Althea

Althea (ahl-THEE-uh)

Origin: Greek--"Healer" or "Marsh Flower"

Syllables: 3

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, Why Not?, Mythological

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Thea

Variants: Althaea

Sisters: Rhea, Cecile, Geneva, Sibyl, Louisa

Brothers: Jules, Edmond, Benedict, Hugh, Felix

* A cozy anitque with origins in Greek mythology, Althea is avant-garde style for artists and PhD's. Americans often identify the name with groundbreaking African-American tennis star Althea Gibson.

Middle Name Pick: Althea Tamsin

Urban Dictionary: an incredibly intelligent and loyal female, irresistibly enticing to many males, having glamourous eyes and a great smile

Alondra

Alondra (ah-LAHN-druh; ah-LOHN-druh)

Origin: Spanish--"Lark"

Syllables: 3

Style: Latino/Latina, Afrian-American

Popularity: 223 (falling)

Nicknames: Lonnie
Variants: Alandra

Sister: Mariana, Amaya, Julissa, Nayeli, Angelia

Brothers: Diego, Omar, Xavier, Mateo, Andres

* This glossy new hit is Spanish for "lark". It's luxurious to pronounce--the name you want for an intimate evening on a moonlit beach. A huge favorite in Puerto Rico.

Middle Name Pick: Alondra Isabel

Urban Dictionary: An extinct bird. Rare and sometimes stupid, but a pleasure to be around when given the chance. A very strange person, but funny nonetheless.

Alma

Alma (AHL-muh)

Origin: Latin--"Nourishing", or "Good Soul"

Syllables: 2

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, Nickname Proof

Popularity: 820 (falling)

Sisters: Clara, Theda, Ada, Edith, Flora

Brothers: Julius, Louis, Everett, Arthur, Conrad

* Alma is the Spanish and Italian word for "soul", and thinking of it that way helps tip the name's style balance from fusty to warm and compassionate.

Middle Name Pick: Alma Everly

Urban Dictionary: a very spontaneous girl who loves to listen to music! she is tall and gorgeous! she has beautiful brown eyes that you just want to sink in!!

Allison

Allison (AL-i-sun)

Origin: French--"Son of the Nobleman"

Syllables: 3

Style: New Classics

Popularity: 30 (rising)

Nicknames: Allie, Ally

Variants: Alison, Allyson, Alyson

Sisters: Natalie, Erin, Andrea, Lauren, Danielle

Brothers: Eric, Brian, Jared, Jonathan, Evan

* Allison looks like a surname, but it has always been a girl's given name. It started off centuries ago as a nickname for Alice. Today, with it's three popular spellings, it has left Alice in the dust and established itself as an American classic.

Middle Name Pick: Allison Kaitlin

Urban Dictionary: A woman defined by brains, beauty, class, and membership in the upper echelons of society. Can usually be found wearing pearls or sorority letters.

Allie

Allie (AL-ee)

Origin: English--"Greatest"

Syllables: 2

Style: Nicknames, Guys and Dolls

Popularity: 234

Variants: Ally, Ali

Sisters: Josie, Callie, Lilah, Tess, Maggie

Brothers: Jake, Max, Alex, Brandy, Drew

* Allie's a particularly flexible nickname. It can be used as a diminutive for many different names, from off beat antiques to ultra-modern creations (take a peek at the nickname section for ideas). That gives Allie a timeless style that's not overly girlish. As a given name, it's cheerful and unpretentious.

Middle Name Pick: Allie Michelle

Urban Dictionary: Girls named Allie:

-Are very nice
-Are Very funny
-Are Goodlooking
-Are Smart
-Are Good at learning different languages
-Love to eat sweets and junk food
-Are normally very very good at sports
-They do get angry when people act fake or lie a lot
-Very bad at lying
-Have lots of friends

Allegra

Allegra (ah-LEHG-ruh)

Origin: Italian--"Cheerful, Lively"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome, Jewish

Nicknames: Allie

Variants: Alegra

Sisters: Geneva, Leora, Sarina, Vida, Liviana

Brothers: Asher, Lazar, Jasper, Gideon, Hugo

* Allegra is a dynamic choice, joyously feminine and ready to take on the world. It's kin to the Italian allegro, "cheerful", and was a popular choice of Sephardic Jews. One word of caution, though: it's also the name of an allergy medicine, which could dismay some of the sneezier members of your family.

