Merce Cunningham (born with the French version Mercier) was a highly influential avant garde dancer-choreographer and his name still resonates with an aura of bold originality.  

The name Parson might have seemed ridiculous even a few years ago, but when Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe named their son Deacon, they opened up a whole new field of ecclesiastical cool. Bishop, Priest, and Pastor are other possibilities.

Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.

Runyon is an Irish surname with considerable flair; some will connect it with Guys and Dolls writer Damon Runyon.

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

The lead character of the Oscar-nominated 2016 film "Kubo and the Two Strings" lives in Edo-period Japan, but his name is more often heard as a surname in Japan. Still, fans of the animated movie may want to consider it.

A surname style choice with a gentle yet rugged feel.

A definite improvement over the English Humbert, Umberto has nevertheless been rarely heard outside the Italian community.

The name of several minor characters in the Old Testament, including a leader of the Tribe of Simeon and a priest involved in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, Elioenai is a rare Biblical choice.

Down-to-earth surname name with a drawl, also associated with cereal and dog food.

One of the simplest, most down-to-earth yet evocative of the word names, which could work — especially as a middle.

nature namesare in, and even fish names like Pike and Salmon are open for consideration.

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.

This Grayson-soundalike has a long and distinguished pedigree, having belonged to both a Roman emperor and a 4th century Catholic saint who founded the see of Tours in central France. It would make a fabulous namesake for an important Grace in the family.

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.

Bristow is a distinctive masculine name with English origins, derived from an Old English surname and place name meaning 'place by the bridge.' With its strong consonant sounds and crisp ending, Bristow conveys a sense of strength and classic British heritage. The name has historical connections to several locations in England, most notably Bristol, which developed from similar linguistic roots. As a first name, Bristow remains quite rare, appealing to parents drawn to uncommon surname-as-first-name options with genuine historical roots. Its rarity combines with its straightforward pronunciation to create a name that's both distinctive and accessible.

Padgett is a last name turned first name, from the occupational term for a page or attendant. No babies of either sex were given the name in the US last year.

Charismatic surname name borne by French explorer, conservationist, scientist, inventor and author Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who devoted his life to the study of the sea and all forms of life in water.