Blending the sounds of Bryce, Brian, Riley and Kylie, Brylee is a modern invention that ranked in the US Top 1000 from 2005 to 2022. It peaked back in 2012 when it was given to around 770 babies, but has since been in decline. Given to around 230 girls in a recent year, Brynlee and Oakley are now preferred.

Hyde, of course, is most familiar as a surname -- as in Mr. Hyde, evil alter ego of Dr. Jeckyll. Unless Hyde is a family name or you have some other excellent reason for using it, we think you could do better.

Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.

Similar in style or sound to Prescott, Maverick and Beckett, this far rarer name feels formal and strong. Notably borne by socialist Talcott Parsons, nicknames Tal or Otto might soften it a little. Alcott is a similar option with a literary ties.

Last name occasionally used as a first, can be seen as a Lance Armstrong athlete-hero name.

This scary word name was given to five baby boys in the US in 2013, entering the lexicon for the first time. Are the boys named Vice destined for a life of crime, or the creation of a media empire?

An unusual surname-style choice with a strong meaning and potential for nicknames Ford and Red. Associated with the actor Robert Redford, it was also used for a one of the main characters in the 2019 novel Get a Life, Chloe Brownby author Talia Hibbert.

She'd better be. Merry is one of the classic names for Christmas babies.

Mama's boy.

It may take another generation or so, but this category of Hettie-Lettie-Lottie names could make a comeback.

An alternative spelling to the highly popular Aubrey that entered the US Top 1000 back in 2001 and peaked in 2012 when it neared the Top 300. More recently, it has dropped out of the charts, with Aubrey and Aubree holding favor.

An undiscovered patronymic surname, Gibson blends the cool, rugged feel of names like Bridger, Riggs, and Hudson with the clunky charm of names like Gilbert, Wilbur, and Digby. Associated with the popular brand of guitars, it could make an unexpected, music-related option.

A name with an obvious meaning, for a long time associated with Golda Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of Israel. Nickname Goldie seems to be catching on in the celebrity community.

New twist on Bennett. Mack Sennett was the early movie director known as the innovator of slapstick comedy.

Often thought of as a one-peson name because of Jungle Book writer Kipling, this was actually his middle name. He was middle-named for Rudyard Lake in Staffordshire, the beauty of which inspired his parents to reference it in their first child's name. Trivia tidbit: Actress Kim Raver gave her son Leo the middle name of Kipling.

Unfortunate identification with an army of rats in the movie of the same name.

Set apart from other once-male-only surnames because of its peaceful element. This is one of the newest and trendiest names that mean peace.

A bit too bad-boy (think bars, beer, Harley) for us, as well as being the name of a grain.

A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.

Strong, friendly surname choice, à la Bailey.