Middle Name Pick: Allegra Keren

Urban Dictionary: Allegra

1.an intelligent, artistic specimen who is far superior to all the dimwits in the world

2.a person who has a strong affinity for Harry Potter, Twilight, The Office, and Spring Awakening

Alisa

Alisa (ah-LEE-suh)

Origin: Russian--"Happy"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome, New Classics, Slavic

Nicknames: Allie, Lise

Variants: Elisa

Sisters: Lara, Andrea, Holly, Tanya, Melanie

Brothers: Marc, Brett, Geoffrey, Darren, Jared

* The old standby Alice has many modern descendants. Alisa is the brightest and cheeriest of the lot, with a classic sound. The similar sounding Elise has a separate origin; see entry under that name.

Middle Name Pick: Alisa Christine

Urban Dictionary: a very hot young woman, with gorgeous long brown hair and beautiful eyes, she can be a bit of a bitch and crazy at times but thats what turns people on to her to her even more. so pretty pretty pretty, there will soon be a kiss alisa day; everyone kiss an alisa you know. you defenitaly want to!

Alina

Alina (ah-lee-nuh)

Origin: Arabic--"Noble"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome, German/Dutch, Slavic

Popularity: 248 (falling)

Variants: Elina, Alena, Aleena

Sisters: Nadia, Daniella, Talia, Anika, Marina

Brothers: Lucas, Abel, Quinn, Mateo, Dorian

* Alina slides smoothly into many guises. In the right context it can sound sensual, sophisticated, or cheerfully girlish. It's used in several different languages and can fit in anywhere. Alina with an "A" is generally taken to be a short form of names like Adelina, while the similar name Elina is a form of Helen, popular in Sweden and Finland.

Middle Name Pick: Alina Lynn

Urban Dictionary: Cousin of god, she is referred to as beautiful traveler with loads of cash. she can make or break anyone, compulsive partier

Alicia

Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh; ah-LEE-cee-uh)

Origin: Spanish--"Sweet, Honest"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome, New Classics, Latino/Latina

Popularity: 207 (falling)

Nicknames: Ali, Licha

Variants: Alisha, Alecia, Alesha, Alycia, Elisha

Sisters: Andrea, Vanessa, Raquel, Amanda, Katrina

Brothers: Bryan, Travis, Andres, Jeremy, Adam

* This Spanish form of Alice is decorous and delicate, but choosing it is a lot like marrying into a big family. Thousands of sound-alike Aleshas, Elishas, and Alycias come with the bargain.

Middle Name Pick: Alicia Maria

Urban Dictionary: Can be very witty and intelligent when she feels like it, and is often found with her nose in a book.

Alice

Alice (A-lis)

Origin: English--"Of a Noble Kin"

Syllables: 2

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen

Popularity: 258 (rising)

Nicknames: Allie, Elsie, Lisa

Variants: Alys, Alyce, Ailish, Alicia, Alix, Alison

Sisters: Helen, Anne, Ruth, Clara, Beatrice

Brothers: Louis, Henry, Theodore, Charlie, George

* This plain and simple classic has been neglected for years. Right now, opinions on it are divided. To some, the model Alice is long suffering housewife Alice Kramden of the Honeymooners. To others, it's the girlish enchantment of Alice in Wonderland. Expect to see this name come back first in the tony urban neighborhoods where Lucy and Henry are hits.

Middle Name Pick: Alice Charlotte

Urban Dictionary: The funk, spice, and sugar of my dreams. She's both my vanilla and chocolate. She can be crazy and wild, she can be sweet and calm. She's all slim, but with booty. She's the one you only see when you glance the second time, but she's also the one you won't ever want to let go. She is the ingredient that makes me whole.

Alexis

Alexis (ah-LEHKS-is)

Origin: Russian--"Defender of the People"

Syllables: 3

Style: Androgynous, Saints

Popularity: 13

Nicknames: Lexi, Alex

Variants: Alexus, Alexys

Sisters: Avery, Morgan, Paris, Sydney, Alyssa

Brothers: Aidan, Cameron, Xavier, Dylan, Austin

* It's easy to see the appeal of this name, with its crackling sound and elegant strength. And it's not just another derivative of Alexander, but a traditional Greek name in its own right. However, if you're looking for an unconventional style statement, it's time to look elsewhere--this is a mainstream hit. Other -s options include Charis, Aleydis, Avis, Lilias, and Artemis.

Middle Name Pick: Alexis Hope

Urban Dictionary: a girl who loves to party. best flirt who makes guys drool. not the best at relationships or at spelling. but is the best listener and great at solving problums and weasling out. veeerrry sexual and sexy body with a kicken butt.

