In an era with so many created, modern names, Aldrich oozes history and substance. But it is also fit for modern times, given its surname-as-name status and the nickname potential (Al, Richie, etc).

This name has it all - looks, brains, charms and an international sound that can go anywhere.

A Navajo nature name with a cool, fresh sound.

Akila, which can also be spelled Akilah, is a sleek, modern-feeling name with a strong meaning. Some sources say the name Akila may also be Egyptian or Swahili.

The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom is rarely heard outside India.

Similar to the Turkish name Bilge (Bil-jeh), which has the same meaning.

Just one letter separates Alohi from the famous Hawaiian greeting "aloha," but that one letter makes all the difference.

Some cutting-edge parents might revive Osbert as a substitute for Oscar. We like the "divinely brilliant" meaning. Cool or terminally nerdy? Your call.

Rafiki is a masculine name of Swahili origin meaning "friend" or "companion." The name gained significant recognition through the wise mandrill character in Disney's "The Lion King," who serves as a spiritual guide and advisor. This positive association has contributed to its appeal outside of East Africa. The name embodies qualities of wisdom, loyalty, and supportive friendship. While traditional in Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, Rafiki remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. Parents who choose this name often appreciate its meaningful definition, melodic sound, or cultural significance. Its distinctive character makes it stand out while still being relatively easy to pronounce across different languages.

Ugo is a familiar choice in Italy and France, where it is used as variation of Hugh or Hugo, but also in Nigeria, where it means "eagle" in Igbo.

If meaning were destiny, this would start a boy off on the right foot.

Nuha is an Arabic name meaning wise, and also a name from Semitic mythology of unknown origin, belonging to an ancient sun goddess.

Baby-naming rule #487: it's probably best to avoid names whose only possible nickname is Gun.

Beren is a gender-neutral name that's rare in the US, given last year to 20 baby boys and only five baby girls. But it's simple, distinctive, and yes, strong, plus it comes with an amazing nickname -- Berry.

A pretty Arabic possibility which would work well in many languages.

Most famously the name of the ancient Greek tragedian, who wrote the plays Electra, Antigone, and Oedipus Rex, among others. The name is still used in Greece today, in its modern form of Sofoklis. Sophocles is a unique and dramatic ancient choice for lovers of theatre.

Magee became one of the first gender-bending Irish surname names so popular today thanks to New York television newswoman Magee Hickey. In case you don't know, the g is hard, as in Maggie, but with the opposite emphasis.

One of the 99 names of Allah, according to Islamic tradition.

A li'l hell-raiser name in the Ryder-Rogue-Rebel vein.

The name of several legendary Danish kings, including one who declared universal peace.