"MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY" Baby Names / Unique & Bold Names You'll Either Love Or Hate!! SJ STRUM

It's the name list with Big Energy and Bold Statements that are still super wearable - some more unique and some more rare gems - what do you think of this style of name? I think it's very Kardashian and maybe love/hate but it's the biggest trend of 2023 and one serving up some amazing names! SJ xx

[@KittieUpland]

I met someone with a son called Elwood and without thinking asked her if he was named after Elle Woods from Legally Blonde 🤦‍♀️

[@melaniemoul]

Our baby girl was born two weeks ago! We named her Abigail Juniper Elise 🥰

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh I love it huge congratulations 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@SMRMiss]

Thank you for taking time to make these while going through your sisters illness. Nice names! I love Elwood, but all I think of is Elle Woods from legally blonde movie.

[@bibliophilelady6106]

Elle Woods exemplifies "main character energy," so it still works.

[@bakerbrewz]

Oh my gosh you’re so right! I was totally drawn to the name Elwood too but now that you mention legally blonde 👱‍♀️ 😂 💖

[@amyliz7961]

I have been praying for your sister and your whole family this morning and since she found out about her cancer. I just love you guys, and think of you both often. Xoxo

[@KmarieKnockOut]

SJ never commented on your videos before, but I love your poise, grace, and creative thinking when it comes to names. I’m the type always intrigued by your “wild card” suggestions. This might be my favorite video so far! Absolutely praying for Naomi and your family thru this trial ❤

[@SJ_Strum]

Ah thank you for the lovely message Kristen - I love the wildcards too as so much fun 🤩 things are very hard with naomi so your well wishes are so lovely thank you xxx

[@edenfaith.]

As someone with synesthesia Timeon Brooks tastes like cinnamon sticks and eucalyptus 😂

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh lush!!!! I love that Eden! Xxxx

[@Shae2004]

Omg what does my name “taste” like?!😂❤

[@edenfaith.]

@@Shae2004 I’ve never tried macadamia nuts but your name is what I imagine they taste like 😂

[@janae412]

What does my name taste like? 👀👀

[@edenfaith.]

@@janae412 the pregnancy craving where people eat pickles with vanilla ice cream (in a good way 😂)

[@courageandclutter]

Ha! We're due in 3 weeks and Loen Jean (Lowen without the "w") is in the top spot on our gender neutral list. I haven't seen anyone talk about that name and loved that it means joy in Cornish. Also found that it's German derived from Löwin meaning "lion"; French derived from Lauren/Laurent meaning "laurel tree", "crowned with laurel"/“victory”, "sweet of honor", or "wisdom”; and its the name of a gorgeous village in Norway! Sending lots of love, SJ. Squeeze Naomi for us!

[@hllymchll]

mine is Elowen Jean lol so really close!

[@laurenturner4592]

My name is Lauren and Loen just sounds like ur trying to say “Lauren” but you have a speech impediment lol

[@bakerbrewz]

Your spelling on it is so unique! ❤ love all the meanings you found associated with it too! I’m a huge L name fan since two of my kids have L names. Always saving ideas for the future 3rd 🎉❤

[@flogro3485]

My guilty pleasure name combo is (Wisteria Moon)

[@EllenRuey]

I would never be brave enough to use the name Daybreak, but I would use the name Fairlight. Fairlight is a character from the book and TV series Christy. SJ your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Names are like poetry with sounds, rhythm, and imagery and your creations never disappoint. I hope your sister will get some relief soon.

[@bakerbrewz]

I love that name Fairlight 🕯️ so beautiful! Thanks for sharing it

[@maisieliberty1319]

Love Timian! Hadn't heard of this Timothy alternative before and tried googling for some and not seen it. Thank you for sharing!

[@biancac1742]

loving thus video SJ! I love the names, even though I'm not planning on having a child anytime soon. I love the little backstories you gave each name, really adds some personality!

[@bakerbrewz]

Right! You can totally picture that person and their persona and just living in the elements of their name

[@almatedder2911]

This list is gorgeous! I love Elwood, Quinlan, Lowen, Timian, Brooks, Gloria, Esmeray, Esme, Echo, Vesper, and Beacon!

[@sammymoonpie8264]

I love your outfits!

