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

Corbin, the name of the castle where the Holy Grail was said to be hidden, came to the fore in the 1980s via actor Corbin Bernsen when he was the high profile star of LA Law, but its use is only now escalating as part of the mania for two-syllable names starting with c or k, as well as from the more youthful image of Corbin Bleu, the attractive actor-model-dancer-singer who was one of the stars of the Disney hit High School Musical.

Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire, and a daring, spirited vibe. It's usually considered a Scottish surname, derived from the name Edgar, though other possibilities are that it derives from the place name, Adare, meaning "ford of oak trees" or from the Irish Darragh meaning "oak tree". In any of these cases, it is pronounced uh-DEHR.

Vale is part place name, part nature name -- a poetic term for a type of valley. Today Show coanchor Savannah Guthrie put Vale on the baby name map when she chose it for her daughter, but there's no reason the name can't work equally well for a boy. Vale might also be a short form for Valentine or a spelling variation of the city name Vail.

Phelan, pronounced FAY-lan or FEE-lan, is an appealing Irish surname name, with a rich history in Irish myth and religious and secular life. One bearer was a fiercely loyal follower of the legendary warrior Finn MacCool, another was a missionary saint.

Creative name whose only limitation is that it looks like it would be pronounced akin to Alicia and Elissa — although as a Biblical boys’ name, it is traditionally pronounced ee-LIE-shah.

A versatile name with many roots. Aran can simply be an alternative spelling of Aaron. The Aran Islands lie off Ireland's west coast, while the Aran Valley is a region of Catalonia bordering the Pyrenees mountains.

A beautiful Urdu name with a musical sound and a lovely celestial meaning. Sitara got a boost in 2022, potentially from the award-winning 2020 short film "Sitara: Let Girls Dream", bringing awareness to the issue of child marriage.

Averell is a masculine name of English origin, traditionally a surname derived from the Germanic name Eberhard, composed of elements meaning 'boar' and 'brave' or 'hardy.' As a first name, it carries an aristocratic, distinguished quality, perhaps most famously associated with American diplomat Averell Harriman. The name has a refined, somewhat serious tone while remaining accessible in pronunciation. Though uncommon, Averell has historical depth and provides an interesting alternative to more popular names like Avery or Everett. Its connection to bravery and strength through its etymology gives it substance, while its unusual status allows bearers to define it largely for themselves. The name suggests intelligence, diplomacy, and quiet strength—qualities that give it a timeless appeal.

Brander is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It could derive from Old Norse 'brandr' meaning 'sword' or 'fire,' or function as an occupational surname referring to someone who marked property with a branding iron. As a first name, Brander remains uncommon but carries strong, bold connotations. It has a contemporary sound despite ancient roots, fitting alongside modern names like Hunter or Ryder. The name projects strength and distinctiveness, with potential nicknames like Bran or Brand. Though rare in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in Scotland and Scandinavian regions. Brander appeals to parents seeking a masculine name that sounds established yet remains uncommon in most communities.