Nora is a feminine name of Irish origin, derived from Honora, meaning ’light’. It’s also considered a shortened form of Eleanor or Eleonora. Nora Meaning Light Historical Significance Nora has been used as a given name since the 19th century. It gained popularity in the early 20th century, fell out of favor mid-century, and has seen a resurgence in the 21st century. Fun Fact Nora was the pen name of Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven, a German avant-garde artist and poet.

Nova is a feminine name of Latin origin. It means ’new’ and is also associated with astronomical phenomena, referring to a star that suddenly becomes brighter before fading. Nova Meaning New, Bright star Historical Significance The name Nova has gained significant popularity in the 21st century, particularly in the United States, as parents seek unique and celestial-inspired names. Fun Fact In astronomy, a nova is a star that suddenly becomes thousands of times brighter and then gradually fades to its original intensity.

Oliver is a masculine name of Latin and French origin. It is derived from the Old French name ‘Olivier’, possibly stemming from the Latin word ‘olivarius’, meaning ‘olive tree planter’. Oliver Meaning Olive tree, Elf army Historical Significance Oliver gained popularity in medieval times through the legendary figure of Oliver, one of Charlemagne’s paladins in the ‘Chanson de Roland’. Fun Fact Oliver has been in the top 10 most popular boys’ names in the United States since 2017.

Olivia is a feminine name derived from the Latin word ‘oliva’, meaning ‘olive’. The olive branch has been a symbol of peace and fruitfulness since ancient times. Olivia Meaning Olive tree, Symbol of peace Historical Significance The name Olivia was first used in this spelling by William Shakespeare for a character in his comedy ‘Twelfth Night’ (1602). Fun Fact Olivia has been the most popular girl’s name in the United States since 2019.

Owen is a masculine name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh name Owain, which is thought to mean ‘young warrior’ or ‘well-born’. Owen Meaning Young warrior or well-born Historical Significance Owen has been a popular name in Wales for centuries and has gained popularity in other English-speaking countries in recent decades. Fun Fact Owen Glendower was a Welsh ruler who led a lengthy revolt against English rule in Wales in the early 15th century.

Paisley is a feminine name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the town of Paisley in Scotland, famous for its paisley pattern textiles. Paisley Meaning Church, Cemetery Historical Significance The name gained popularity as a given name in the 21st century, partly due to its association with the paisley pattern in fashion. Fun Fact Paisley became popular as a given name in the United States after country singer Brad Paisley rose to fame in the early 2000s.

Penelope is a feminine name of Greek origin. In Greek mythology, Penelope was the wife of Odysseus, known for her faithfulness during his long absence. Penelope Meaning Weaver, Duck Historical Significance Penelope has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages. It saw a resurgence in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Fun Fact In Homer’s Odyssey, Penelope famously delayed her suitors for years by weaving a shroud by day and unraveling it by night.

Raelynn is a modern American feminine name that combines elements of ‘Rae’ (meaning grace or counsel) and ‘Lynn’ (meaning lake or waterfall). It’s a perfect example of the contemporary trend of combining traditional name elements to create unique, melodic names. The name has gained significant popularity since the 2000s, particularly in the United States. Raelynn Meaning Grace by the waterfall or Beam of light by the lake Historical Significance Raelynn is a modern constructed name that gained prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Riley is a unisex name of Irish origin. It was originally a surname derived from the Old Irish name Ó Raghailligh, meaning ‘descendant of Raghailleach’. Riley Meaning Courageous, Valiant Historical Significance Riley gained popularity as a given name in the late 20th century and has been consistently popular for both boys and girls since the 2000s. Fun Fact Riley is one of the few names that has remained consistently popular for both genders in recent years.

River is a nature-inspired unisex name that has gained significant popularity in recent years. It represents the flowing waterways that have been essential to human civilization throughout history. The name embodies natural beauty, constant movement, and the life-giving properties of water, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name connected to the natural world. River Meaning Stream of water that flows to the sea Historical Significance The use of River as a given name began in the 1960s during the nature-name movement and gained prominence in the 1990s.