William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days, it's the middle name of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James and the first name of writer Collins. While Wilkie could make an adorable short form for a little boy, we'd recommend a more substantial full name such as, well, William.

All the Fitz names are hard to carry, but this one has a wonderful meaning and might be a good middle name choice to honor a brilliant lineage.

Irvine is a masculine name derived from a Scottish place name and surname, ultimately from Celtic origins meaning 'green water' or 'fresh water,' referring to the River Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland. As a first name, Irvine gained modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in Scottish communities and among those with Scottish heritage. Notable bearers include American author Irvine Welsh and basketball hall-of-famer Irvine Clifton Turner, lending the name cultural resonance. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, Irvine maintains appeal as a distinguished name with clear geographic roots. It offers parents a distinctive option with authentic Scottish heritage while avoiding the more common Celtic names. The name carries connotations of natural beauty and freshness through its water-related meaning.

Early is a word-turned-name, pleasantly suggesting the start of a bright new day. Of the new word and day names, Early is one of the best.

Brought into the mainstream by actor and TV host LeVar Burton who starred in the 70s miniseries Roots and in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Levar, or LeVar as it may be stylized, is a name of African American origin, also used as an English surname.

The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.

Just the kind of old-fashioned nickname coming back into style.

A Hollywood agent created the name Tab Hunter and poof -- the former Arthur Gelien became a fifties teen idol. We don't advise trying this at home.

Appealing short form of the stuffy Cleveland, occasionally used on its own.

A surname style choice with a gentle yet rugged feel.

An archaic French name, notably borne by Alcee Hastings, an American politician and judge. Also spelled Alcée, the name appears in a name of Kate Chopin's novels, including The Awakening.

If you find Grover too fusty and furry, this is a much cooler-sounding alternative.

Associated all through the swing years with bandleader brothers Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.

Laid-back and humble, with a distinctive down-home charm.

Bas is a fashionable name in its own right in the Netherlands, where it's been in the Top 10. Used throughout Europe, it may have a future here as a straightforward-but-charming nickname name. Baz is another, similar and more appealing possibility.

Bardon is a masculine name likely derived from an English surname, which itself originated from place names combining the Old English elements 'bere' (barley) and 'dun' (hill), meaning 'barley hill.' It may also have connections to the Irish name Bardán, a diminutive of 'bard' (poet). The name carries connotations of strength and creative expression through these potential origins. Bardon has never been among popular given names in the United States and remains uncommon. Its strong consonants and straightforward pronunciation give it a solid, dependable quality while still being distinctive. The name might appeal to parents seeking something with historical roots that remains rarely used in contemporary naming.

Arcadia was a region of Ancient Greece that is now associated with a simple rustic life (way before Cottagecore was a thing). That means this name is not just long and lyrical, but also has a warm pastoral charm.

Great Irish middle name choice for Shakespeare lovers.

Averill is an ancient name, most properly spelled Averil, that has a Boston Brahmin air – probably due to the image of statesman Averill Harriman. It's of the rare English surname names that originally derived from a female given name: Eoforhild (Everild), meaning "boar battle".

Equally strong, dramatic and romantic, this name of an old kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula and a modern Spanish community as well, would give a boy an instant pedigree.