For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.

Pronounced "crwa", this unusual name was chosen by Cedric the Entertainer for his son.

A name that conjures up billionaire shipping magnates like, for instance, Stavros Niarcos.

Cruise turns the Spanish surname Cruz into a hip, relaxed surname. Cruise has a beachy feel, like other rising word names Cove, Dune, and Coast.

Evocative word name that's refreshingly straightforward. Overtones of Christianity and penalty. More subtle option: Cruz.

Preppy surname, and most notably, a record player brand.

Spanish masculine diminutive of Cruz

Cool, cruising choice for either sex.

Feminine form of Stavros, often nicknamed Vroula.

Rare gender-neutral surname, reminiscent of Crosby, a Top 1000 falling star.

Could be used by fans of the game...or the Wisconsin city, but far from the easiest of names to carry.

Stavra is the female version of the classic Greek name Stavros, sometimes erroneously anglified as Stephanie (which means crown) or Stella (star).

Cruz might be a sister for Concepcion and Corazon, although its masculine side was emphasized when the high profile David Beckhams chose it for their son.

There's something about the K initial that modern parents just can't resist and Kruz is a trendy reboot of the already very cool Cruz. Derived from the Spanish word for "cross", Kruz could be included in the new generation of Christian word names with a twist, joining Kross, Tru, Zyon, and Chozen on future class rosters. Given to around 170 boys in a recent year, the traditional spelling is used nearly six times as often.

Variation of Croix.

Meaningful Spanish word name, deword-ified.

Diminutive of Stavroula