Hudson has risen quickly up the charts over the past 30 years, getting a lot of its style value from New York's Hudson River. That makes it a nature name and a place name that's also got the fashion gloss of New York City.

Landon is a popular surname name; it's been dropping slightly in recent years but has surpassed its once more popular rhyming cousin Brandon. For some it may bring back nostalgic memories of Little House on the Prairie 's understanding Pa, played by Michael Landon.

Sasha in all its forms -- which include Sacha and Sascha -- is rising in popularity for both boys and girls. Its most prominent current bearer with this spelling is Sacha Baron Cohen.

A simple one-syllable name that has been on the popularity list since the mid-1980s, Drake is most associated today with the single-named rapper (born Aubrey). The name peaked at Number 197 in 2010 and has since been on a slow decline, but it still can be counted among the stylish contemporary boy names starting with D.

A surname name that can transition to first -- it entered the Top 1000 in 1980 and is now firmly in the Top 100. Actress NeNe Leakes chose it for her son. R&B singer Bryson Tiller's popularity may have played a part in accelerating Bryson's rise.

With Brooklyn, Trenton, and Camden on the rise, Harlem is one to watch out for. It has lingered down the lower end of the US Top 1000 since 2018 but has been trending upwards. It's already been picked by one celebrity, and it certainly has a stronger historical and cultural identity -- and it could work as an alternative to Harvey or Harley.

Caen is a masculine name derived from the Norman city in northwestern France, known for its historical significance including its role in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. The name has Celtic origins, possibly meaning 'battlefield' or relating to the ancient settlement. As a personal name, Caen offers a sophisticated European flair with a simple, strong one-syllable pronunciation (similar to 'can' or sometimes 'kahn'). While relatively uncommon as a first name internationally, it has appeal for parents seeking names with historical or geographical significance. The name carries an understated elegance and cultural depth, particularly attractive to those with French heritage or connection to Normandy. Its brevity and straightforward spelling make it accessible despite its uncommon usage.