With international flair and elegance, Sebastian is a saintly, Shakespearean and Disney-inspired choice: refined, classic-yet-unconventional, and totally in tune with other popular choices like Theodore, Oliver, and Alexander. Recent data has seen it rank in the Top 20 in the US, while across the globe it sits in the Top 100 in England and Wales, Czechia, The Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Austria, Norway, and Puerto Rico.

Jaxon has been mostly climbing in popularity since it entered the Top 1000 in 1997, proving that many parents have decided to rev up the cool factor of Jackson by giving it this streamlined spelling. (Though we still prefer the original.)

One of several phonetic spellings of Jackson moving up the charts, Jaxson entered the Top 100 in 2013 and has remained there since. It's also picking up steam in England and Wales.. Actor Eric Mabius used it as his son Rylan's middle name.

Crew is yet another word name that was added to the baby name lexicon when this one was chosen by The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow for his son. It debuted on the Top 1000 in 2010. We've also heard spelling variations Cru and Crue.

With the popular 'ash' sound and a contemporary feel, Cash is a widely used name in the US. Used occasionally before the 2000s, Cash really took off in 2003, following the death of American musical legend, Johnny Cash.

With its cool -X ending, Jax is an update on the classic nickname Jack, likely inspired by the rise of Jackson. It garnered attention in the US thanks to the game, Mortal Kombat II back in the '90s, and was pushed up the charts when it was used in the show Sons of Anarchy, in which Jackson "Jax" Teller is the central character.

Reminiscent of Puritan and Pilgrim name choices, Sincere is a relatively modern virtue name that has been in the US Top 1000 since the 2000s.

Cato conjures up images of ancient Roman statesmen and southern antebellum retainers; it could have revival potential, with its 'O' ending and the current interest in the names of Greek and Roman antiquity.

Like Harbor, one of the new generation of word names with appealing meanings, though (female) memoirist Haven Kimmel has tipped it decidedly toward the girls' side.

The Forest variation of Forrest, used by actor Whitaker, nudges the meaning more toward the woods and away from the woodsman.

Reign is one of a new, ahem, kingdom of word names that suggest a high-born child, joining Royal, Lorde, Titan, Saint, King, Princess, and Noble. We predicted this kind of defining name to be the Number 1 baby name trend of 2015...two weeks before Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick named their third child, a boy, Reign.

As Tyler has begun to recede, a number of parents, including the Wayne Gretzkys, have cut straight to the livelier short form.

Mykel is a contemporary variation of Michael, offering a phonetic and streamlined spelling of this classic masculine name. While Michael derives from Hebrew meaning 'who is like God,' Mykel preserves this meaningful heritage while presenting a more modern appearance. This spelling variation emerged primarily in the late 20th century as parents sought distinctive alternatives to traditional spellings. Though less common than the original, Mykel has gained modest usage, particularly in North America. The name maintains the strong, approachable quality of Michael while adding a touch of uniqueness. Its simplified spelling reflects modern naming trends that favor phonetic spellings, making it appealing to parents who appreciate the classic name's history but desire a more distinctive presentation.

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.

This number name first came to public attention when Erykah Badu and Andre 3000 chose if for their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, born in 1997. Over a decade later, David and Victoria Beckham used it as their daughter's middle name, and now in these days of unisex word names, it's rising for both sexes. It's certainly one of the most name-like numbers: after all, it's only a letter away from Steven.

Encarnacion is a profound masculine name with Spanish and Latin roots, literally meaning 'incarnation' or 'embodiment.' Historically, it has strong religious connotations in Catholic cultures, referring to the incarnation of Christ and often given to boys born around Christmas. The name carries spiritual depth and cultural significance, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and communities. While less common in English-speaking regions, Encarnacion maintains popularity in Hispanic families honoring traditional naming customs. Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but the name's rich heritage and meaningful etymology give it a timeless quality that transcends trends.

Kenyon is a very engaging British surname name, the middle y giving it a kind of southwestern canyonesque undertone.

Pronounced KAY-nan, this Old Testament place name has a strong modern feel that blends in with on-trend choices like Carter, Colton, and Kayson, but also with Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Tobias. Associated in the Bible with "The Promised Land", it is also the name of one of Noah's grandsons.

Kardashian style transforms many traditional C names to Ks, and this is a kase in point.

Dash is a nickname that can stand on its own and sounds, well, dashing. Connected these days with Kardashian enterprises.