By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 334 pages
of 334
French
"little hawk"
Associated for half a century with Marlon Brando, who inherited the French-inflected name from his father, Marlon has been especially well used by African-Americans, including the Jackson and Wayans…
English
"works with a lathe"
Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more…
Irish
"holly tree"
Cullen is an appealing Irish surname name that upped its cool factor considerably when it became the Twilight family name of Edward et al. It's considerably less popular than it was at its peak in…
Scottish
"dark warrior"
Duncan is jaunty, confident, and open, a Scottish royal name that's brimming with friendly charm and makes it into our golden circle of names that are neither too popular nor too strange. Popularity…
Spelling variation of Landon
This creative spelling variation of Landon is widely used but still lags far behind the original.
Latin
"light"
Lucius is an old Roman clan name that has lots of religious and literary resonance, yet is still vital today. It was the name of three popes, appears in several Shakespeare plays, and, like all the…
Sanskrit
"knowledge"
Atharv is one of the names of Lord Ganesh of the Hindu religion, and of the eldest son of Brahma.
"little great one"
Darren and wife Sharon shop for fifties memorabilia on eBay. The Connecticut place-name Darien might offer an update.
Eritrean and Ethiopian variation of Jeremiah
"God will exalt"
The given name of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, Ermias is a form of Jeremiah used in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It leapt into the charts in 2019 after the rapper's death, but has declined in use since…
"wide valley"
One of the trendiest of the new two-syllable boys’ names that have swept the country in the past few years, including the rhyming Aidan, Caden, Kaden, and Jaden. It's been falling on the US Top 1000…
Welsh
"small"
Vaughn, also commonly spelled Vaughan, has been used quietly over the years, reaching a peak of Number 349 in 1949. It is now in the process of rediscovery, being seen as a good Sean alternative or…
French variation of Adrian, Latin
"man of Adria"
This spelling variation of Adrian was popular in France and Belgium during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, peaking in 1991 when it reached the Top 20 in France. While it has since declined in use, it…
"scribe"
Booker would make for a very cool name, for writers, reformers, R & B fans and those wanting to pay tribute to Booker T. Washington. Booker T. Washington, born into enslavement, became a dominant…
Cornish
"from the high stronghold"
This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who…
German variation of Cillian, Irish
"war strife; church"
This German spelling of the classic Irish Cillian is heard throughout Europe — it's a popular choice in France as well.
Eythan is a modern variation of the traditional Hebrew name Ethan, which means 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'enduring.' This alternative spelling maintains the original pronunciation while giving the name a…
Spelling variation of Corbin, Latin "Crow"
"Crow"
We all know K is a very trendy letter right now, but what was wrong with Corbin?
Scandinavian, Finnish, and Breton form of Michael
"who is like God?"
This variation of Michael is very popular in Iceland and Puerto Rico, but has only made the cut for the US Top 1000 two separate years —2016 and 2023. Angel-esque boy names ending in L trended…
English surname, elaboration of Max, Latin,"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"
"Maccas's homestead; greatest town"
Maxton is a new member of the ever-expanding Max clan of baby names, hitting the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2011. It joined newfangled Maxon and stylish cousin Paxton, though it did drop out…
"steel"
This steely surname has a macho image that might feel more appropriate for a romance novel than a baby. But on the upside, it's also sleek and modern, familiar yet unusual, given to only around 100…
