This name of a touristed island in sight of Los Angeles makes an attractive and newly stylish variation on the classic Catherine or overused Caitlin.

For a single-syllable Latino surname, this new popular kid on the block packs a lot of energy and charm and is one of the most stylish Spanish names for boys in general use today. Victoria and David Beckham named their third son Cruz, following Brooklyn and Romeo, and it was also picked up on by tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for his son. Other parents may prize its Christian associations.

Carmen has long been associated with the sensuous, tragic heroine of Bizet's opera, based on a novel by Prosper Merimee; more recently it has called to mind two other bombshells: Carmen Miranda (born Maria) and Carmen Electra (born Tara), as well as the great jazz singer Carmen McRae. In the celebrity baby name world, this classic Spanish name for girls was used by Hilaria and Alec Baldwin for their oldest daughter.

Carlos is the Spanish and Portuguese variation of Charles, which has been used in solid numbers in the US for as long as data has been kept. Carlos has never fallen out of the Top 600, but peaked from the 70s-early 2000s. Today Carlos is still within the Top 200. Notable namesakes include musician Santana, writers Fuentes and Castaneda, and numerous athletes. Carlos Irwin Estevez is the birth name of Charlie Sheen.

Cristina is one case where the streamlined version feels more alluring. Cristina is found more often than Christina in many European countries and cultures, including Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking Latin and South America.

While the variation Carmine is more familiar for boys, Carmen has also been used as a masculine name; consider the very macho Carmen Basilio — the American boxer famous for defeating the great Sugar Ray Robinson — or composer Carmen Dragon.

Spanish and Italian forms Carmelo and Carmello are also quite popular in the US, with Carmelo ranking in the Top 1000.

A short, snappy name of Choctaw origin, with a charming meaning, Chito might also be used in Georgian where it means "bird", and as a Filipino and Spanish short form and pet name.

Checo is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, most commonly used as a familiar diminutive of Sergio or Francisco. In Mexico and parts of Central America, it enjoys recognition as both a nickname and standalone name. The name has a friendly, approachable quality with its short, rhythmic sound pattern. Checo gained international visibility through Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, helping to introduce the name to a global audience. While not among the most common Spanish names, Checo offers cultural authenticity with a contemporary feel. It appeals to parents seeking a name with Latin roots that combines traditional origins with a modern, distinctive character.

An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French and English classic Charles, it is ultimately derived from the Latin Carolus and the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man".

Cayo is a rare and rhythmic Spanish name, all but unknown in the English-speaking world, that would make a lively choice.

Carmelo is a well-used Hispanic name associated with Mt. Carmel, home of the prophet Elijah and the location of the convent for the order of Carmelites. Carmelo is also a saint's name and — in modern times — tied to basketball player Carmelo Anthony.

We are hearing more of such heavenly names as Celeste and Celia, which opens the door to the range of lovely variations rarely heard before. Celestina is one of them, though given the more accessible options, it may be gilding the lily.

Chia is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Italian, it's a diminutive of Lucia, meaning "light." In Chinese, depending on the character used, it can mean "good" or "beautiful." The name also appears in Taiwanese aboriginal languages and Spanish dialects. Beyond its multicultural presence, Chia has gained contemporary recognition through the health food chia seeds, adding associations with wellness and vitality. Pronounced "KEE-ah" or "CHEE-ah" depending on cultural context, this short, sweet name has a modern appeal with ancient roots. Despite not being among the most popular names internationally, Chia's brevity, pleasant sound, and positive meanings make it an attractive choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible.

Chilo is a masculine name with Latin and Greek roots, where 'chilo' means 'lip' or relates to having full lips. In ancient Greece, 'Chilon' was a renowned Spartan philosopher, one of the Seven Wise Men. The name remains relatively uncommon in modern usage, maintaining a sense of classical distinction. In some Hispanic communities, it may appear as a diminutive form of names like Francisco or variations of other traditional names. Chilo carries an air of scholarly wisdom and classical heritage, making it an interesting choice for parents seeking a name with historical depth yet relative uniqueness.

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.

A more romantic form of old school Clement, which ranks in the Top 100 boy names in Chile. Clemente, like Clement, derives from the Late Latin name Clemens, the name of 14 popes and several saints.

Canyon is a unique baby name evocative of natural splendor and the old Steve Canyon comic-strip heroism, making it an intriguing new word-name possibility.

Shortening Francisco somehow makes it sound even cooler. Cisco is also the name of a digital security company.

Carlota is the preferred version of Charlotte in Spain and Portugal, each where it ranks among the Top 50 most popular girl names. Carlotta, with two Ts, is the Italian spelling.