Connor

Connor, the appealing name of an early semi-legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology, is now just inside the Top 60-- taken together with its alternate Conor spelling would bring it even higher on the list--while in its native Ireland the Conor version is the fifth most poular boys' name.

Connor MacLeod was the name of the title character in the 1986 film "The Highlander," which helped promote the name.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise have a teen-aged son named Connor, while Eric Clapton has a younger Conor; the name of the Irish writer and historian is spelled Conor Cruise O'Brien.

Since Connor means 'lover of hounds,' it might make a good choice for a dog-loving family. In fact, one of the sons in Marley and Me is given that name.