Banana is one fruity name we wouldn't recommend. Pick Plum instead. There is a Japanese novelist whose pen name is Banana Yoshimoto--birth name Mahoko.

Bamboo is a plant name that you might want to save for the zoo's name-the-panda contest. It was used for a starbaby in 2000, though, the rapper Big Boi.

Popular for pets, not baby boys.

Sprightly and engaging nickname for human, full name for pet. Author Jojo Moyes and dancer/singer Jojo Sliwa have propelled the name into the public eye.

Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose birth certificates are not filled out on time are given generic placeholders for registration, such as Infant, Unknown, or Baby. But more influential during this decade was the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing, starring Jennifer Grey as Frances "Baby" Houseman. It's the origin of the famed line, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner."

Lissy may be this generation's answer to Missy. It's rare to see Lissy on a birth certificate, but if you pay attention, you may notice it as a nickname for names such as the classic Elizabeth or hot traditional choice Felicity.

Short for Waverly or a fresh twist on Navy, Wavy is a quirky and interesting new word name option.

Friendly but flimsy.

Aromatic spice used in cooking, and a cute route to Meg, Nutmeg is predominantly used on pets rather than humans.

Hubie is primarily a masculine name functioning as a diminutive form of Hubert, which comes from Germanic origins meaning 'bright heart' or 'bright mind.' This friendly, approachable nickname has an inherently casual and affectionate quality. While Hubert has historical significance—having been borne by several saints and European nobility—Hubie represents its more playful, informal cousin. The name peaked in familiarity mid-20th century but has since become uncommon. Many may recognize it from the Adam Sandler character Hubie Dubois in 'Hubie Halloween.' Though rarely used as a legal given name, Hubie maintains a charm that evokes mid-century Americana and carries a warm, unpretentious character that some parents might find appealing for its vintage feel and friendly sound.

Dora's monkey best friend, and possibly the name of your cat.

Most likely to be borne by a spotted cat or dog.

A snug word name that may appeal to hygge-minded parents. It reappeared on the US charts in both 2020 and 2022 after a gap of 55 years. It can be short for Cosima or Cosette/Cozette.

A rarely used word name that could be unexpected route to nicknames Bonnie and Betty.

A common name for cats with boot-like markings on their feet. In the same vein: Mittens, Socks.

Peppy is undeniably cute, but we bet that after a while the jokes aren't.