Please Don't Name a Human This

Prime example of the aggressive word names that are an off-the-grid branch of the new macho names. Makes Cannon, Maverick, and Ranger feel almost soft and sensitive by comparison.

Name with connotations both mystical and tragic, newly popular in Europe. For English speakers, though, this name might be ruined by its homonym ruin.

Cedar is, like Ash, Oak, Pine and Ebony, one of the new tree/wood names that parents are starting to consider; this one is particularly aromatic.

An early day name worthy of consideration today for someone seeking a truly unusual name.

Dune is a name of several layers. It's a modern nature name, like Ocean, Bay and Reef, although rarer, conjuring up images of breezy sand dunes on summer beach days.

One of the aggressive new boys' names, ala Tracker and Heller, that have become fashionable among parents who are courting trouble.

Zsa Zsa is a zippy Hungarian nickname name, sometimes used independently, linked for decades with the Hungarian-born actress Zsa Zsa Gabor--who was born Sari.

When Australian actress Rachel Griffiths chose this highly unusual name for her son, many assumed it was a bizarre invention, but noted Australian poet and writer of Waltzing Matilda, Banjo Patterson, is known by this name. Sprightly and musical, it could blend in with Bruno, Benjamin and Joey.

World War II stamped a permanent verboten on Adolph.

Hyman was commonly used by first-generation Jewish immigrants to Anglicize Chaim, but similarities to terms like heinie and hymen have taken it out of the realm of modern possibility. The original Chaim would be preferable to Hyman.

An admirable meaning, with roots in a Germanic word meaning wisdom, but we fear it will never be detached from the hobbit hero of The Lord of the Rings.

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.

Fluttery and flighty. But there are a couple of names that mean butterfly you might consider, such as Yara and Farasha.

When actress Shannyn Sossamon dubbed her newborn Audio Science, it sent out some definite shock waves. We don't recommend Audio or Video for even the most intrepid baby namer.

You can call your daughter Sugar, but it's probably best to keep it as a term of endearment. For sweet names, you try Dulcie, Honey, Mitsu, Amai, Sherine, Melita, Eulalia, or Melina, but Sugar does work as a generic nickname.

Like Silver, a shimmering metallic color name, that may lean too dazzling for some, but more grounded for others, thanks to its similarity of Alden, Auden, Elden and Gordon. Given to 100 babies in a recent year, Golden is currently a gender neutral choice.

Wayman is primarily a surname that transitioned to use as a first name. It likely derives from the Middle English occupational term 'wayman,' referring to a traveler, wagon driver, or someone who worked on or maintained roads (from 'way' meaning road and 'man'). As a given name, Wayman has been documented in American records since at least the late 19th century, though it has always remained relatively uncommon. The name saw modest usage throughout the 20th century, particularly in the first half. Its transition from surname to given name follows a pattern common in American naming traditions, similar to names like Taylor or Cooper. Wayman has an old-fashioned, dignified quality typical of surname-derived given names, offering a connection to occupational heritage and tradition.

Mandolin may seem like an outlandish choice for a name, but since BANJO has been used as a baby name, all the instruments in the band seem to be auditioning for a place on birth certificates. This one comes with a real name nickname, MANDY.

Zakery represents a creative spelling variation of the traditional Zachary. With Hebrew origins, the name means 'remembered by God' or 'the Lord has remembered.' This alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while giving the name a distinctive visual character. Zachary has biblical roots, appearing in the New Testament, which contributes to its enduring popularity across generations. The variation Zakery emerged as parents sought ways to personalize this classic name while preserving its familiar sound and rich heritage. While less common than the traditional spelling, Zakery offers a modern twist on a timeless choice. The name conveys strength and reliability while the unique spelling adds a touch of individuality and contemporary style.