Intriguing, when seen as a water name a la River and Ocean; less appropriate if used as a reference to the Creek tribe of Native Americans. Other downsides are its resemblance to creak, as in creaky bones or floorboards, and to unappealing words like creep and reak.

So sweet it makes our teeth hurt. It has appeared in the US Top 1000 every year since 2006, though it dropped a significant 136 places from 2014 to 2015, and kept dropping to Number 974 in 2016.

Curito is a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins, functioning as a diminutive form with the affectionate suffix "-ito." It likely derives from names like Curro (a nickname for Francisco) or possibly from regional Spanish terms. The name has a warm, friendly quality with its soft consonants and melodic flow. Curito carries cultural connections to Iberian and Latin American heritage, reflecting the tradition of affectionate nicknames becoming formal names. While not widely used outside Spanish-speaking communities, it maintains a presence in regions with strong Hispanic cultural influence. The name's distinctive character makes it stand out while still being pronounceable to most. Curito might appeal to parents seeking a name with Latin warmth and cultural specificity without being overly common.

Sweeping, romantic overtones.

A commanding word name that feels occupational like Miller, Palmer, and Shepherd, while also fitting in with ambitious choices like Legend, King, Major, Maverick, and Saint. Referring to someone who takes the lead and holds influence and responsibility, Captain has links to team sports, the military, seafaring, superheroes, and the police.

A nickname-name made famous by the uni-named Spanish singer Charo, whose full name was María del Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Gutiérrez de los Perales Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Hinojosa Rasten.

With word names increasingly acceptable or even desirable, this Spanish word for heart, brought to the fore by Philippine president Corazon Aquino, may find more takers.

Crisanta, while not related to Christine, would make a pretty and highly unusual alternative to that tried-and-true name. Because of its relationship to the chrysanthemum, the flower of the month of November, it's one of the recommended names for Scorpio babies as well as names for November babies. Crisanta might also give you a fresh route to nicknames like Cris, Crissy, or Cristie.

The jazziest nickname for Charles.

Curro is a masculine Spanish name primarily used in Andalusia, southern Spain. It originated as a diminutive or nickname for Francisco, much like 'Frank' or 'Frankie' in English. The name carries cultural significance in Spanish communities, particularly associated with flamenco culture and bullfighting traditions. Despite its limited use outside Spanish-speaking regions, Curro conveys a strong cultural identity and masculine energy. The name has a rhythmic, rolling sound that reflects its Hispanic roots. While not widely used internationally, Curro maintains steady popularity in specific Spanish regions, particularly among families with strong cultural ties to Andalusian traditions.

French saintly name, used for both boys and girls. Although not common in France, it has been used in small numbers for boys in the 2010s and 2020s. Candide, in its sense as the French word for "naive", was the title character of a satirical novel by Voltaire.

As surname names for girls become more popular, we could see Catesby catching on among style-conscious parents. Bonus: it easily shortens to the girlish nickname Cate.

Clemmy is a masculine name that functions as a diminutive form of Clement or Clementine, though it can be used for any gender. The name Clement derives from the Latin 'clemens' meaning 'merciful' or 'gentle.' Clemmy carries a friendly, approachable quality with its playful -y ending. Historically used as a nickname in Britain, it has occasionally stood as an independent given name. The name has a vintage charm that aligns with the trend of reviving older diminutive forms. Clemmy remains uncommon, making it distinctive while still having recognizable roots. For boys, it offers a softer alternative to more formal versions while maintaining masculine naming traditions.

A Pam for the modern age, improved by a harder edge and a tad less prissiness.

This is a big name, both in heritage and sound. On the right child, this could be inspired, but others may shrink from all the connotations. While your preferred nickname for this option might be Col (or Kit if you're connecting it to Christopher Columbus), you may end up with the slightly more cumbersome "Bus" as the short-form.

Chardonnay's twin sister.

An appealing surname-name that sounds perfectly feminine, unless you consider the association to Vice President Dick.