By Linda Rosenkrantz

A large percentage of parents-to-be are looking for a name that is instantly recognizable yet distinctive, especially appealing and yet not overly popular—aka a sweet-spot name.  Well, a readymade place to look for names that fit that perfect fitting in/standing out trope is in the very lower depths of the Social Security popularity list.  We’ve found 50 boy names that measure up—a mix of vintage faves, international possibilities and a few surprising word, place and nicknames. All of them were given to fewer than 300 baby boys across the country last year.

Would you pick any of these? What’s your idea of a great sweet-spot boy name?

Stay tuned for the girl version coming soon.