Ax makes a somewhat threatening short form of the popular Axel, given to more than 3000 baby boys last year. It can also be used on its own, though it usually isn't. There were, however, seven baby boys named Axe in the US in 2015.

In geography, a meridian is a line drawn around the curve of the Earth between the North and South Poles. The term comes from Latin meridianus, meaning "pertaining to midday", and the association with midday has led to the word gaining an added figurative meaning of "pinnacle; culmination".

Nico is a fun and lively nickname, full of charm, and suitable both as a full name and a short form. Nikko is a unique spelling that currently sits just outside of the US Top 1000.

Spunky old vaudeville era nickname name suddenly sounds new again.

Politics aside, the Cuban capital is one of the most rhythmic of place-names. The question is: can politics be put aside?

Supermodel Shalom Harlow glamorized this name, which is heard as a greeting every day in Israel.

Queen has seen a revival in recent times, reaching its record high in 2018 with 280 births — it has remained steady since then. Previously, Queen saw a peak in the 1920s, but its origins go back even further than that. Queen was a noted name among enslaved people in America, along with other royal choices such as Duke, Squire, and Prince.

Musician Ry Cooder brought this short form into the lexicon -- his full name is Ryland -- and it feels more familiar now that more Ry- beginning names such as Ryder and Riley are, ahem, riding up the ranks. The Rye spelling makes it more of a word or a nature name and less of a nickname.

Ryatt — which may be a combination of names like Ryan and Wyatt — gives you the sound of Riot without the violent connotations. Naturally, it's almost twice as popular among baby boys than Riot, even cracking the Top 1000 in 2022.

Rosette is a delicate feminine name with French origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Rose. It literally means 'little rose,' referring to the small, rose-shaped decoration or ribbon formation. The name combines botanical beauty with artistic flair, conveying images of elegance and refinement. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, Rosette has maintained a consistent presence, appreciated for its sophisticated French flair. The name carries the rose's symbolic associations with love and beauty while adding a touch of uniqueness compared to the more common Rose or Rosie. Rosette appeals to parents seeking a name that's recognizable yet distinctive, combining floral inspiration with European charm.

Parents searching for a simple, peaceful name may be attracted to this one.

An interesting Canadian province and city name that has some literary history as the name of a character in Dickens's Bleak House; could make a distinctive choice for parents with northern roots.

Wildly optimistic -- and unrealistic -- choice.

An Irish classic for boys that has a streamlined, surnamey, unisex appeal in this spelling.

Regal Kingsley seems like an all-boy name, but a growing number of parents have bestowed this name on a girl. Credit the ever-trendier -ley suffix.

Journalist Hiawatha Bray is a singular contemporary bearer of this name of a Native-American leader immortalized in a Longfellow poem.

Remember, the Muse is passive: someone else's inspiration.

This hip Parisian neighborhood name would make a delightful middle for a baby girl.

Has a dotty, antic feel via dotty, antic Auntie Mame.

Whether it's an Asian surname-name or short for Channing, has a sound and feel that's both simple and stand-out.