Alexia

Alexia (ah-LEHKS-ee-uh)

Origin: American--"Helper, Defender"

Syllables: 4

Style: Lacy and Lissome

Popularity: 220 (falling)

Nicknames: Lexi, Alex, Xia

Variants: Alexea, Alessia

Sisters: Alayna, Valeria, Skyler, Amaya, Madelyn

Brothers: Jaylen, Kaleb, Landon, Camron, Ryder

* This pretty Alex variant is lighter and more modern than Alexandra. It's a name you choose for style rather than meaning. For what it's worth, though, alexia (like amnesia or dyslexia) is a neurological condition: loss of the ability to read. Didn't know that? Don't worry, most people your daughter meets won't, either. Alessia is a smooth Italian version of the name.

Middle Name Pick: Alexia Darlene

Urban Dictionary: Alexias like to make wierd noises and are considered little divas.

Alexandria

Alexandria (al-ik-ZAH-dree-uh)

Origin: Greek--"City of Alexander"

Syllables: 5

Style: Lacy and Lissome, Place Names

Popularity: 200 (falling)

Nicknames: Alex, Lex, Lexi, Andi, Sandy, Xander

Variants: Alexandrea

Sisters: Anastasia, Savannah, Angelica, Arielle, Juliana

Brothers: Zachary, Christian, Trenton, Austin, Chandler

* Riding high on two trends, Alexandria takes the popular Alex root and turns it into a place name. If you choose this five-syllable sensation, be sure to pick a nickname too.

Middle Name Pick: Alexandria Rose

Urban Dictionary: a beautiful person; that of which is consumed in greatness; usually has nice hair; loves attention; chooses hardcore over normality; friendly yet bitchy; easy to get along with; creative; the leader of the pack; not easily put down; determined; a non hate-ful person; not easily jealous; content with the matter of life; loves realtionships; not as friendly with the same gender as opposed to the male species;smart; daring; and fearful of nothing.

Alexandra

Alexandra (al-ik-ZAN-druh)

Origin: Greek--"Defender of the People"

Syllables: 4

Style: New Classics, Lacy and Lissome, Slavic

Popularity: 69 (falling)

Nicknames: Alex, Sandie, Allie, Lex, Lexi, Sandra, Sasha, Xander, Xandra, Shura

Variants: Aleksandra

Sisters: Angelica, Gabriela, Daniela, Victoria, Miranda

Brothers: Zachary, Lucas, Nathaniel, Dimitri, Adrian

* Alexandra is the classic, regal, feminine form of Alexander. The name is a relative of newcomer to English, and its roots in Russia and Scandinavia add a luxurious hint of fur muffs and winter palaces. The standard nicknames, though, are decidedly American and down to earth. If you prefer a Russian style, try Sasha or Shura.

Middle Name Pick: Alexandra Nichole

Urban Dictionary: One of the best friends you could ever meet. Sometimes quiet and patient but when she's around a group shes wild and fun. She is always there to listen to you and give you a hug if you need one. She is willing to try anything and is very athletic. She can talk for hours or just have no idea what's going on. She is an overall great person to be around.

Alexa

Alexa (ah-LEHKS-uh)

Origin: American--"Defender, Helper"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome

Popularity: 42

Nicknames: Lexi, Alex

Sisters: Ariana, Giselle, Mariah, India, Avery

Brothers: Bryce, Cole, Tanner, Jaden, Devin

* Alexa is a 20th-century invention that's built like a classic. It first popped up in the '40s as a glamorous, Hollywood-style creation akin to Lana. It's still sleek, but powerful, too--more cougar than kitten.

Middle Name Pick: Alexa Roxanne

Urban Dictionary: alexa means unintentionally beautiful. she'll never try to look good its just natural.

Alethea

Alethea (ah-LEE-thee-uh; ah-leh-THEE-uh)

Origin: English--"Truth"

Syllables: 4

Style: English, Lacy and Lissome, Exotic Traditional

Popularity: Rare

Variants: Alathea, Aletheia

Sisters: Araminta, Amabel, Imogene, Liviana, Ventia

Brothers: Auberon, Carleton, Piers, Pelham, Tarquin

* The closest match for Alethea isn't another name, it's a word: ethereal. This name isn't a flight of fancy, though. It's an old, aristocratic English name from the days when learned folk would coin romantic girls' names from Greek and Latin roots. (Aletheia is Greek for "Truth"). The passage of centuries has only burnished that romantic glow.

