Booming B names!

One of several blunt B names just this side of the gender divide. While its short and to-the-point sound may feel modern, it has been declining steadily since the 1980s.

The currently preferred replacement for Becky, sometimes used on its own.

Bardot joined the first and last names of other glamour girl icons such as (Jean) Harlow when David Boreanaz chose the surname of '50s French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot for his daughter. Bardot debuted in the US charts in 2022.

Out-of-the-way place name (it's an antiquated holiday spot on England's south coast) that might make a brilliant choice. Actor/director Jon Favreau named his daughter Brighton Rose.

Rockers Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz put a new baby name on the map when they chose this downscale New York borough name for their son. The Bronx, the place, was named for early Dutch settler Jonas Bronck. Might Bronx become the next Brooklyn? We'd be surprised if it did.

Bale is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from Old English where it referred to a rounded bundle or package, or from Welsh origins where it relates to a hillside or incline. The name has gained some recognition through association with notable figures like actor Christian Bale. Its simple, strong structure with one syllable gives it a bold, straightforward quality. In some Nordic traditions, similar names have connections to bravery or strength. While never extremely common as a first name, Bale has seen occasional usage across English-speaking countries. The name's brevity and strong consonant sounds contribute to its masculine feel, making it attractive to parents seeking something short, distinctive, and impactful.

Name hovering near the bottom of the Top 1000 that may move higher with the fashion for two-syllable surnames. You could do worse...but you probably could also do better.

Brisk but rather brittle. Britt Eklund was a Bond Girl in the 1974 The Man with the Golden Gun. Britt is a contracted form of Birgit, but be aware that it does come with the strong possibility of being confused with Bret/Brett—or as a shortening of Brittany.

A rarely used Biblical place-name with a soft and pleasant sound.

One of the rare cases where spelling a name with a y makes it less rather than more feminine. Birdie might be the freshest choice in this aviary.

Batsheba is a feminine name derived from the Biblical Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah who later became the wife of King David and mother of Solomon. The original Hebrew name בַּת־שֶׁבַע (bat-sheva) means 'daughter of the oath' or 'seventh daughter.' This variation with the spelling Batsheba is quite rare compared to the more traditional Bathsheba. The name carries rich historical and religious significance from the Old Testament story, though the biblical character's narrative involves controversy as King David's relationship with her began illicitly. Despite its beautiful meaning and melodious sound, the name remains uncommon in contemporary use, perhaps due to its strong biblical associations and the complex legacy of its namesake.