The Brilliant Book of Baby Names: What’s best, what’s hot and what’s not. Linda Rosenkrantz

Agnes Elisabeth Shue, Thom (Radiohead) Yorke Alabama Travis (Blink 182) Barker Alchamy Lance Hendrickson Ali Ronan & Yvonne Keating Alice Tom Cavanaugh, Tina Fey Aliseh Geena Davis Allie Colleen Garth Brooks Amandine John Malkovich Amba Jade Jagger Amelia Lisa Rinna & Harry Hamlin Anais Noel (Oasis) Gallagher Angel Iris Melanie (Spice Girls) Brown Apple Gwyneth Paltrow & Chris Martin Aquinnah Tracy Pollan & Michael J. Fox Assisi Jade Jagger Astrid John Hannah Atherton Don Johnson Atlanta Amanda de Cadenet & John (Duran Duran) Taylor Audrey Greg Kinnear August Garth Brooks Ava Kevin Dillon, Hugh Jackman, Heather Locklear & Richie Sambora, Martina McBride, John McEnroe, Aidan Quinn, Reese Witherspoon & Ryan Phillippe

      AVIS. Latin, ‘bird’. This is one bird name that’s sitting in the rental car park. Avais, Avi, Avia, Aviana, Avianca, Aviance, Avianna, Avice, Avys.

      AVIVA. Hebrew, ‘spring-like, fresh, dewy’. Vivacious and memorable. Auvit, Avi, Aviv, Avivah, Avivi, Avivice, Avivit, Avni, Avnit, Avri, Avrit, Avy, Viva.

      AVRIL. French variation of APRIL. French-Canadian pop star Avril Lavigne has put the spotlight on her name. Averel, Averell, Averil, Averill, Averyl, Avra, Avri, Avrilia, Avrill, Avrille, Avrillia, Avy.

      AYA. Hebrew, ‘bird’. Similar and prettier: Maya or Anya. Ayala, Ayla.

      AYANNA. Modern invented name. Trendy blend of Ayesha and Bryanna. Ahyana, Aiyana, Aiyanna, Ayan, Ayana, Ayania, Ayannia, Iana, Ianna.

      AYELET. (eye-uh-LET) Hebrew, ‘deer, gazelle’. Unusual – and somewhat challenging – Israeli name familiar thanks to writer Ayelet Waldman.

      AYESHA. Variation of AISHA. This phonetic form may ease pronunciation but it undercuts the name’s inherent grace. Ayasha, Ayeshah, Ayessa, Ayisha, Ayishah, Aysha, Ayshah, Ayshe, Ayshea, Aysia.

      AYN. (rhymes with mine) Finnish variation of ANN. Nonconformist name associated with controversial Russian-born writer and philosopher Ayn Rand, (born Alisa) author of The Fountainhead.

      

AZA. Arabic, ‘comfort’. Great Arabic choice: elegant and simple. Aiza, Aizha, Aizia, Azia.

      AZALEA. Flower name. If Lily and Rose are too tame for you, consider this brilliant pink springtime blossom with a touch of the exotic. Azaleia, Azalia.

      AZAMI. Japanese, ‘thistle flower’. Prickly image and feel.

      AZIZA. Hebrew, ‘mighty’; Arabic and Swahili, ‘precious’. Zippy palindromic choice. Azise.

      AZURE. Colour name. Good choice for a blue-eyed child. Azor, Azora, Azura, Azzura, Azzurra.

       B girls

      BABE. Diminutive of BARBARA. You can call your baby ‘babe,’ but don’t name her that. Bebe, Babby, Baby.

      BABETTE. French, diminutive of ELIZABETH or BARBARA. A less common relic of the Claudette-Paulette-Annette era. Barbette.

      BAEZ. Spanish surname. Plausible music hero choice with undertones of Joan Baez’s social activist folkie persona.

      BAHAAR. Hindi, ‘springtime’. Invokes images of colourful bazaars.

      BAHIA. Spanish, ‘bay’. Cool tropical Latin word name.

      BAHIRA. Arabic, ‘dazzling, brilliant’. Sultry.

      BAI. Chinese, ‘outgoing’. Attractive middle name option.

      BAILA. Spanish, ‘dance’. An offbeat approach to Bella. Bailee, Bayla, Beyla.

      

BAILEY. Occupational name, ‘law enforcer, bailiff’. This jaunty unisex surname was chosen for her daughter by Stella McCartney. Bailee, Baileigh, Bailie, Baillie, Baily, Bayleah, Baylee, Bayleigh, Bayley, Baylie, Bayly.

      BAISE. French, ‘dark brown’. This fabric word name would be a one-of-a-kind. Bayze, Baze.

      BAJA. Spanish place name, ‘lower’. Pronounced Bah-hah, this name of the Mexican peninsula attached to California makes for an out-of-the ordinary, exotic possibility. Baha.

      BALA. Sanskrit, ‘a young girl’. Exotic alternative to Bella.

      BALI.