Towns in Missouri

Soul singer Cuba Gooding and his actor son of the same name put this unexpected geographical name on the map for boys, but it has a longer history of use than you might expect. Deriving from the island in the Caribbean Sea, it had a brief spell of popularity in the US at the end of the 1890s when Spain lost possession of the island during the Spanish-American War. Used predominantly (though rarely) on girls throughout the last century, it has occasionally be given to a handful of boys too.

Ellington's popularity may be inspired by jazz great Duke, but the name is used slightly more often for girls today, perhaps because of its trendy El- beginning. Like a host of other El- names, from the familiar Ella to Eleanor to the more niche Elodie and Elula, Ellington carries the popular Ellie nickname.

These days, it's thought of less as the name of the great general and more as the first name of Lecter the fictional cannibal. Either association is too heavy for a child to bear.

Hardin is a masculine name with English and Germanic roots, originally a surname derived from geographic locations meaning 'valley of hares' or 'hard valley.' It gained recognition through historical figures like the outlaw John Wesley Hardin and various politicians and military leaders bearing the surname. As a given name, Hardin has a rugged, frontier quality that evokes American heritage and resilience. While never reaching widespread popularity, it appeals to parents seeking a name with strength and distinctiveness. The name's solid sound and connection to natural elements give it an enduring quality, while its relative rarity ensures individuality.

Benton is an old English surname of a type usually given to local landowners. It is also recorded in early records as Beneton and Bentune. Benton newly returned to the Social Security list in 2011 after a forty-plus year absence, perhaps as a fresh route to Ben.

There are many more appealing Irish surnames than Foley, and certainly more positive meanings. If Foley is a genuine family name, this would be all right in the middle.

Likable choice for history-minded parents who might want to honor Irish patriot Charles Parnell.

This name of the goddess of peace creates a lovely ideal.

Edina is an infectious-sounding Minnesota place-name, featured in the British cult hit TV show "Absolutely Fabulous." Edina is also a poetic name for Edinburgh and is a common name in contemporary Hungary. Though some sources list its origins as Hungarian, more peg it as a variation of Edwina, the feminine form of Edwin, an English name.

This steely surname has a macho image that might feel more appropriate for a romance novel than a baby. But on the upside, it's also sleek and modern, familiar yet unusual, given to only around 100 boys per year in the US.

A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.

This uppity name has been a fast climber in recent years, but we still think it's a bit much. Even abroad, where the connection to the prestigious university will be weaker, any name beginning with "Prince" will sound pretentious.

Jennings is a common English surname that originated as a patronymic for the child of someone named Jen, a short form of John.

Projects the calm and pristine image of the picturesque Swiss lake and mountain town.

Fillmore is a masculine name of English origin, classified as an occupational surname that has occasionally transitioned into use as a given name. It literally meant 'one who works with a file' (a metalworking tool), derived from the Middle English 'fyle' and 'more' meaning 'greater' or sometimes indicating a location. The name gained some recognition through Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, which helped establish it as a potential first name. Fillmore has never been common as a given name, maintaining an air of distinction and uniqueness. It carries a certain formal, traditional quality with literary and historical overtones, appealing to parents looking for a distinguished name with substance.

Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.

British place-name unlikely to evoke much passion in any baby namer.

Matthews is primarily known as an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from the given name Matthew, which comes from the Hebrew name Matityahu, meaning "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of God." As a first name, Matthews is uncommon but represents a trend of using traditional surnames as given names. It carries a formal, distinguished quality with its plural form distinguishing it from the more common Matthew. The name has biblical associations through the apostle Matthew and projects reliability and tradition. While not ranked among popular first names in most countries, Matthews has occasional usage, particularly in families looking to honor ancestors with the Matthews surname or seeking a slightly distinctive variation on Matthew.

Galena is the feminine of the Galen, which means calm. Galena is also a mineral-related name, a type of lead.