Men in Suits

Guy

French

"wood"

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the…

Hilary

Latin from Greek

"cheerful, happy"

The only version that works for boys anymore is the Latinate Hilario or Ilario. Better to look to Felix for a happy-meaning name.

Isidore

Greek

"gift of Isis"

Isabel, Theodore, and Isadora are back: could it now be time for a more widespread revival of Isidore? Yet to see any big moves up the charts, Isidore was given to more than 30 boys in a recent year:…

Ives

English variation of Yves

"yew wood"

Smooth and sleek one-syllable name, sometimes suggested for Sagittarius boys.

Lancelot

French

"servant"

In Arthurian legend, Lancelot was one of the most dashing of the Knights of the Round Table who eventually had an affair with Queen Guinevere: it makes for a romantic story-- but perhaps overly…

Ptolemy

Greek

"aggressive, warlike"

Pronounced "TAHL-a-mee," this was the name of one of Alexander the Great's generals and several Greco-Egyptian rulers, as well as the name of a famous Greek astronomer. Actress Gretchen Mol brought…

Ralph

English from German

"wolf-counsel"

Ralph has two diametrically different images: there's the suave Ralph Fiennes-type Brit (often pronounced Rafe), and then there's the Jackie Gleason blue-collar, bowling blowhard Ralph Kramden bus…

Vitalis

Latin

"of life, vital"

Borne by a number of early saints, it comes from the Latin word for life.

Aramis

French literary name

One of Dumas' swashbuckling Three Musketeers, now better known as a men's cologne.

Clement

Latin

"mild, merciful"

Clement, the name of fourteen popes and several saints, has a pleasantly, positive, slightly antiquated feel, like the phrase "clement weather." Clement C. Moore wrote the poem "A Visit from St.…

Laurence

English from Latin

"from Laurentum or bay laurel"

Lawrence is the dominant spelling in the US, but in the UK Laurence and Lawrence are given in almost equal numbers each year, often with the adorable nickname Laurie or Lawrie. British actor Sir…

Lars

Scandinavian from Latin Laurentius

"crowned with laurel"

Lars is a perfect candidate for a cross-cultural passport: it has been heard often enough here to sound familiar and friendly, yet retains the charisma of a charming foreigner. In this country Lars…

Florent

French from Latin

"flowering"

Historically, the French and English name Florence was used for both sexes. And Florent is a steady classic in France, booming there in the 1980s. Maybe it's time to import it, and show that boys can…

Augustin

Greek variation of August

This form and its German variant Augusten are moving up fast as the preferred long forms of the trendy Gus.

Jerome

Greek

"sacred name"

Jerome has a bespectacled, serious, studious image, just like its namesake saint, who was a brilliant scholar. St. Jerome is the patron saint of students, librarians, and archaeologists. Musical…

Clovis

Teutonic, French, early form of Ludwig or Louis

An aromatic, unconventional name.

Esmond

English

"graceful protection"

Though slightly haughtier and less accessible than cousin Edmond, Esmond could appeal to some parents seeing a distinguished appellation. It began being used (albeit sparingly) in England in the…

Everard

English spelling variation of Eberhard

"hardy"

An older form of Everett that stays closer to its Germanic roots. Distinguished Everard is the name of several historical figures and literary characters, including a minor hobbit in The Lord of the…