A variation of Kyson, Kaison, Kayson and co., Kysen combines the stylish 'Ky' sound with a slightly softer looking -en ending. While a number of its sound-alikes rank in the US Top 1000, Kysen has yet to feature and has been trending downwards since it peaked in 2020 when it was given to 137 boys. Now, with so many other spelling options available, it has fallen to the wayside a little, though it still captures the same contemporary energy and will feel just as popular.

Definite twenty-first- century possibilities, with its stylish K opening, strong first syllable, and softer second.

This rising name, possibly a variation of the Irish Kian, has been associated with several accomplished athletes.

One of many Aidan variations — all stemming from the original Gaelic Aodhán — Eiden was the third fastest-rising boy name of 2023 and a new entry to the US Top 1000. Interestingly, despite this spelling's current success, Aidan, Aiden, Ayden, and Aden are all on the downswing.

As far as variations of Cason go, Kaisyn is relatively rare.

This name was created for the character Inojin Yamanaka from Naruto. It is close in sound to the English girl names Imogen and Innogen.

Dox may sound like a modern invention but it actually has a notable historical bearer. Malagasy poet Jean Verdi Salomon Razakandrainy was known mononymously as Dox, inspired by a nickname he received in art school.

Another of the many boys' names starting with k. Kyden emphasizes the "Kai" sound and nickname while fitting in with the Aiden/Camden/Madden crowd.

The name of a controversial character in Game of Thrones, Stannis Baratheon. He's better liked by book readers -- who see him as the embodiment of rigorous law and order -- than show watchers. In HBO's version of the story, his character was mostly defined by his disastrous loyalty to the red priestess Melisandre.

Damari is thought to be a variation of the popular trans-cultural name Amari with the Da- prefix. Amari means "eternal" in Hebrew and may mean "strength" in Yoruba, though other sources list the African meaning as unknown.

Name invented for the video game and anime series Angels of Death. Kazarion debuted on the charts in 2021 when it was used for five baby boys.

Modern, none-too-classy elaboration of Shawn.

Though not technically a one-person name, since 30 baby boys were named Shemar in 2016, Shemar stems from one specific person, prolific actor Shemar Moore. He has said that his parents came up with it by combining the first three letters of each of their first names, Sherrod and Marilyn.

Rayden is yet another example of the dozens of new boys' names with the 'aden' sound.

Brian meets Riley, this name is more popular for girls. It coincides with the surname Briley, a contracted form of Brierley, which might be an interesting alternative.

Americanization of Trevor that is catching on, as are other versions Trevion and Trevin.

The popular -ley suffix can be credited for this name's use in recent years. We're not loving that it sounds as trendy and of-the-moment as it is.

Also found as Brason, this is one of an army of Jason sound-alikes, which include Cason, Mason, Kaysen, and so on. Stylish, yes; recommended, no.

Two Zells of note: conservative southern senator Zell Miller, and video-game character Zell, a hero of "Final Fantasy."

With the trendiness of both X and Z, this spelling has it all. However, there's no real need for the added letter, unless you're looking for extra Scrabble points.