For some reason, I have found myself in the midst of people who have asked me for "new" baby names. Early efforts at answering such call for friendly help (or is it just PC?) resulted in what I perceived to be awkward silence when I suggested some of my (then) favourites like *Bimbisara* or *Ajaatashatru*. Anyway, I have moved on from the Gupta veterans to some better options especialy in 2017 when a certain *Monal* arrived in my (our) lives. So here goes the several other possiblities for names that (for me) recall something beautiful. As expected, these are largely inspired by nature, rhyme, some evocative sense within me for themes that I like but themes that ought to resonate wider. *Reeva* tern in Kannada; a graceful & agile flier *Saaras* from the crane of the name; for its gentle gait & flight, its towering beauty *Saalim* after the birdman of India, Sālim. ==(TBC: the accent on a)== *Hitch* after Christopher Hitchens and his stubborn contrarianism that served as a custodian of public conscience against group-think and majoritarianism *Minchulli* after Kannada for a Kingfisher; for its compact beauty, its speed and its jewel-like resplendence *Chukki* Kannada for a dot, a circle - for its completeness, signifying one-ness  *Akira* a beautify Japanese name (==TBC==) *Maara*  *Nelli* after the Indian Gooseberry (*Phyllanthus* spp.) for its tang, form and its appeal *Taare* after the Kannada & Soliga for *Terminalia* spp. - [ ] Link Soliga to Kaanu page - [ ] Hitch to obit notes on daktre main - [ ] Appropriately link Saalim - [ ] Hyperlink the Guptas - [ ] Figure out a display print of the first shortlist from 2017; can combine with Delivery & Baby-coming checklist *see my NOTES dated 10 Sep & 17 Nov 2017* Last updated: 2026-01-14 11:02