Final Choices

  1. Clint
    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Clinton
    • Description:

      As flinty and steely as Mr. Eastwood.
  2. Fox
    • Origin:

      Animal name
    • Description:

      Fox is one animal name backed by a longish tradition, and then popularized via the lead character Fox Mulder on X Files. Fox is simple, sleek, and a little bit wild, and could make an interesting middle name.
  3. Hendrix
    • Origin:

      Dutch and German, from first name Hendrik
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Hendrix is one of those hip rock and roll names, like Lennon, Jagger and Presley, that have been used by fellow celebs and others, to honor the seminal guitarist/singer/songwriter Jimi. And this one has the trendy 'x' ending, as well, helping to propel it up the charts and into the spotlight.
  4. Hunter
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "one who hunts"
    • Description:

      Hunter has been dropping a bit for the past few years but is still one of the leaders of a distinctive band of boys' names that combines macho imagery (Hunter, Austin, Harley) with a softened masculinity. Hunter was for years attached to gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson; Josh Holloway used it for his son.
  5. Jetter
    • Description:

      Jetter is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from occupational surnames referring to someone who cast items in metal (a variation of 'caster') or possibly related to 'jet' meaning 'to project' or 'to travel quickly.' As a first name, Jetter remains extremely rare, never having ranked in popular name charts in the United States. The name has a strong, active quality with associations of movement and dynamism through its connection to the word 'jet.' Its uncommon status makes it distinctive and memorable. Jetter combines a contemporary feel with potential historical connections to traditional occupational surnames. Parents might be drawn to this name for its energetic sound, unique quality, and subtle connection to themes of movement, travel, or craftsmanship.

  6. Killian
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "war strife or church"
    • Description:

      Killian – aka Cillian – is a spirited yet resonant Gaelic name that was borne by several Irish saints and could make a distinctive replacement for the dated Kelly. Kylian is another spelling that's gaining traction, thanks to French soccer star Kylian Mbappé. Possible downsides: an unsavory first syllable and a connection to the trendy brew.
  7. Phoenix
    • Origin:

      Arizona place-name and Greek
    • Meaning:

      "dark red"
    • Description:

      Effortlessly cool with a hint of the mystical, Phoenix rolls a lot of trends into one: it's a place-name and a bird name, it ends in the stylish letter x, it's got in-built nicknames, and it's unisex too. Familiar but not over-popular, Phoenix ranks in the US and UK Top 1000s.
  8. Rollin
    • Description:

      Rollin is a masculine name with multiple origins. It can be a variant of Roland, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'fame' and 'land,' or it can be derived from an Old French surname meaning 'little roll' or 'small land.' Used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, Rollin enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The name has an old-fashioned charm with connections to the American frontier era. While its usage declined significantly by the mid-20th century, Rollin maintains appeal for parents seeking a distinctive vintage name with a gentle rolling sound and historical depth.
  9. Vedder
    • Westley
      • Origin:

        Variation of Wesley
      • Meaning:

        "west meadow"
      • Description:

        This variation of Wesley moved into the Top 1000 among boys' names in the US in 2016, perhaps because it makes the name more Western, with the cowboy nickname West., or because parents have taken inspiration from the protagonist of the movie The Princess Bride.
    • Wylie
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "from Wylye"
      • Description:

        Wylie is a friendly, nonchalant rodeo name with an almost irresistible charm; parents may pick up on its pleasant similarity to the more popular, unisex Riley. Although more masculine, we see Wylie as working as well for boys and girls (Richard Anderson used it for his daughter in 1999). Wylie (or the interchangeable Wiley) can also be an original and authentic way to honor an ancestral William. We don't, however, recommend you spell the name the way Corey Parker did: Wylei. Why lay?
    • Zephyr
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "west wind"
      • Description:

        If you're looking for a name that's light and breezy, this could be it. A name from mythology: Zephyrus/Zephyr was the Greek god of the west wind, and with its similarity in sound to the likes of Stefan or Seth, its zippy Z initial and cool Y, it is primed to rise up the US charts.