cool names ending on -en

Hot young actor Alden Ehrenreich, the new Han Solo, gives this formerly-stodgy surname name an attractive new image, making it a fresh successor to Aiden or Holden. Before it got this fresh shine, Alden was among the classic Thanksgiving baby names.

Arjen is a Dutch name, sometimes viewed as a contracted form of Adrian, or as a variation of Ariën. Ariën itself is an alternative spelling of the Indo-Iranian Aryan and Arian, and was likely inspired by French Adrien; whichever root you take then, the name is associated with the meanings "man of Adria" and "noble, honorable".

Arsen is a strong masculine name with ancient roots, predominantly used in Armenian, Russian, and Eastern European cultures. Derived from the Greek name Arsenios, meaning 'virile' or 'strong,' it has connections to the Latin element 'arsenicum.' The name carries connotations of strength and masculinity across cultures. While never reaching mainstream popularity in Western countries, Arsen maintains consistent usage in Armenia, Russia, and parts of Eastern Europe. In some regions, it's associated with Saint Arsenius the Great, a respected Roman theological instructor. The name has a powerful, distinctive sound that combines traditional heritage with modern appeal.

The poetic, soft-spoken Auden has recently started to be considered as a first name option, used for both sexes, appreciated for its pleasing sound as well as its link to the distinguished modern Anglo-American poet W.H. Auden.

Boden is most often inspired by the clothing catalog of the same name, and it feels like an appropriate first name for boys because of its stylish two-syllable -n ending rhythm, a la Logan, Mason, Owen, and other trendy choices. While Boden or Bowden is a fairly common English surname, in German it is the everyday name for "floor".

Brecken is a fresh, distinctively Irish alternative to similar-sounding (and much more popular) Beckett or Beckham. While Brecken is a spelling variation of the original Breccan, it's the most popular form of the name. By whatever spelling, it's a name we'll likely see rise in popularity.

Cullen is an appealing Irish surname name that upped its cool factor considerably when it became the Twilight family name of Edward et al. It's considerably less popular than it was at its peak in 2010, but is still widely used.

Strong and unusual Scandinavian name, but with two possible pitfalls: people might mis-hear it as Aspen, or associate it with sports network ESPN. Variants include Esper and Esben.

Rarely heard Hayden alternative -- though, mark our words, you'll spend your life correcting everyone's pronunciation and spelling.

Kellan Lutz is the attractive young actor who plays Emmett Cullen in the Twilight series.

Steen is a masculine name with Scandinavian and Dutch origins, derived from the word for "stone" (sten in Swedish/Norwegian/Danish, steen in Dutch). As a given name, it suggests qualities of strength, solidity, and dependability. In Denmark and the Netherlands particularly, Steen has maintained consistent usage though it's never been among the most popular choices. The name's concise, one-syllable structure gives it a strong, direct quality while being easy to pronounce across various languages. Steen occasionally appears as a surname or place name as well. For parents seeking a straightforward masculine name with Northern European heritage, Steen offers understated distinctiveness. Its simple spelling belies its rich cultural connections and symbolic associations with durability and resilience.