Current Obsessions - Boys

Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire. It's a Scottish surname which came from the first name Edgar.

Ash has Southern charm plus the arboreal-nature appeal. Plus your little boy will prize Ash as the name of the hero of the Pokemon cartoons. Ash can also be a dashing short form of Asher, Ashton, or any other "Ash" name.

In Spanish cultures, and spelled either Bastian or Bastien, this is a fairly common nickname name. The German fantasy children's book The Neverending Story features a young boy character called Bastian Balthlazar Bux, and it has also been seen in several screen versions.

Caius is classical and serious but also has a simple, joyful quality. There was a third century pope named Caius, as well as an early Christian writer, several Shakespearean characters, and a Twilight vampire. We would pronounce the name to rhyme with eye-us though at Cambridge University in England, where it's the name of a college, it's pronounced keys.

Calix is once-obscure name that is starting to see some use in the US, where 47 baby boys were named Calix in 2023. An indirect influence is the actress Calista Flockhart, who introduced Americans to the female version of this attractive Greek name to prominence.

Callum, a charming Scottish name high on the list in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is rising through the ranks in the US now too. And it comes complete with the easy nickname Cal.

Casimir, a traditional name of Polish kings, could do quite well these days as we see the rise of Caspian, Cassius, Castiel, et. al. Like Leopold and Laszlo, Casimir is strong and worth considering if you've got an adventurous streak — and bet your son will too.

Casmir is a masculine name representing a variant spelling of Casimir, which has Polish and Slavic origins. Derived from the elements 'kazi' meaning 'destroyer' and 'mir' meaning 'peace' or 'world,' it paradoxically translates to 'destroyer of peace' or 'announces peace.' The name has royal historical connections, borne by several Polish kings and saints including Saint Casimir, patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. While less common than the traditional spelling Casimir, the streamlined version Casmir maintains the name's strong, dignified character while appearing slightly more modern. The name has modest usage in Poland, Eastern Europe, and among Polish diaspora communities, appealing to parents seeking names with Slavic heritage and historical depth.

Forget the oil. It's one of the twins that make up the constellation Gemini, and a mythological name on the cutting-edge of fashion; used by Metallica's James Hetfield.

Caton is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old English 'catt' meaning 'cat,' possibly originating as a nickname for someone with cat-like qualities. Alternatively, it could be related to the ancient Roman name Cato, meaning 'wise' or 'skilled,' associated with several important Roman statesmen. As a surname, Caton has roots in various regions of England. The name has a strong, concise sound with historical undertones yet feels fresh and distinctive in modern usage. While never widely popular as a first name, Caton has appeal for parents seeking something unusual with solid historical foundations. Its brief two-syllable structure and familiar consonant sounds make it accessible despite its rarity. In contemporary naming, Caton offers a balance of uniqueness and substance.

The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Grey/Gray is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative—if slightly somber—choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney named their son Leo Grey.

Ianto is a lively and unique spin on John, possible familiar to American sci-fi fans via the popular character on Torchwood.

Kasimir is a masculine name of Slavic origin, specifically from Polish and Russian traditions. Derived from the elements 'kazi' (destroy) and 'mir' (peace or world), it paradoxically means 'destroyer of peace' or 'one who establishes peace.' The name has royal connections, borne by several Polish kings and saints. The alternative spelling Casimir is also common. Though relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Kasimir offers a distinctive option with historical depth. The name carries an air of nobility and strength, and may appeal to parents with Eastern European heritage or those seeking a unique yet historically grounded name with a powerful meaning.

Orion is a rising star, with both mythical and celestial overtones.

Prescott is one of several distinguished, upper-crusty surnames beginning with P.

There's Rhys and there's Reese (now more popular for girls) and there's Reece, and we particularly like the traditional Welsh spelling, which entered the list in 2004, possibly influenced by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, of The Tudors, and Welsh-born actor Rhys Ifans.