Levi

Levi, lighter and more energetic than most biblical names, with its up vowel ending, combines Old Testament gravitas with the casual flair associated with Levi Strauss jeans.

Now being rediscovered in a major way -- Levi has shot up to Number 55, its highest yet -- especially after receiving a lot of attention as the sons of Matthew McConaughey, Sheryl Crow and Sara Gilbert--and as Bristol Palin's former beau, Levi Johnston.

In the Old Testament, Levi was the third son of Leah and Jacob, from whom the priestly tribe of Levites descended; in the New Testament, Levi was Matthew's given name before he became an apostle. In the Thomas Hardy novel Far from the Madding Crowd, Levi Everdene is the father of the heroine. Levon is a related name.