Esai

Here's one I bet you've never heard of...

Esai, pronounced 'eez-eye' or 'ee-say', is almost unheard of. The name is Spanish but derived from Hebrew and it means 'gift' so if you're having a Christmas baby then this child name could be the perfect name for the perfect gift.

Yael

As a Hebrew name, this is classic. Heck, it's vintage! That said, it's due a huge revival.

The name is traditionally pronounced 'yah-el' but can be pronounced 'yay-l' also. The name means 'to ascend', so if you're looking for something a little uplifting then this is it. It's a Hebrew name made famous by Yael Stone from Orange is the New Black and theatre director Yael Farber. The name is mentioned in the Bible but has remained somewhat under the radar. This is a strong name for a strong woman.

Alternative to the name: Yale, like the famous American university.

Jupiter

Although this name is almost unheard of now, it's gonna gain more popularity next year....

The name is unisex and references both the planet Jupiter and the Roman God of light and sky. It is a name that bares great strength. The name is set to see the spotlight in February around the release of the film 'Jupiter Ascending' about a young woman named Jupiter. She discovers that there is much more to the universe than Earth and is tied up in a plot to overthrow the Queen of the Universe. Jupiter, our quirky hero, is played by the lovable Mila Kunis. I'm hoping this inspires a bunch of Baby Jupiter's.

Harrington

There has been a significant rise in Game of Thrones inspired names being given to babies at the moment...

The name 'Khaleesi' is being given to baby girls left, right and centre. Other names have had some attention too but the problem with given a child a Game of Thrones name is the uncertainty of the fate of such a character. Many characters are killed off on the show. Why not step outside the show for another Game of Thrones inspired baby name?

Harrington, made particularly famous by Kit Harrington who plays Jon Snow, could be a really great name. There has been a rising trend of using surnames as first names for babies. Some other examples of this:

• Greyson
• Thatcher
• Cooper
• Murphy
• Anderson
• Slater
• Jackson

Harrison has been a very popular name in recent years so Harrington seems like a similar but cool alternative. 

November Baby Name Roundup!

So, we've done a few of these already. The idea behind these posts is to round up a few names that are really unusual but oh so cool. Here are some of the names I've found and loved recently. If you like them, feel free to use them. I'd honestly love it if you found the name of your future child in here. If you ever do, let me know by tweeting me.

1. Renwick (m) This is an old English name now rather lost to the world. This is a good name for a boy born to a family living in the country looking for a name rich in history.
2. Sabine (f) This is a name for a strong woman with big plans. It's an alternative to Sabrina.
3. Pascal (m) Female version: Pascale. Good for a child born at Easter. This is a classy, European name.
4. Thalia (f) This is an old name that fits so well in modern settings. The name means 'to flourish/bloom' so this is a floral name without it being too flowery. It is also the name of the Muse of comedy and poetry.
5. Thorne (unisex) Though this name leans towards being masculine, it's a great name that could be given to a girl if a feminine name isn't wanted. This is a strong name.
6. Valentina (f) Coming from the word 'Valentine' this is the name for a child who is loved, great for a baby born in February. 
7. Nikolai (m) The Polish meaning of this name is 'victorious' and so the name is a strong one.
8. Martina (f) A feminine version of the name 'Martin' which comes from the planet Mars meaning 'of Mars', the name for a strong warrior.
9. Bram (m) The shorter, hipper version of 'Abraham' made famous by Bram Stoker.
10. Adria (f) This is the feminine version of the name Adrian and comes from the city of Adria. 

Matilda

This name is a classic with a real vintage feel....

Matilda is a name that many of you will associate with a brave, book loving girl who found that she had special powers. Yes, many of us know the story, but the name itself is gorgeous. It has fallen out of fashion in recent years in favour of other names but it's gorgeous and really malleable. You could shorten the name in many ways:

• Tilda
• Tilly
• Mati
• Matt

This name could reawaken the love of the childhood tale and give your child a really pretty name.

Magda

Having previously posted the name 'Margo', this is a similar name that I've not heard for a long time...

It most likely stems from the Biblical character of Mary Magdalene. This is a strong woman, a real pillar of support. Magda doesn't quite have the same religious connotations but could work well for either religious or non religious families. The name has a really strong feel to it.

Variations: Magdalena, Madeleine, Margo, Magdalen, Meghan, Megan.