Now that Kenji is rising up the ranks, it's only a matter of time before parents discover Renji. Renji Abarai is a character in the anime series Bleach, in which the kanji used for his name mean "second love" or "second romance."

Colorful middle name choice.

Despite its ancient sound and meaning, this is a relatively modern coinage from two ancient Norse elements. A strong and striking choice.

Russet has a lot of potential. It's a rustic word name, associated with homespun cloth, apples, and an earthy shade of reddish-brown. At the same time, it's similar enough to the likes of Russell, Ross, Bennet and Emmett that it doesn't sound too out of place. Surprisingly, however, it has never featured in the US charts — perhaps held back by its link to potatoes?

Rough and sporty, but too specific.

This handsome Japanese name has dozens of possible meanings, depending on the kanji characters used.

Rusten is a masculine name with varied possible origins. It may be a variant spelling of Ruston or Rustin, which developed from an English surname derived from place names combining 'rush' and 'town,' indicating a settlement where rushes grew. Alternatively, it could be connected to the Latin name Rusticus, meaning 'rural' or 'of the country.' The name has a rustic, earthy quality that appeals to parents seeking names with natural associations. While relatively uncommon in most English-speaking countries, Rusten has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more popular choices. The name projects strength and individualism, with a hint of ruggedness. Rusten works well across various stages of life, from childhood through adulthood.

An Arabic name borne by Ali al-Ridha, a 9th-century Shia imam.

An auspicious choice connected to dragons. English speakers will have difficulty pronouncing this name in Japanese — it's all one syllable, with barely any emphasis on the R sound.

The name of the sweet human baby in the film Ice Age, Roshan is a handsome Persian name that is the origin of the female name Roxanne, via its feminine form Roshanak.

Common Spanish surname that can work as a first.

Stricter than Peace or Justice.

Urdu form of the Arabic name Ridha.

This classic Robert nickname is starting to sound sweet again, along with ultra-retro Bobby.

In Maori and other Polynesian mythology Rangi or Ranginui was a god of the sky, husband of the earth goddess Papa or Papatuanuku. This strong and simple Māori name would make for a fresh celestial choice.

In 2020, Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden named their daughter Raddix Chloe Wildflower. They invented the name themselves, but radix is a Latin word meaning "root," giving it a nature and linguistics connection.

Cool and casual, a la humorist Ring (born Ringgold. ) Lardner.

This variation of Rostam might be more English-friendly given its resemblance to the familiar Russ or Russell.