Middle Name Pick: Alethea Abigail

Urban Dictionary: Description: Mysterious, Quiet, Virtues: Acceptance, Commitment, Discipline, Foresight, Honesty, Honour, Hospitality, Humility, Independence, Integrity, Intuition Morality, Modesty, Obedience, Patience, Respectfulness, Responsibility, Trustfulness, Truthfulness

Alessandra

Alessandra (ah-leh-SAHN-druh)

Origin: Italian--"Defender of Mankind"

Syllables: 4

Style: Italian, Lacy and Lissome

Nicknames: Sandra, Sandy, Alex, Allie, Lessa

Variants: Alejandra, Lisandra, Alexandra

Sisters: Giovanna, Eliana, Francesca, Viviana, Christiana

Brothers: Giancarlo, Maximilian, Matteo, Nico, Tristan

* This Italian classic is every bit as lush as the familiar Russian form Alexandra. It just swaps out snowy vistas for Mediterranean sunshine. Alejandra is the popular Spanish version.

Middle Name Pick: Alessandra Gianna

Urban Dictionary: Alessandra: The most beautiful thing that God put on this earth! Beautiful Breath taking Gorgeous

Alanis

Alanis (uh-LA-nis)

Origin: Greek--"From Atlanta"

Syllables: 3

Style: Namesakes

Popularity: Rare

Sisters: Dasia, Sarahi, Tanis, Charis, Avril

Brothers: Holden, Aeneas, Niall, Sargant, Tavish

* This is a creative name that feels like it must have deep roots. In fact, rocker Alanis Morissette's father Alan chose it as a variation of his own name. You can choose it for its new-age allure--it's soft, but not too girly.

Middle Name Pick: Alanis Cherise

Alana

Alana (ah-LAH-nuh)

Origin: American--"Little Rock", or Gaelic "Dear Child"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome

Popularity: 173

Nicknames: Lani, Ali, Lana

Variants: Alanna, Alannah, Alaina, Alayna

Sisters: Nadia, Fiona, Adrianna, Serena, Kiara

Brothers: Colin, Donovan, Lucas, Asher, Trenton

* This attractive invention is as sweet and fluid as caramel syrup. It has such a natural femininity that it fits in comfortably with older classics. The variant Alannah is especially popular in Ireland, where it is taken from the Gaelic endearment "a leanbh", meaning "O child".

Middle Name Pick: Alana Renee

Urban Dictionary: The most amazing coolie girl you can ever meet. end of story. she's beautiful, loveable, clever, and funny! she'll bring the best out of anyone! she can sometimes think she's not pretty, and it's true, because she's beyond pretty. she's independant and is the take charge kinda girl.

you're bound to have tons of inside jokes with alana. she's amazing and if you get the chance to be friends with her, don't waste it.

Aisling

Aisling (ASH-ling, ASH-lin)

Origin: Irish--"Vision, Dream"

Syllables: 2

Style: Celtic

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Ash

Variants: Ashling, Ashlyn, Aislinn

Sisters: Aine, Tierney, Liadan, Alannah, Niamh

Brothers: Ciaran, Niall, Ronan, Callum, Eamon

* Aisling is a modern Irish Gaelic name coined from a word for "vision" or "dream". It's been a top-fifty name in Ireland for years but is still unfamiliar to most Americans. So let's cut to the chase: how do you pronounce it? As with many Gaelic names, it all depends on which part of Ireland you're from. Choose your favorite from the variations listed above.

Middle Name Pick: Aisling Nelle

Urban Dictionary: The picture of loveliness

Aisha

Aisha (iy-EE-shuh)

Origin: Arabic--"Prosperous"

Syllables: 3

Style: Muslim, African-American,

Popularity: 742 (falling)

Variants: Iesha

Sisters: Yasmin, Jamila, Amani, Shakira, Amira

Brothers: Rashad, Jamil, Tariq, Khalid, Raheem

* The name of Muhammad's favorite wife, Aisha is a classic throughout the Muslim world. Its sound is the prototype for African-American standards like Lakeisha.

Middle Name Pick: Aisha Nevaeh

Urban Dictionary:

Beautiful, elegant, philospher, a woman with beautiful brown eyes. one that exhibits altruist behavior, loving ,kind, free spirit. Amazing wife, girlfriend and mother.

Ainsley

Ainsley (AYNZ-lee)

Origin: English--"My Own Meadow"

Syllables: 2

Style: Last Names First, Celtic, Bell Tones

Popularity: 417

Variants: Ainslee

Sister: Ryleigh, Tegan, Finley, Carson, Aubrey

Brothers: Landen, Sullivan, Brodie, Brennan, Kane

* Ainsley is taken from an old Scottish surname and was traditionally used more for boys than girls. The name is now taking off in the U.S., where like Lindsey and Audrey it has become exclusively feminine. The strong "A" sound is a big draw, a feminine counterpart to Aidan.