[@alisareino1769]

Just caught up and heard this again best list ever!

[@susanr791]

Loved the girl names too!

[@erinlisaaulfinger9594]

Lowen is one of my absolute favorite names, but my fiance's last name is only 1 letter off and I can't risk naming our child the equivalent of Johnny Johnson ugh!! I implore someone else to use this beautiful name!!

[@jordantaylor8614]

I absolutely love this list SJ!!! 😮❤ so amazing. Quinlan Knox, Marlowe Jett "MJ", Esme Echo but i also would do Echo Esme, i loveeee Vesper Soul!! I also knew a Timeon as a child and he was so funny., I hope someone does go with Timian. Seriously I love this thought to think of all of ourselves even as the main characters of our lives. Dont live on the sidelines... great way of thinking when naming a person ❤ please dont dont hesitate to take time for YOU SJ- thinking of you and Naomi lots and lots. Wishing you guys lots of laughter even when it feels impossible. ❤❤❤

[@susanr791]

Loving the boy names!

[@JessikaRabbot]

How cute is this jumper!! And I love you doing the two names together. ❤

[@patriciacorbellego9787]

Bonjour from France, Bordeaux (again) - MERCI for showing up. Lots of love to the best co-host I miss on the pod! Your giggles had become a drug! It was like a healthy reality tv show!! You mentioned we can suggest inspiration. If possible, would you consider doing a list of MADE UP - HEBREW/BIBLICAL inspired names, please ? Hint, would would SJ made up Jericho go for a girl (haha). Thanks in advance for your sturdy research, we don’t take it for granted.

[@maisieliberty1319]

Sending love and hugs to you and Naomi! Praying for her comfort and provision and health!

[@LizePrins]

Ah so obsessed. Would love to see more main character names ♥️. We called our baby girl Azore Olenna (pronounced like Azura in Dutch) meaning Sky blue sun ray and and we love it.

[@BeckyAnnHill]

I have an Avett and an Esme and we are pregnant with our third. Been struggling to build a name list. There are some good ones on here thank you!

[@insulaarachnid]

Oooh, Xavius Frey is quite cool. I hadn't heard of Avel before, charming! I really like Leolin, meaning Lion or "leaders image". I think the girl's name Endellion meaning fire soul, feels very main character energy.

[@ashleymufasa]

I'm so sorry that things are difficult right now. Praying for you all. ❤️ You are both a ray of sunshine.

[@tarahughes2806]

I love this list, always lovely to see how two names work together. I have an Esme Willow and a Maeve Luna x Thinking of you at this time x

[@NamesWithSteph]

Hi SJ! I love your videos, you are one of the reasons I knew name consulting was even a job! I love this list, especially Cyrus, Vesper, and Beacon 😍 what about Doli Aviva? It's Hebrew for springlike 🌼

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh yes I love that combo! Xxx

[@CR-fb6ib]

Hendry really made me chuckle, because that's how my 2 year old mispronounces Henry 🤣 I also love that you've used Elwood and Lowen in this video because they both sound like my 4 month olds name Elowyn. I hadn't thought of using Low as a nickname I love that! (More trendy than my go to nickname- Ellie Wellie 🤣🤣) Gutted I won't be naming any more babies, still love your content though! All my wishes to you, Naomi and your family. Xxx

[@hllymchll]

my Elowen gets the nn Loney or Eloweenie 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@CR-fb6ib]

@@hllymchll Eloweenie is incredible 🤣 I really want my kids to have cool nicknames but I also can't stop giving them cutie silly nicknames. My 2 year old is Amos- nickname Mossy Moo 🙄🤣

[@hllymchll]

@@CR-fb6ib exactly! my name Holly doesn't baby any good builtin nicknames so I wanted my kids to have longer names. my plan was always to call her Winnie and it just never happened and now doesn't fit. I love Low tho. I think we can work that one in somehow

[@lenakrone4754]

Sending you and your sister my love SJ❤

[@erinbailey664]

I think of you and your family every Monday even when you don't post 💕 We are 16 weeks pregnant with our third and I'm binging all your videos, been following you since Baby New Monday started but we need inspiration. Elwood is super cute, I would shorten it to Woods. Timian, you could also us it to honor an Ian, it makes me think of Tyrion from GoT. Esmeray and Esme 😍 love both We love fantasy names and want nothing even close to the top 100. Unfortunately we have no boy names that we both like.

