Alice is a classic literary name that's both strong and sweet, ranking in the US Top 100 and popular throughout the Western world. Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais that itself came from the Germanic name Adalhaidis, which is composed of the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning "noble," and haidu, "kind, appearance, type."

Everett is a preppy but outdoorsy name, with wintery New England vibes. In the last decade, it’s had a leap in popularity, perhaps because of its similarity to trendy girls’ names like Ava and Scarlett, or perhaps because it offers a fresh alternative to 90’s style Evan and Brett.

Margaret is derived from the French Marguerite, which in turn came from Margarita, the Latin form of the Greek Margarites. Margarites was based on the Old Persian word margārīta, meaning "pearl."

William is one of the most enduring of classic names for boys. It's also among the most popular boys' names, as American parents see it as being ideally conservative yet contemporary, and hands-down the most popular baby name beginning with W of all time.

Iconoclasts though we may be, we like Fred, we like Frank, and we like George, which was among the Top 10 from 1830 to 1950, when the number of little Georges started to decline. Solid, strong, royal and saintly, yet friendly and unpretentious, we think that George is in prime position for a comeback, especially since it was chosen by Britain's royal couple.

John reigned as the most popular of all boys' Christian names for 400 years, from the time the first Crusaders carried it back to Britain until the 1950s. Then American baby namers finally seemed to tire of this straight-arrow, almost anonymous John Doe of names, replacing it with fancier forms like Jonathan and the imported Sean and Ian.

Mary is the English form of Maria, which ultimately was derived from the Hebrew name Maryam/Mariam. The original meaning of Maryam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the sea" (from Hebrew roots mar "drop" and yam "sea"); "bitter" (from Hebrew marah "bitterness"); and "beloved" (from the Egyptian root mr).

Augustine is more substantial (and saintly) than August, less pretentious than Augustus, and, along with its nickname Gus, is definitely a viable choice.

The striking Ignatius is making a truly surprising comeback, sparked by its selection by not one but two celebrities — Cate Blanchett and Julianne Nicholson. With its fiery qualities and magical feel, Ignatius might just fit in with Blaze, Griffin, Ember, or Atticus.

Helen is a name that has connoted beauty since ancient times – Helen of Troy was the the mythological "face that launched a thousand ships," over whom the ten-year Trojan War was fought.

Clive started life as a surname for someone who lived near a cliff, making it a secret outdoorsy name.

Could cute nickname Gertie, remembered as cute five-year-old Drew Barrymore in E.T., revive the long shunned Gertrude?

A popular choice in the US in the early 20th-century, Lester made the Top 100 consistently for 46 years between 1886 and 1931. It then remained in the Top 500 until the mid-80s before dropping out of the charts in the late 90s. Since then, it's been given to around 100 babies each year, making it an out-of-style but not forgotten name.

Popular among Hispanic communities but also used internationally, Manuel is a name with a regal history.

Leonore is a melodic variation of the wide range of names related to Eleanor and, via a different root, Leonie that are so stylish throughout Europe right now and bound for greater visibility in the U.S. The name of one of the little princesses of Sweden, Leonore carries the gravity of Eleanor with more quirky charm.

The only downside: Spelling and pronunciation confusion given so many similar variations, from Lenora to Leonie to Eleanora and onward.

Hildegard is an ancient name that sounds it, but it does have sweet short forms Hildie and Hilda to recommend it, as well as several illustrious historical bearers.

Romantic and artistic Domenico is ripe for the picking as a relatively rare name that fits in with current favorites such as Leonardo and Emiliano.

Verna may mean "springtime," but May or Spring is fresher.

Cephus has ancient Greek origins and appears as a variant of 'Cephas,' a name given to the apostle Simon Peter in the New Testament, meaning 'rock' or 'stone' in Aramaic (כיפא, Kēphā). The name has historical usage in various Christian communities across different time periods. In the United States, Cephus has appeared in records since the 19th century, often as a given name or surname particularly in southern states. While never among the most popular names, it has maintained consistent, if limited, usage over generations. The name carries biblical associations and reflects naming traditions that draw from religious texts. The pronunciation varies, with some saying 'SEE-fus' while others prefer 'SEF-us.' The name's classical roots give it a distinctive quality among contemporary naming patterns.

Madaline is a variant spelling of Madeline, which derives from Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene in the New Testament. This specific spelling offers a subtle twist on the more common versions while maintaining the name's elegant French character. Pronounced similarly to Madeline (mad-uh-line or mad-uh-lin), it provides visual distinction while preserving the name's classic appeal. The name has maintained modest popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, with various spelling iterations rising and falling in usage. Madaline carries the sophisticated, literary associations of Madeline while offering a slightly more unique presentation. The name conveys femininity and grace with its soft sounds and historical depth, appealing to parents seeking a classic name with a personalized touch.