: Nia, Mina, Mona, Iona, Fiona, Mira, Meera, Artemia, Lumia, Amina, Sheena, Marianna, Cora, Nina,

Charlotte
Alternative names: Charlize, Carlotta, Violette, Collette, Cosette, Lottie

Abigail
Alternative names: Gale, Adrienne, Adria,

Ella/Elle
Alternative names: Ellaria, Ellara, Elia, Leilani, Briella, Brielle, Umbriel, Sabriel,

Amelia
Alternative names: Amina, Melody, Mena, Malia

Lily/Lilly
Alternative names: Lillian, Lilith, Tigerlily, Liliana, Leilani, Fleur, Marigold, Rosa

Evelyn
Alternative names: Evan, Ever, Everly, Lena, Eveline, Evangeline, Evanna, Eva, Rowena, Ravenna,

Natalie
Alternative names: Nicole, Nicolette, Natasha, Natalia, Tahlia, Talia, Dahlia, Daria, Darya, Nastasia, Anastasia