[@caitlinparenteau3684]

Aloysius Nikolai Amethyst Angela Alessandro Roger Rory Ruthie Campbell Karla Aubree Graham Alysha Adonis Anya Achilles Azura Daybreak Drake Dane Bennett Beverly Bernadette Bishop Brett Bentley Beatrice Beacon Rune Boris Beulah Bertha Whitney Shepherd Shiloh Shelby Zane Zuri Esmeralda Echo

[@clairejoyce2383]

Lots of love to you, your sister and family xx

[@steffi9536]

My little boy is Lowen 🥰

[@marty9011]

That was a wild list SJ ! I would go for Marlowe, Quinlan & Timian.

[@sadezem991]

Elowen was on my list for my daughter. I was in with with it and probably would have used it, had I not lost her. Reminds me of Elwood! Love Koa too.

[@BrookeYuresko-yc8qq]

Hi SJ, I love your channel,sooo fun. My kids are all grown up I won’t be having anymore 🙁 but I love names like you! I have a name to add to the list of old, unusual names that I LOVE, it’s Sidonia, or Sydonia. So strong and elegant at the same time! Please help bring this name back!

[@Lauren-ho1ck]

I really love how lyrical Doli Odelle is! If it's too yodelly though, how about Doli Odette for a softer ending. Really love this theme, I'd love if you did a second one on the same trend! 🤍

[@lea_ambar_knits]

Loved your videos as always! I would stay clear of Doli though as it sounds like the term people use who are on the doll (unemployed)🙈

[@alixdantzler2531]

I LOVED Timian, Quinlan, Hendry, Xavius even with Frey, Esmeray, Esme and kind of Gloria. Usually I love your girl names but this time it was the boy names that really grabbed at me.

[@A1exBOfficial]

We've got a cafe near us called the Bluebird Cafe, and that got me thinking Doli Latte. Very out there, but bold like some of the others imo :D

[@FrancesWebb-xh6ii]

I love Azzurra (this is how you spell it in Italian which is my background). It's super trendy right now in Italy and is pronounced ah-DZOOR-ra. I live in the US and always thought it would be hard to use but honestly this video has me thinking that the English pronunciation is pretty too. And how cute is the nn Zuzu.

[@ashleymufasa]

I absolutely love the nickname Zuzu

[@kalok6231]

Wow, these ARE main character energy names 😅 I don't think I'm brave enough. But I adored your use of matching meanings, Daybreak was so cool, and I'm now obsessed with Vesper. ❤❤ Thank you for such a cool and creative list.

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

Vesper is a gorgeous name! I had no idea Timian was a Norwegian name. I’ve only heard about one person being called it, a guy who competed in Norwegian Idol years and years ago. Timian is also the word used for the herb thyme and I think it’s a very good one, but probably not used as much here because of that.

[@clairewillow6475]

Amazing video, thank you ❤ I’m due this summer with baby #2 I think I’m leaning towards Reece Thomas for a boy and Lola Marie for a girl ❤😊

[@MN-oy1uv]

We named our Son (march 2022) Marlow! After we saw it in your folkys boy names video. We have gotten so many compliment about his name!

[@steffi9536]

Absolutly loving Doli 🐦🥰🥰

[@oddmnemosyne2869]

Such a fun list! I don't have exact reason why these give me the applicable vibe but my "main character" names picks for boys: Costa Foley Howell Ignis Marcellin Oleander Rueger Sherwood Tengen Vale Vivendel I absolutely adore both the names Esme and Echo- soo cute seeing them used here together. Definitely main character energy! Related to Vesper and similar to Esme, I know of a couple of people now who've gone with Esper, which I actually think sounds quite pretty. Some girls names I think hit that main character note as well: Abilene Boheme Fiadh Greer Kindred Lupine Musa Sparrow Tanis Vivendel again lol

[@Rebecca.Daydream]

I was in a musical in college, and my character’s name was ‘Merilee’ and I think it’s a fantastic name in real life

[@Rebecca.Daydream]

