A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100, Thomas feels like a safe bet and a name that fits into any era.

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).

Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names, it's still widely used.

Mari enjoyed some mid-century popularity as a nicknameish version of Mary, but now deserves a second look as a multicultural classic. Popular in Norway and Armenia as a variation of Marie, it is also the name of a Basque goddess and an Estonian word name.

When Gary cracked the Top 10 in 1950, it was one of the first nonclassic boys’ names to do so, largely due to Gary (born Frank) Cooper, who was renamed after Gary, Indiana, his agent's hometown. Now, a 65 years later, Gary isn't particularly high in the charts, and has lost any glitter it had. May we suggest the fuller name Gareth?

Aida is a melodic name largely associated with the title character of the 1871 Verdi opera, an enslaved Ethiopian princess who dies to save her people. In the past, her name was rarely heard outside the Latino community, but in the current time of love for all A-starting girls' names, this could very well change.

Paula still seems somewhat stuck in the era of duo Paul and Paula bopping out the song "Hey, Paula." Two pronunciations are possible—the English "PAW-la" and the Portuguese "POW-la."

Gerard is currently in style limbo, after reaching peak popularity in the 1950s. With its strong meaning and gentle sound, it may be back in a generation or two. But for now, a boy called Gerard will likely be the only one in his class...unless you live in Catalonia, where it was recently in the Top 10.

A perennial classic in the Netherlands, short-and-sweet Dirk is starting to feel like a fresher alternative to cousin Derek.

A name that took on a pronounced country twang via Nashville megastar Garth (born Troyal) Brooks.

Baby girl Danas outnumber baby boys with the name nearly ten to one. But Dana is an attractive, sleek name that can certain work for babies of either gender.

If you wanted to try to get people to pronounce your son's first name the way Stephen Curry does, this might be a way to do it.

Gayla is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It most likely developed as a feminine form of Gale (meaning "cheerful" or "merry" in Middle English) or as a variant of Gaila, which has Hebrew roots meaning "joy" or "wave." Some also connect it to the Latin "gaillardia" (meaning "lively" or "high-spirited"). Gayla experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s alongside other melodic names ending in 'a'. Though never reaching the top rankings, the name conveys a sense of happiness and vivacity. The name's bright, uplifting meaning and pleasant sound continue to attract parents seeking a relatively uncommon name with positive associations and straightforward pronunciation.

Spelled with one 'n', this was the name of the wife of Alexander the Great, and is more attractive than the better-known Roxanne.

Ricci is a masculine name with Italian origins, primarily used as a diminutive form of Ricardo (Richard). Derived from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'ruler,' Ricci literally translates to 'little powerful ruler.' The name has been more commonly used as a surname, notably associated with Italian fashion designer Nina Ricci and several Italian sports figures. As a first name, Ricci has a sophisticated European flair with its double-c spelling, distinguishing it from the more common 'Ricky.' The name has maintained modest usage in Italy and Italian-American communities. Ricci offers the appealing combination of being recognized internationally while remaining distinctive. Its short, punchy sound makes it modern and memorable.

Best known as the beautiful heroine to whom Cyrano de Bergerac says, "Your name is like a golden bell".

Now that Kimberly is no longer one of the top girl names, Kim or long form Kimball feel more gender neutral.

Kennard is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements "kenn" (meaning "brave, bold") and "hard" (meaning "strong, hardy"), creating the meaning "brave strength" or "bold and strong." This distinguished Old German name traveled to England with the Norman Conquest and has remained in limited but consistent usage throughout the centuries. It offers a strong, traditional alternative to the more common Kenneth, while providing the friendly nickname options Ken or Kenny. Kennard carries an air of dignity and resilience, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and clear meaning. While never reaching high popularity rankings, the name maintains appeal for those drawn to strong, classic masculine names with Germanic roots.

This regal Spanish name combines several of today's top trends: names that end in S, last names that can also be first names, royal-sounding names, and unisex options. It has a long history of use in Spain as both a surname and a given name.