One of the most enduring French names, this form of John has been borne by philosophers (Rousseau and Sartre), artists (Millet, Arp) and fashion designers (Gaultier) alike. Often used in a double name with the likes of Pierre, Paul, and Luc, it is a classic in its native country,

Short and zippy, Ru may be familiar as a nickname for the likes of Ruby or Ruth, though more recently, it could has been considered as a concise and trendy variant to word name Rue (see Blu or Tru). From its Chinese roots, it is a standalone choice meaning "scholar, learner", though other interpretations can be "as if", and "magnolia".

With Levi in vogue and country names on trend, Denim could fit in among the Waylons, Walkers, Coltons, and Rhetts. As a boys name, it brings to mind the qualities of the fabric: hardworking, cool and versatile. Singer Toni Braxton chose this name for her son in 2001, and parents have been using it for boys and girls ever since.

Indiana is one of those place-names (think Camden and Trenton) that sounds cooler than the place that inspired it. Its fashionable -ana ending certainly sounds eminently name-like, and Indie/Indy/Indi is one of the hottest nickname names for girls right now.

Though long associated with the iconic male fashion designer -- who went by his middle name alone -- rising young actress Halston Sage has made Halston feel plausible as a girls' name too.

A unisex Hebrew name sometimes given in Israel to kids born under the goat sign of Capricorn; it's also spelled Yael/Ya'el.

Poet is a new entry in both the trendy word and occupational categories as well as a member of the growing group of gender neutral names. A handful of baby boys received the name in the US last year. A perfect choice, especially in the middle, for the child of writers or those with a poetic bent. And Po is an adorable nickname for either gender.

Conley has a contemporary surname feel but is actually vintage in its usage. It was used as a masculine given name through the 1940s and peaked in 1905 at Number 709. Ready for revival? Definitely.

As surname Lane becomes more popular, so too does this variant. Regardless, it does create the possibility for spelling confusion.

An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian added this new word name to the lexicon when they chose it for their second son and fourth child in 2019. It is now 7 times more popular than it was then, given to 120 boys and 40 girls in a recent year.

This more elaborate but not unfamiliar spelling of Riley feels oddly more feminine. Designer and Beatle daughter Stella McCartney has a daughter named Reilley. Still, Reilly or more common Riley is one name that's remained popular for both boys and girls.

Diamond sparkled all through the nineties--reaching as high as Number 150 in 1999. Although its shine has diminished quite a bit, it remains in use.

Baylen is a modern masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from the Old French "baillen" meaning "one who lives in a bailiff's jurisdiction," or function as a variant of Baylor (of English origin meaning "one who delivers goods"). Some consider it a creative modern blend of popular elements like "Bay" and the masculine suffix "-len." The name gained modest attention in American naming trends during the early 2000s, particularly after NFL quarterback Drew Brees chose it for his son in 2008. Baylen appeals to parents seeking a contemporary name with a soft yet masculine quality. Its distinctive sound and spelling provide uniqueness without extreme unconventionality, making it accessible while still standing out.

Carlisle may be a male name in Twilight (he's vampire hero Edward's adoptive father), but in the real baby naming world, it's used about a quarter of the time for girls. Unusual now, we think Carlisle (or Carlyle) has the potential to be the next Carter.

More common -- when it was common -- with the Meyer spelling.

Though this is a popular name for men in the Bible, today it's used with this spelling for nearly equal numbers of girls and boys. The Azaria variation is much more often given to girls.

With the stylish Ro- sound of Rowan, Ronan, and Roman, with the surname style of Brody, Banks, and Brooks, Rowe is a succinct, one syllable name to watch out for. A variation of Rowan or Roland, it may also be an English last name referring to a row of hedges or houses.

Brother for Heaven or Nevaeh.

Overly trendy western place-name, as stated in the title of our book Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana.