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.