RWBY names

Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.

Though perhaps not as currently stylish as Ruby, Jade, or Pearl, Amber has a colorful history (remember the notorious Forever Amber heroine?). Unfortunately, it does come with the "Amber Alert" connotation for modern parents (and their children).

Bartholomew is an apostle's name that's been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. The challenge could be to avoid the Simpson-ish nickname. That character, by the way, has the full name of Bartholomew JoJo Simpson, and creator Matt Groening came up with Bart as an--uh oh--anagram for brat. Two old alternate nicknames are Barty and Tolly.

The unisex Blake, which indeed has two conflicting meanings, has a briskly efficient image when used for a girl.

Cardin is a masculine name with multiple origins. It can be derived from the Scottish and Irish surname Cardin or Carden, ultimately from Gaelic roots meaning 'from the woodland' or 'from the black hill.' The name also has connections to the French surname Cardin, as popularized by fashion designer Pierre Cardin. As a first name, Cardin has a modern, sophisticated feel while maintaining Celtic heritage connections. The name has gained modest usage in recent decades, appreciated for its strong consonant sounds and straightforward pronunciation. Cardin fits well with contemporary naming trends that favor surname-inspired first names and two-syllable options for boys, offering both strength and style.

This simple yet evocative French word name was chosen for her daughter by model Niki Taylor. While Ciel may be pronounced in French with two syllables, many will pronounce it as "seal" and there may be confusion with Celia and sister Ceil.

Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.

Emerald is the intriguing color and jewel name of the deep green stone treasured as far back as ancient Egypt — it's supposed to open one's heart to wisdom and to love and be good for strengthening relationships — which could make for an interesting, unusual name, particularly with the popularity of so many Em-starting names.

Flynt is a masculine name of English origin, representing a variant spelling of Flint. The name refers to the hard, sedimentary rock that produces sparks when struck against steel, symbolizing strength, durability, and the ability to create fire. This association gives the name a rugged, resilient quality with natural world connections. The unique 'y' spelling adds a distinctive touch to this short, punchy name. Flynt gained some recognition through fictional characters and occasional celebrity usage but remains uncommon as a given name. Its brief, one-syllable structure with strong consonants projects confidence and decisiveness. The name appeals to parents seeking a masculine option that's concise yet carries substantial symbolic meaning.

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.

Glynda is a feminine name that emerged as a variant of Glenda, which itself originated as a Welsh name derived from the elements 'glan' meaning 'clean' or 'pure' and 'da' meaning 'good.' The spelling with a 'y' gives it a slightly more whimsical quality. The name gained some recognition through the character Glinda the Good Witch in L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' (though with a different spelling). Glynda saw modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, but remains relatively uncommon today. The name evokes qualities of kindness and goodness, carrying a gentle, magical quality that connects to its literary association.

While Gwen may have originated as a short form of Gwendolen and Gwendolyn, these days it frequently stands on its own. Rocker Gwen Stefani has given it a shot of cool, and parents are choosing it as a standalone more and more often—Gwen hopped back onto the US Top 1000 in 2013 after an absence of over 30 years. Gwen could also be short for Guinevere.

Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.

James is one of the classic Anglo-Saxon names, a stalwart through the ages that is more popular—and yes, stylish—than ever today. It recently came out Number 1 in a poll of America's favorite boys' baby names, and is the most common male name, counting people of all ages, in the US.