“Your true name has the secret power to call you,” said author Vera Nazarian, and she was absolutely correct.

Which is why, more than ever, parents and pet owners alike are searching for a strong, personable and empowering name to bestow upon their bundle of joy. A name which their daughter, or son (or cat, dog, fish, lizard, snake, or budgie) is eager to respond to, a name they are happy to call their own and a name that truly sums up who they are.

Above all else, we’re searching for a name that’s truly unique – and it’s here where things start to get a little complicated. How can we find a stand-out name?

Read more: 70 baby names inspired by feminist icons

By looking further afield for inspiration, that’s how. Say to Sweden, maybe?

The Swedish way of life has long captivated our attention. Dubbed one of the happiest nations in the world, they pride themselves on their fairness, positivity and equality. Their fashion is functional, yet undeniably chic, while their homes are minimalist and oh-so-stylish.

Above all else, they live their lives just as Goldilocks did, striving to find that perfect ‘just right’ balance.

Lagom, 2017’s new lifestyle buzzword, translates to “just the right amount”, and is thought to relate to being frugal, fair, and creating balance.

It makes sense, then, that Sweden’s trending baby names place an emphasis on simple spellings and soft, gentle sounds. More importantly, however, they tend to be on the short side; they rarely exceed two syllables – and as such pack a serious punch.

Read more: The old-fashioned baby names at risk of going extinct

So if you’re in search of moniker inspiration, find the most fashionable Swedish baby boy and girl names and their meanings below.

Top 10 Swedish baby girl names

1.  Elsa
Meaning: joyful

2.  Alice
Meaning: “of the nobility”

3.  Maja
Meaning: star of the sea

4.  Saga
Meaning: goddess of poetry and fairy-tales

5.  Ella
Meaning: fairy queen

6.  Lilly
Meaning: pure beauty

7.  Olivia
Meaning: of the olive tree

8.   Ebba
Meaning: strong

9.  Wilma
Meaning: resolute protector

10.  Julia
Meaning: young rule

Top 10 Swedish baby boy names

1.  William
Meaning: resolute protector

2.  Lucas
Meaning: bright and shining

3.  Liam
Meaning: helmet of will

4.  Oscar
Meaning: divine spear

5.  Elias
Meaning: Yahweh is my God

6.   Hugo
Meaning: bright in mind and spirit

7.   Oliver
Meaning: of the olive tree

8.  Charlie
Meaning: free man

9.  Axel
Meaning: father of peace

10.  Vincent
Meaning: to conquer

Of course, if you’d prefer to choose a name based on its badass meaning, we suggest browsing through our list of baby names inspired by feminist icons.

From Virginia Woolf to Benedict Cumberbatch, vintage nicknames to modern monikers, there is a vast plethora of intriguing names which can be adapted to suit babies of any gender.

As the Swedish say – lycka till.

Images: iStock photos