Middle Name Pick: Ainsley Joy

Urban Dictionary: Imaginative, creative, able to find light in a situation. See's beyond the obvious, is exquisitely beautiful. An Ainsley has their own strong opinions of life and of love. Will not stay in one place for very long.

Aine

Aine (AWN-yuh)

Origin: Irish--"Radiance" or "Arden, Fire, or Joy"

Syllables: 2

Style: Celtic, Mythological

Popularity: Rare

Variants: Anya

Sisters: Niamh, Sian, Aoife, Alannah, Ciara

Brothers: Niall, Ronan, Oisin, Eoin, Finn

* Aine was the queen of the fairies in Celtic mythology, and the name still sounds perfect for a charming sprite. It's a favorite in contemporary Ireland.

Middle Name Pick: Aine Cassandra

Aida

Aida (iy-EE-duh)

Origin: Italian--"Happy"

Syllables: 3

Style: Exotic Traditional, Nickname-Proof, Literary and Artistic

Popularity: Rare

Sisters: Carmen, Aurea, Luz, Iole, Aurora

Brothers: Alonzo, Royce, Theron, Regis, Giovanni

* Aida was the tragic heroine of Verdi's Egyptian opera, and her name perfectly captures the artful exoticism of the work. In the U.S., Aida has usually been pronounced as two syllables, an alternate spelling of Ida or Ada. The operatic pronunciation is splashier and more contemporary.

Middle Name Pick: Aida Valentina

Urban Dictionary: dA girl that's really hot and really smart at the same time. Big exception in today's world. Sought after, and rare.

Agnes

Agnes (AG-nis)

Origin: Greek--"Pure, Chaste"

Syllables: 2

Style: Porch Sitters

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Aggie, Nessie

Variants: Inez, Annis

Sisters: Ida, Ethel, Myrtle, Thelma, Gladys

Brothers: Lester, Wilbur, Cyril, Floyd, Virgil

* It's hard for us to imagine a world in which Agnes was a trendy, glamorous name for a little girl. For decades now it's been the most unfashionable classic around. But as parents dig deeper and deeper for names that stand out, a hardy few are unearthing dear Agnes. If you're not ready to go that far, consider the medieval form Annis.

Middle Name Pick: Agnes Imogene

Urban Dictionary: A very kind and intelligent person, often creative and tireless in reaching set goals. Agnes is also very outgoing and sociable, someone you definitely want to be around!

Agatha

Agatha (AG-uh-thuh)

Origin: Greek--"Virtuous, Good"

Syllables: 3

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, English

Popularity: Rare
Nicknames: Aggie

Sisters: Philomena, Augusta, Matilda, Louisa

Brothers: Rupert, Horace, Casper, Clement, Basil

* Agatha is one of the heavy names long relegated to oil portraits of ancestors. It's still on the fringes, but inching closer to consideration. As a middle name, it lightens up to sound pleasantly eccentric.

Middle Name Pick: Agatha Barbara

Urban Dictionary: A beautiful woman who cares deeply for her children and family. A women above and beyond expectations who makes sacrifices for herself in order to provide for others. She is a lover, not a fighter, and wants the world to be peaceful and loving. She is beautiful internally as well as externally and will always be the one true friend in your life.

Afton

Afton (AF-tun)

Origin: English--"From Affa's Settlement" or a river in Scotland

Syllables: 2

Style: The -ens, Nickname-Proof

Popularity: Rare

Sisters: Devon, Auden, Theda, Marin, Larkin

Brothers: Sutton, London, Calder, Lennon, Hudson

* Afton is a romantic, literary, old-fashioned girl's name, but it sounds like a contemporary androgynous invention. Intriguing combination, no? The name owes it's romantic roots to Robert Burns' poem "Sweet Afton", about a river in Scotland.

Middle Name Pick: Afton Harper

Urban Dictionary: A girl who is nearly perfect in every way.

Aeron

Aeron (ARY-ahn)

Origin: Welsh--"Goddess of War"

Syllables: 2

Style: Fanciful and Fantastical, Mythological, The -ens

Popularity: Rare

Sisters: Rhiannon, Afton, Aine, Avalon, Echo

Brothers: Taran, Fife, Conan, Rhodri, Orion

* This name may be best known as a piece of furniture: Herman Miller's skeletal Aeron chair, a staple of stylish offices during the dot-com boom. Aeron was in fact a battle Goddess of early Welsh mythology. It's a strong and unusual name, just barely a realistic choice for a girl.

