Lopes da Silva (male names, Part 5 of 12)

To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.

Extremely amiable, open-sounding surname that's gradually being taken over by the girls.

Barrett is one of many surname names that are up and coming for boys in recent years. Barrett joints Bennett, Beckett, and others in the trend of "-tt" ending boy names taking over the charts.

Brandon, a forebear of the Braden-Caden pack, had a great run of popularity over several decades, being in the Top 10 from 1992 to 1998, one of its inspirations being hearthrob Brandon Walsh played by Jason Priestley on the original Beverly Hills 90210--and it was aso the name of several soap opera characters.

Brandyn is a modern spelling variant of Brandon, a masculine name with English origins meaning 'beacon hill' or 'broom hill.' This alternative spelling gained popularity in the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive versions of traditional names. The 'y' substitution gives the name a contemporary edge while maintaining the familiar sound of the original. Brandon itself derives from an Old English surname that became popular as a first name in the 1950s-1970s. The Brandyn spelling peaked in usage during the 1990s but remains in use today. This variation appeals to parents who appreciate the strong, classic nature of Brandon but desire a more unique spelling to help their child stand out.

The origins of the name Brian are not entirely clear, but it is suspected that it evolved from an Old Celtic word related to nobility. In Ireland the name is associated with Brian Boru, the most famous of all Irish warrior-kings, credited with driving the Vikings out of Ireland around the year 1000.

Bruce is a Norman place name made famous by the Scottish king Robert the Bruce, who won Scotland's independence from England in the fourteenth century. It's perennially popular in Scotland, but has been rarely used here for a generation -- though the impact of Bruces Lee, Springsteen, Dern and Willis, as well as Batman's Bruce Wayne -- still lingers. At one time Bruce was so widespread in Australia, it became a nickname for any Ozzie man. An interesting alternative is Brix, the Normandy place name where the Bruce family originated.

Biblical name Cain was, until recently, seldom heard outside of the Old Testament and soap operas. Although Cain's murderous actions will always make this name difficult for some, Cain, Eve and Adam's firstborn, was a farmer - making this a good choice for those with farming connections. Long outshone by Abel, Cain is starting to find a broader audience, helped along by homophones Kane or Caine.

Caleb is an attractive Old Testament name that has been in the US Top 100 for nearly three decades now. Consistently popular but never too popular, Caleb feels more like a classic than a momentary trend.

This stuffy English surname and hotel name took on Twilight cool when attached to vampire Carlisle Cullen. Inspired by the character, it's more popular in this spelling than as Carlyle and more widely used for boys than for girls.

See CARLETON.

Carter has ranked in the Top 100 since the the turn of the millennium, but despite its recent popularity, it's not a trendy new name. In fact, Carter is one of those names that just misses ranking in the US Top 1000 for its entire 140+ year history.

Cohen is a common last name among Jews and an important spiritual name in the Jewish religion, associated with the hereditary priests who claimed descent from the biblical Aaron. As a result of its religious significance, Cohen is considered by some to be inappropriate to use as a first name, particularly by people with no Jewish heritage.

This Roman Emperor's name has long been considered too grand for an American boy. But in this era of children named Augustine and Atticus, it just may be prime for an unlikely comeback.

Daimon is a masculine name representing an alternative spelling of Damon, which derives from Greek origins meaning "to tame" or "to subdue." In Greek mythology, Damon was known for his legendary friendship with Pythias, symbolizing loyalty and self-sacrifice. The variant spelling with 'i' gives the name a slightly more distinctive appearance while maintaining the original pronunciation. This spelling might also connect to the concept of "daimon" in ancient Greek philosophy, referring to a guiding spirit or divine inspiration. While less common than Damon, Daimon emerged in usage during the late 20th century when alternative spellings became more popular. The name conveys strength and classical heritage while offering a subtle uniqueness. Parents might choose this spelling to honor Greek traditions while giving their son a slightly more distinctive version of the traditional name.

A diminutive of Daniel that's been immortalized in odes ranging from 'Danny Boy' to 'Danny's Song.'

The most popular spelling in a family of names including Darien and Darion, Darian has nonetheless been on the decline since it peaked in the 1990s.

Darrien is a modern variation of the name Darren or Darius, blending contemporary style with historical roots. Of English origin, the name carries connotations of goodness and maintains the strength of its predecessors. The additional 'i' adds a distinctive touch while preserving the melodic quality. Darrien has gained modest popularity since the 1990s in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where parents appreciate its familiar sound yet uncommon spelling. The name strikes a balance between uniqueness and accessibility, making it appealing for parents seeking something slightly different without being overly exotic. As a masculine name, Darrien conveys a sense of reliability and character while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Davis is a fresh way to say David. Some sources define it as "son of David," but we see it as a surname spin on the original. While David is an everyman name, Davis has some creative edge -- and still gets you to the classic guy nickname Dave.