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.

Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."

Casey is a name with a big wide grin, Irish, friendly, and open, and associated with several American folk heroes--Casey Jones, the engine driver of the Cannonball Express who gave his life to save his passengers, and the legendary Casey at the Bat.

This punchy surname has some favor in the last couple of decades—potentially due to rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was one of the quickest rising boy names in 2013 when it reached its high point at #318. It has since declined in popularity, but as of 2024, it remains in the US Top 500 and in the UK Top 1000.

Along with Daniela, Michelle, Nicole, and Denise, Danielle was a big hit from the 1960s to the nineties, sitting comfortably in the Top 20 for several years. Parents then responded to its chic, sophisticated Gallic image, and though it has lost some of its sheen, it's still a widely used choice.

Stephanie is the feminine form of Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos, associated with crowns and garlands It's been the name of several royal women throughout history, including the medieval Stephanie, Queen of Navarre, and Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, the daughter of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco. International variations of Stephanie include the German Stefanie, Italian Stefania, and Spanish Estefanía.

While the most famous Channing is the very male Channing Tatum, the name is now given about a third of the time for girls. Television executive Channing Dungey is a well-know example of a female Channing. It makes an attractive surname-name for either gender.

Friendly mega-popular short form of Katherine that has definitively replaced Kathy, Katie is often given on its own. Going forward, though, Katie is more stylishly clipped itself to the grownup Kate.

When Jennifer finally gave up her Number 1 place on the girls' popularity list, her crown was passed to Jessica, who reigned for not one but two decades. Jessica was the Number 1 name in both the mid-1980s and 1990s, never sounding quite as trendy as its predecessor, maybe because of its classic Shakespearean pedigree.

Bethany is a lyrical name that still strikes many parents as a fresher, more substantial substitute for the overused Brittany/Brittney or the more antiquated Beth.

Despite its Irish sound, this commonly used word name has usually been confined to Jewish families.

Malorie is a feminine name derived from the French name Mallory, which originated as an Old French surname meaning 'unfortunate' or 'ill-fated.' Despite this somewhat somber etymology, the name has a melodic, elegant quality that has helped it gain moderate popularity. This spelling variation with an 'ie' ending gives the name a softer, more distinctly feminine feel compared to the original Mallory. The name gained recognition in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century but has never been extremely common, maintaining a pleasant balance between familiarity and uniqueness. Malorie has a classic, literary quality while still feeling contemporary, perhaps influenced by author Malorie Blackman. The name carries a slightly vintage charm with its French roots and soft ending, appealing to parents seeking something traditional yet not overused.

Mallorie is a feminine name that serves as a variation of Mallory, which derives from the Norman French 'maloret,' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'unlucky.' Despite this somewhat somber etymology, the name has evolved to be associated with more positive qualities. This spelling variant with 'ie' instead of 'y' adds a softer, more feminine touch to the traditional form. Mallorie gained popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality without being completely unfamiliar. The name carries a classic yet accessible feel, balancing tradition with contemporary style. Parents might be drawn to Mallorie for its gentle sound, slight uniqueness, and connection to medieval heritage.

Dannielle is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Danielle, which itself is the female form of Daniel. The name has Hebrew origins meaning "God is my judge." This particular spelling with double 'n' and double 'l' adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Dannielle emerged as a popular alternative spelling primarily in the late 20th century, offering a slightly more elaborate written form. The name carries a blend of strength and femininity, with a timeless quality that works well across different age groups. While not as common as the standard Danielle, this variant appeals to parents seeking something recognizable yet slightly unique. Dannielle shares the same friendly, approachable character of Danielle, making it versatile across professional and social settings.

Sounds more like a car than a baby name. Some sources related it to the English surname Carter, which would be more stylish these days.

Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth -- but it's now firmly established as a standalone. American parents can't seem to make up their mind about it though: it was one of 2013's fastest-rising names, entering the Top 200 for the first time since 2000, but then it tumbled again.

Ashlea is a feminine name representing a variation of Ashley, derived from Old English words meaning 'ash tree clearing' or 'meadow of ash trees.' This spelling variant emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought to feminize the increasingly unisex name Ashley. Ashlea peaked in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s but remains a distinctive alternative to the more common spelling. The name carries nature associations through its connection to ash trees, which were considered powerful and sacred in several ancient cultures. Ashlea blends traditional English naming heritage with a touch of modern personalization through its variant spelling.

The Ashlee variation of the megapopular 90s favorite Ashley is best-known as the name of Ashlee Simpson, younger sister of Jessica.

Noel, the French word for Christmas has been given to both boys and girls born on that holiday since the Middle Ages. For girls it's often spelled Noelle.

This form of the Biblical Rachel is well-used despite its somewhat counter-intuitive spelling which can make English speakers think the name should be pronounced with a k sound, as in Raquel. The spelling may be inspired by Michael, but it's pronounced just like Rachel, with a soft ch. Lately it's on the decline, dropping more than 100 places in 2009 and leaving the US Top 1000 in 2013.