Middle Name Pick: Aeron Selene

Urban Dictionary: a flying cucumber

Adrienne

Adrienne (ad-ree-EHN, AYD-ree-un)

Origin: Latin--"Person from Hadria"

Syllables: 3

Style: French, New Classics, Nickname-Proof, African-American

Popularity: 637

Variants: Adrianna, Adrian, Adrianne

Sisters: Candace, Justine, Veronica, Christina, Simone

Brothers: Terrance, Geoffrey, Travis, Lance, Noel

* Adrienne is an elegant old favorite--French, feminine, and familiar. You may have some friend who will shout "Yo! Adrian!" like Rocky Balboa, but that joke is now heading for retirement.

Middle Name Pick: Adrienne Ember

Urban Dictionary: Amazing, Extremely sexy, Attractive, tendency to geek out to music and random things, cute, funny, amazing in bed, awesome kisser, nice ass , AMAZING PERSONALITY!!!

Adriana

Adriana (ah-dree-ah-nuh)

Origin: Spanish--"Person from Hadria, in Northern Italy"

Syllables: 4

Style: Lacy and Lissome, Shakespearean, Latino/Latina, Italian

Popularity: 125 (slightly falling)

Nicknames: Addie, Dree, Ana

Variants: Adrianna, Adrian, Adrienne

Sisters: Mariana, Angelica, Valeria, Miranda, Liliana

Brothers: Damian, Emmanuel, Marco, Gabriel, Quinton

* This old feminine form of Adrian is a completely modern hit. It touches all the bases: antique and literary, Italian and sultry. Adriana's the name for a supermodel you can take home to mom.

Middle Name Pick: Adriana Faith

Urban Dictionary (just for fun): A sexy, classy smart girl who has a love for life and sex. She will be your best friend, a ride or die kind of girl...But beware she could be your worst enemy if you burn her, shes crazy absolutely funny and incredible. Its impossible not to love her or want her, she is a constant flirt and have an irrestible sexuality.

Adina

Adina (ah-DEE-nuh)

Origin: Hebrew--"Noble and Delicate"

Syllables: 3

Style: Biblical, Lacy and Lissome, Jewish

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Addie, Dina

Sisters: Aviva, Melia, Elisha, Atara, Dalia

Brothers: Avi, Jonas, Aric, Boaz, Elan

* This pretty Old Testament name is extremely unusual yet feels timeless.

Middle Name Pick: Adina Miriam

Urban Dictionary (just for fun): Adina is a sexy angel, she is flying really good and can taker some people with her.

Adelyn

Adelyn (A-duh-lin)

Origin: English--"Woman of Magdala"

Syllables: 3

Style: The -ens

Popularity: 405 (rising)

Nicknames: Addie, Lyn

Variants: Adalyn, Adeline

Sisters: Gracelyn, Kinley, Averie, Kaylin, Madigan

Brothers: Brycen, Layton, Kaeden, Case, Brogan

* First, there was Madison. That smash hit helped kick down the rickety fences between boys' and girls' names. As soon as Madison's popularity started fading, parents revived it with a simple makeover: a little off the top, and Addison was born. Now creative namers are giving the same new 'do to the more conservative sister in the Maddie family, Madelyn. If you prefer, though, you can call it a form of Adeline.

Middle Name Pick: Adelyn McCay

Urban Dictionary: Noble Beauty" Simply put: A very pretty and exotic girl. It is a German girls name. She is admired for her beauty, brains and heat in the sheets. Most usually ends up noticing this without giving her a chance and become highly jealous and do not see her for how nice and lovely she really is. Her aura radiates with a beautiful glow and men can sense her alluring sexuality from miles. She loves to go out and have a good time. But also likes to spend time in the comfort of loved ones. Expressing herself through fashion, love, art and poetry is huge. Although, superficiality is a never to an Adelyn.

Adeline

Adeline (A-duh-line)

Origin: English--"Noble"

Syllables: 3

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, Antique Charm

Popularity: 351 (rising)

Nicknames: Addie

Variants: Adele, Adelina

Sisters: Estelle, Angeline, Dorothea, Violet, Harriet

Brothers: August, Charley, Julius, Nat, Solomon

*Sweet Adeline used to be strictly for barbershop quartets, but the popularity of Madeline has eased her back into style. The name is still old-fashioned, but in an "aw, cute" way. Despite its formal looks, Adeline started out as a nickname, a French pet form of Adele.

Middle Name Pick: Adeline Lindsey

Urban Dictionary: An Adeline is a girl with a long hair and a sweet smile. Adelines have soft fairy-like voices, and when they giggle they leave a trail of sparkles. But don't cross an Adeline because they have a terrible temper and one look can turn you to stone. An adeline is the opposite of a Roxy.