Has the same rhythm as the name Melody(all time top of my name list) It’s the word ‘merrily’ as a name with a little bit of emphasis on Lee at the end. “Merilee”. Yeah it just works for me

[@CyborgSlayerNila]

Azura Dawn works so well too

[@RainbowMiller]

love this! We just had our 3rd and finally went with a brave name. (Thanks to my husband for always being bold!) Our newest little boy is named Zagreus Dean. (obscure Greek god name lol) We call him Zag for short

[@SJ_Strum]

Omg so so cool! I love it - so happy you went with it!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RainbowMiller]

@@SJ_Strum thank you! me too, hubs is really into obscure nerdy names and i'm very nature inspired usually so it makes for fun name lists lol

[@eightyninetreasure]

You have a beautiful name Rainbow. I’m expecting in May and searching for both the bold name with a traditional middle name to flow. I love the name you’ve chosen especially for it’s uniqueness.

[@CarolineNotCarolynBoyd]

My friend named her daughter Vesper and I'd never heard it before! She has two middle names--Avonelle Rose. I really liked Avonelle and had never heard it before either

[@songpoetry1]

Lol, Daybreak is what the playgroup at my church is called. I could never use it. 🤣 A lot of the other names are on my favourites list though. My hubby would never be on board with most of them, though.

[@jlaurelle]

Adura Sunshine

[@alicialambert8916]

I have a one year old and I named her Mirabella Katherine ❤❤

[@MichielBLKorte]

8:13 I mean, without having a wild time we wouldn't have any babies to name and where would that leave us? 😄

[@monicaminyard7502]

(1) Lowen--my mother had a cousin named Lowen Dale, the only time I had heard that name (2) Gloria--I like Gloria Giselle, and call her GG (3) Doli--I like Doli Carmen. Carmen--from the Hebrew-- means garden or orchard, from the Latin, it means song, ode, or poem

[@MoonandStars477]

Elwood lol- blues brothers!!

[@flogro3485]

I've just discovered the name Sojourner - beautiful name in my opinion...i think it should be on a spiritual hippie list

[@Lido9999]

You should look up Sojourner Truth

[@vesper8042]

my names vesper i love that im hearing it mor now

[@SJ_Strum]

Wow I love it!

[@gingerglitter4ever]

I love Timian but unfortunately it wouldn't work in Sweden because it's too close to the Swedish word for Thyme ( Timjan) unless people are fine with having to repeat and explain ;) also Doli Blair is a really nice combo

[@jlaurelle]

Mercy Adelaide

[@olliethetabby1332]

Still waiting on that video u said u would do about how to become a name enthusiast

[@meljstephan]

My coworker has two little boys, Baker and Brooks. The B theme was just coincidental but how cute are those names

[@jesikajoyce7613]

Wow. So many I could totally see in books and movies! ❤️ wish I could write, I love some of these! Xavius Frey 🤩 Elwood 👍 Marlowe 👍 Lowen👍 Esme Echo ❤️ Daybreak 😍 It's such a weird name. But it's beautiful 😍

[@LilyGarden528]

All beautiful names. Lowen is great for a boy or a girl. As for a middle spot with Doli, it think Doli Skye for something a bit more common or Doli Bliss for a little more out there name.

[@JP_Pete]

SJ are you still doing baby name consultations ? i’ve emailed and messaged but haven’t heard from you

[@elainelloyd651]

Dear sj got round to your you tube chanel this year ,my daughter wants yo call her future baby if a girl prudence ,could you suggest some second names to compliment it .Any suggestions would be appreciated .

[@monika4148]

I like the name Elwood. (Reminds me of my favorite show)

[@fernmillroy281]

Ooooo Dune ❤

[@clarebear9841]

Oh I do love Lowen! I've always had the name Logan picked out for a boy but Lowen could be a close second. Rhea and Iris are my girls names 🥰

[@medusah_lynnie]

With elwood I can’t help but think elle woods from legally blonde

[@TaraLyz]

I really like the name Vesper Soul as a gender neutral option. Going on the list! ❤ Just need to find a partner who will also love it! 😅😂❤ Praying for your sister.

[@naomifishpool2680]

Esme Echo!!

