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.