Adelaide

Adelaide (A-duh-layd)

Origin: German--"Of Noble Kin"

Syllables: 3

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, Saints, Antique Charm, Why Not?

Popularity: 567 (rising)

Nicknames: Addie

Variants: Adelheid

Sisters: Millicent, Angeline, Annabelle, Ida, Eloise

Brothers: Theodore, Cyrus, Prescott, Felix, Truman

*Adelaide is an adventurous revival option that could make a big impact. It's antique and delicate sounding, though the best-known Adelaide is a cheeky dame from "Guys and Dolls". Addie is pure cuteness for a girl.

Middle Name Pick: Adelaide Marie

Urban Dictionary (just for fun):

pretty much the best place in the world to live. adelaide is the capital of south australia, and has a small population. it is very pretty. there r lots of good restaurants, and gorgeous parklands.

Adela

Adela (ah-DEL-uh)

Origin: German--"Noble"

Syllables: 3

Style: Lacy and Lissome, Ladies and Gentlemen, Saints, Why Not?

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Addie, Del

Variants: Adele, Adelia

Sisters: Flora, Amalia, Iva, Camilla, Althea

Brothers: Foster, Henry, Merritt, Albin, Jules

*Check it out: a quaint, pretty, turn-of-the-century name that nobody is using. Say it out loud a few times; that soft, lilting sound feels nice, doesn't it? A star in the waiting.

Middle Name Pick: Adela Bethany

Urbandictionary (just for fun): a girl who has a great heart and a wonderful mind

Addison

Addison (AD-i-suhn)

Origin: English--"Son of Adam"
Syllables: 3

Style: Last Names First, Androgynous

Popularity: 12 (rising)

Nicknames: Addie

Variants: Addisyn, Addyson

Sisters: Reagan, Emerson, Parker, Aubrey, McKenna

Brothers: Bryson, Cooper, Tucker, Landon, Drake

*The newly feminine name Addison is a direct descendant of the super-hit Madison and close kin to old friend Allison. It's new yet familiar, a comfortable kind of innovation. Credit a "Gray's Anatomy" character for making Addison's transition from boyish to girly a quick one. Expect to see more spelling variants like Addyson take the name in an even girlier direction.

Middle Name Pick: Addison McKenzie

Urbandictionary (just for fun): Addison is a name that is becoming very popular... its not associated with gangs nor sexual acts... as far as I can tell my Addison is bold, loud, and speaks her mind and knows how to get what she wants.. dont mess with her family or friends or you will feel her rath, no matter how small she is. Addison is verbally inteligent.. she likes to play pranks and is good at it... Addison is a good person to have on your side

Adair

Adair (sah-DAYR)

Origin: Celtic--"Wealthy Spear"

Style: Celtic, Last Names First, Androgynous, Why Not?

Popularity: Rare

Nicknames: Dare, Ada, Addie

Sisters: Greer, Rowan, Tamsin, Emlyn, Wynne

Brothers: Griffith, Flynn, Rand, Gregor, Forbes

*Adair started out as a Scottish form of Edgar, but its smooth sound soon made it an option for girls as well as boys. Today Adair exudes confidence and sophistication as a girl's name. It still maintains an androgynous edge, but without mimicking boy's names.

Adair is:

a WWII Windsor-class attack transport;

a post hardcore band from Missouri;

a United States Supreme court decision, Adair v. United States;

...and a decorative limestone found in Canada.

Middle Name Pick: Adair Coralie

Urbandictionary (just for fun): a burnett, who can be smart, is dumb at points. and drop dead gourgus. is an animal person, and just crazy. kinda bossy, and never turns down a fight cuz she is tough!

Ada

Ada (Ay-duh)

Origin: German--"Noble, Happy" or "Adornment"

Style: Ladies and Gentlemen, Short and Sweet, Saints, Why Not?

Popularity: 573 (rising)

Variants: Adah

Sisters: Flora, Rhea, Leora, Iva, Alma

Brothers: Sam, Ezra, Jules, Edgar, Guy

*A century ago, three-letter girl's names were the hottest thing going. Most of these names--Oda, Una, Osa--are best left in the past, but Ada is definitely worth a second look. It is one of the simplest, cleanest names for girls. The variant Adah is biblical, a wife of Esau.

Ada is:

a 7th century French abbess, St. Ada;

a 1961 film by Daniel Mann;

a character in "Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness";

...and a computer virus.

