The 20 Coolest Baby Names of 2008

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They're not topping the popularity charts—they're the names our seasoned editors have hand-picked for having insurmountable style. Like your little one-to-be, these names have tons of potential. Are they right for your baby?

Top 10 Girls' Names

Mila
Origin: Russian
Meaning: Favor of the people
Why we like it: Though its supermodel connotation doesn't hurt, this solid-sounding moniker sounds so pretty with plainer middle names: Jane,
Ann, Jo.
Learn more about this name.

Ida
Origin: German
Meaning: Diligent, hard-working
Why we like it: With an Ava at every turn, Ida is a sweet twist on the short-name trend, packing lots of nostalgia in a very tiny moniker.
Learn more about this name.

Lorelei
Origin: German
Meaning: A rocky cliff on the Rhine river, dangerous to boat passage. This name has been poetically personified as the mythical creature the Lorelei, whose singing lures men to destruction.
Why we like it: An unusual turn on the traditional name Laurie, Lorelei offers a rich-sounding and historically interesting alternative.
Learn more about this name.

Anjali
Origin: Sanskrit
Meaning: Gift
Why we like it: This pretty name rolls off the tongue. Familiar-sounding and yet a bit exotic for the American ear or eye, Anjali is a nice multicultural choice.
Learn more about this name.

Bea
Meaning: Nickname for Beatrice, meaning "bringer of joy"
Why we like it: Bea is cute and not a candidate for a shortened nickname—a big plus for parents with sour memories of childhood meanies (or with complicated last names that require a short and sweet first name).
Learn more about this name.