Violet

Violet, f.

Meaning: purple, a flower

I have such a love for the name Violet. I like that it's a flower name and a colour; it has the pleasing, humming 'V' beginning; it has the cute nicknames 'Vie' or 'Lettie'. It is girly, sweet and has the potential to age well: it isn't a Daisy or a Poppy but something more sophisticated.

I have to admit that this name does remind me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ('you're turning violet, Violet!'). This perhaps isn't the most flattering use of the name but there are plenty of other Violets in popular culture (eg - Lemony Snicket, Downton Abbey, The Incredibles) so it isn't the strongest connection.

Violet has just snuck into the popularity charts in England at number 100. This means it is climbing in popularity (#114 in 2011) but it is still unlikely your daughter will be in a class with another little Violet.

If you like rarer, more unusual names and are feeling brave, how about Vesper for a little girl? This is one of my 'guilty pleasure names' (ie - I love it but would never be brave enough to use it). It comes from the word for 'wasp' in Latin - hence the name for the scooters and the noise they make. It is such a great name to say and totally reminds me of the super cool character Vesper in James Bond 'Casino Royale'. 

Una

Una, f.

Meaning: 'one' or 'lamb'

I have been putting off doing a 'u' name because this is a letter I'm not really keen on. I don't like an 'uh' sound at the start of the name so have chosen an 'ooh' sound instead. Una is an unusual and surprisingly pretty name. It reminds me of the very similar Luna and all its quirkiness.

This name has links with lots of languages (most Romance languages will associate this name with their word for 'one). Therefore this could be good choice if you are a family of mixed heritage and want a name that works in several cultures. I suppose it would suit a first child or daughter with this meaning! The 'lamb' meaning, by the way, is from an Irish origin; nice to have choices!

If you'd like something even quirkier than Una, then Uma is always a possibility, as worn by Uma Thurman. 

A popular trend for girls

A current trend in girls' names can be seen in the number of two-syllable names ending in -a which are on an upward rise in the popularity charts in the UK. Several of these can be attributed to celebrity names. But I think the general liking for these names is because there is a definite girliness to the -a ending and a pleasing simplicity to having just 2 syllables. When you read through this list I'm sure you will be able to think of children recently given these names. I can imagine several of these reaching the highest spots in the popularity charts in the next few years. On the other hand, some of these names are not at all popular yet but still have an upward trend. If you want to be ahead of a new popular name then one of these may be a good choice! I have put their current popularity next to each name (for 2012). 

Alba #483

Ava #6

Bella #58

Etta #852

Eva #24

Isla #8

Layla #29

Lola #23

Luna #337

Lyla #132

Lyra #255

Mila #160

Thea #225

Thessaly

Thessaly, f.

Meaning: a geographical area of Greece.

I was in the mood for a more unusual name today. This is a place name, which has had only very occasional use as a baby name so far. As a place name it fits in with the trend for names such as: India, Aspen, Caspian, Paris, Siena, Roma, Adelaide etc! If you like Greek mythology, you might be interested by Ancient Greek stories including Thessaly, such as the battle between the gods and Titans which is supposed to have taken place on the Plain of Thessaly.

I think Thessaly has a really attractive sound; I love saying this name. It sounds soft with the Th- start and playful with the -lee sound at the end. I really like that it is highly unlikely that anyone else you know would have this name and that your child would be unique in their class. You'd have to deal with spelling the name out all of the time but I think the pronunciation is straightforward enough.

Let's start a new naming trend with Thessaly!

Seth

Seth, m.

Meaning: appointed or placed, origin Hebrew.

The name Seth is growing in popularity in the UK year on year; in 2012 it entered the top 100 at #91. I can only think of one Seth in real life but I think that will change if the popularity keeps increasing. It has that great balance of being recognisable but not common. I imagine this name on someone who is very 'with it', a bit serious, handsome and slightly edgy. I think the unusual '-th' ending and one syllable quality make this name cool and different.The sound of this name is almost snake-like; does anyone else think that?!

This would be a good choice if you are looking for a Biblical name which isn't as well-used as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John but isn't as obviously Biblical as Noah, Jonah and Jeremiah. Seth was one of the sons of Adam and Eve, so not a major character in the Bible, but with a good meaning (perhaps if you want your child to know God has specifically 'placed' them in your family?). It also has a place in popular culture; did anyone else think of The O.C when they heard this name? However that series is well in the past now so I don't think the association is very strong.

'S' has to be one of my favourite letters for names. Here are some other Super S Names!

Male

Sawyer
Sebastian
Shay
Sirius
Solomon/Sol
Sullivan/Sully


Female

Sadie
Scarlett
Seren
Seraphina
Siena
Sylvie

Rory

Rory, m.

Meaning: red king, Irish origin.

Also spelt Ruaidhri.

I love the ruggedness and manliness of the name Rory. It is sort of childlike, with its lion-like sound, but also tough and handsome for an adult. Its Gaelic routes make me think of the Scottish highlands. I love the meaning (perfect for your little prince!) but don't necessarily think you need to be restricted to naming a red-haired baby this name.

My husband and I were seriously considering using Rory if we had a boy. I love this name that much. But for some reason I cannot pronounce Rory! I have a very slight lisp and find I cannot say this name properly. So, not a name we can use but I think this is great choice for other parents.

Quinn

Quinn, m

Meaning: descendant of Conn, Irish origin.

I think Quinn is a great boy's name. To me, it sounds smart, snappy and sophisticated with a touch of quirkiness with the 'Q' at the beginning. I originally knew this as a boy's name and was SO annoyed by its use as a girl's name in the series Glee. I have a feeling that most people would now associated the name with that character, which could be a problem if you did want to use this for a boy. It seems to be a lot more acceptable to use unisex names for girls than boys. Bear in mind that it is more popular for girls in the US than boys.

However I don't think this name sounds girly or frilly. It is traditionally of Irish origin, stemming from an Irish surname. The historical routes give a great justification to keep this as a boy's name! It has never been a popular name in the UK but has hovered between the #400 and #500 mark in the popularity charts for the last 20 years. I hope that people will start using Quinn a bit more. It makes a great alternative to the popular Finn.

Other Q names for boys: Quillan, Quentin, Quinton.