[@bethtaylor1368]

Hey SJ I've just found out I'm pregnant with my rainbow baby. My auntie died very suddenly last year with cancer, do you know the male equivalent of Elaine please?? I'd like to use it as a middle name in honour of her. Thanks x

[@wildnfearless9840]

Laine or Lane!

[@joannahenry7112]

Elowen I really like

[@gretastrickler8041]

No way! I never hear my sons name anywhere. He's an Elwood!

[@jlaurelle]

Doli Odelle reminds me of Darby O’Gill 😆

[@sfrancies87]

I love Amara

[@evaphillips2102]

A girl in my preschool class is named Gatsby! She’s artistic and such a little leader. You can tell she’s going to be really popular one day! Her name definitely offers more main character energy.

[@SJ_Strum]

Oh wow I love it! Xxxx

[@megangriffiths1735]

I have a 2 year old Woody 😍 x

[@An-Su18]

How about DOLI TEONI ? or I prefer it the other way round TEONI DOLI.Pronounced Te (0) -ni

[@erickaacosta5112]

Are you still consulting for your podcast? I have a real big, time sensitive dilemma & emailed for some help.

[@kesinekaur8049]

Cyrus is my sons name, 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Hannah-ob8yp]

I loved Noah but it's to common now I live Kova/Cova bc its kinds similar like Koa but rare

[@wildnfearless9840]

You might like Koda and Rafa

[@nagirabbit]

For those who might like, there's a variant of Elwood that's actually a main character of an old video game: Eliwood !

[@jlaurelle]

Azura Soliel

[@SkyBlueWooHoo]

Hi SJ, Ohhh some fab names! Your content makes me not want to clear our house of baby stuff, but hold on to it so we can have a 3rd baby some time down the road. But I'm in my 40's now but who knows if we could be lucky again😄 My toddler is called Juniper and her baby sis is called Genevieve.

[@SkyBlueWooHoo]

Love to you and all your family. Thinking of you guys 😘🥰👍

[@talesofavloggingmommy8479]

I love Esmeray, but I'm having a boy. I tried playing around with Esmer and conjoining it with another name I love, Reign. Esmereign...but then i realized its meaning...dark rule lol. Um no. Great villian name though!

[@alisongorski3664]

Alison Jane would be a nice girl's name. I may be a bit prejudiced.....

[@daniellerivera6161]

Finally pregnant with our first daughter and we are calling her Ramona Selene 🖤🌙 Ramona means protector and Selene is the Greek goddess of the moon. I think that gives main character energy for sure

[@daniellecoale3617]

A girl name I really love is Gwendolyn!

[@daniellecoale3617]

I also love the name Dayanara!

[@thepuffinpanda9139]

I wanted to name a boy Chaos but my husband hates it so you can have it lol

[@sevenis9712]

That Esmeray is pronounced es mer eye not es mer aye

[@alisongorski3664]

Volodymyr would be a lovely boys name, but too hard to pronounce. I invented a short form, Bobka based on the the Cyrillic alphabet translitoration.

[@turtledove9878]

No way people are naming their child VILAINelle.. like "you are going to be a pain in eeeevrryones butt!! AHAHAHAHA!!" When you can name them so many other beautiful names 😐

[@turtledove9878]

And the nickname NEL? VILA? 😐 I hope they grow up to be kind people despite the wishes of their parents, with that name

[@caitlinparenteau3684]

Ari Romeo Azalea Alma Andreas Achilles Acton Azriel Elmwood Eleni Edith Esme Echo Zane,Ziva and Zola Lionel and Laszlo Liam,Layla and Landon Logan and Luna Wisteria Moon🌙 Riley Lane and Ronan Wave Rendell(Rennie) Rowen and Roscoe Rivers Rupert Rafferty Pembroke Remington Roger Talia Guinness Gwyneth Doli Gloria Gladys Azura Daybreak Viva Velma Velvet Vernon Beryl Beulah Bertha

[@rubyeliason7933]

I love the name Vesper, but my husband said no, so I named my cat Vesper when we got her 2 years ago.

[@kippytx]

This is way out there. I love the word Copacetic. It means together with peace. Wouldn’t that be a beautiful girls name.

[@Tina-ji4bj]

These names are terrible!