Middle Name Pick: Ada Belle

Urbandictionary (just for fun): Word used to describe a sexy vixen who is usually bitingly witty and hard to catch. (can also be used as a noun)

Abigail

Abigail (A-bi-gayl)

Origin: Hebrew--"Joy of the Father"

Style: Antique Charm, Biblical

Popularity: 8

Nicknames: Abby, Gail

Variants: Abigayle, Avigail

Sisters: Hannah, Sophie, Isabel, Caroline, Sadie

Brothers: Gabriel, Owen, Jonas, Nathan, Noah

*Abigail was once considered a Puritan name and later became the stereotypical name for a servant or secretary. Today, this biblical classic is getting a well-deserved makeover. It still has its colonial aura of simple purity, but has shed its dowdy starch. Now, Abby is cute, Gail is sophisticated, and the full Abigail is the mainstream of fashion.

Abigail is:

a female Biblical character;

a 1987 King Diamond album;

...and a Venezuelan telenovela.

Middle Name Pick: Abigail Elisabeth

Urbandictionary (just for fun): A super-sweet girl. Extremely gorgeous and tons of fun. When you meet one you will want to be a huge part of her life but you would have to be very lucky for it to happen. An Abigail will stay on your mind forever so you will know when you meet one.

Abby

Abby (a-bee)

Origin: English--"Joy of the Father"

Style: Nicknames, New Classics

Popularity: 257 (falling)

Variants: Abbie, Abi

Sisters: Carly, Tess, Molly, Ellie, Sadie

Brothers: Andy, Alex, Cole, Drew, Jake

*The name Abigail went through a long trek in the fashion desert, but its nickname never went away. In the 19th century, Abbie breezed along happily with names like Tillie and Mattie. Today, Abby is the most common spelling, popular as both a nickname and a given name. It's cute but not cutesy.

Abby is:

A syndicated personal advice column, Dear Abby;

A 2003 television show starring Sydney Tamiia Poitier;

...and a former interbank network.

Middle Name Pick: Abby Grace

Aaliyah

Aaliyah (ah-lee-uh)

Origin: Arabic--"Rising, Ascending"

Syllables: 3

Style: African-American, Lacy and Lissome, African

Popularity: 63

Variants: Aliyah, Aliyah, Aleah, Alia

Nicknames: Ally

Sisters: Ashanti, Taniya, Rihanna, Amani, Iyanna

Brothers: Omari, Jabari, Josiah, Mekhi, Elijah

*The late R&B artist Aaliyah made this name a household word, and her image remains tied to it. Aaliyah is pure silken smoothness, practically a liquid name. It can be derived from a Swahili word meaning "most exalted" or the Hebrew term for "ascent".

Middle Name Pick: Aaliyah Sophia

Business Math II--Calculus

A: Agatha, Adrienne, Anastasia, Antonia, Arabella, Arista, Aurora, Aurelia, Amelia, Avalon, Amalie, Analie, Arden, Austin

A: Anthony, Arthur, Abel, Asher, Alistair, Alick, Ambrose, Asa, Archer

B: Bennett, Belle, Barrett, Bliss

B: Barrett, Bennett, Beckett, Benjamin

C: Caraway, Caroline, Cara, Cleo, Clementine, Christabel, Corinne, Coralie

C: Connor, Corran, Colten, Cornelius

D: Daisy, Delilah

D: Darwin, Dexter

E: Eleora, Emerson, Eirlys, Eleni, Eve

E: Ezra, Emerson, Edison

F: Felicity

F: Felix

G: Greer, Genevieve, Genova, Gemma

G: Gregory, George, Gavin, Galen

H: Hadley

H: Hogun, Hawthorne

I: Inara, Irish

I: None

J: Josephine, Josie, Jasmine, Joy

J: Jasper

K: Kelda, Kaia, Kiren

K: Keiran

L: Liana, Lucille, Lyric, Linden, Liviana, Luna

L: Leander, Leo

M: Maple, Madeleine, Marley, Marlowe, Matilda, Meredith

M: Milo, Miles

N: Norah, Nova

N: Nicodemus, Napolean

O: Olympia, Ophelia

O: Oliver, Oscar

P: Parker, Pippa, Poppy, Persephone

P: Peregrine

Q: None

Q: None

R: Rose, Rosalind, Rosabella, Rhiannon, Rowena

R: Rowan, Ronan, Ramsay

S: Sailor, Sapphire, Scarlett, Shiloh, Silvia, Sylvie, Saffron, Sable

S: Samson, Sylvester, Scout, Sterling, Sullivan

T: Tamsin

T: Trevor, Tristan

U: None

U: Urban

V: Vivien, Viviana, Valentina, Virginia, Violet

V: Viggo

W: Winifred, Winter

W: Wilson, Wade, Warren Wesley, Wilbur

Y: Yasmin

Y: None

Z: Zelda, Zahara

Z: None