Usable baby names not in the top 1000

An x makes any name cooler, so that Baxter has a bit more pizzazz than the original Baker. Baxter had some currency as a first name a century ago--it was on the popularity lists sporadically from 1880 till the 1920s, peaking at Number 515 in 1886-- which means it's just about due for a comeback. And we can see Bax as a worthy follow-up to Max and Jax.

An offbeat possible replacement for the overused Melissa and Marisa, Nerissa was used by Shakespeare for Portia's witty confidante in The Merchant of Venice. Queen Elizabeth has a cousin named Nerissa.

Aside from President Wilson (born Thomas), most Woodrows, including Herman, Guthrie, and Harrelson, have chosen to be known as Woody, which says it all.

Icarus, the mythological figure famous for flying too close to the sun, has a couple of negatives: his rash reputation, and those "icky" nicknames.

Though the plays by Sophocles and Eugene O'Neill and via the "Electra Complex" proposed by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, this name has, unfortunately, become associated with incest and murder.

Perfect name for TV Frasier's effete brother. In the 2020 film Palm Springs, Andy Samberg plays a character with the updated spelling Nyles.

The attractive actress Vivica A. Fox has done a lot to add this version of the name into the mix.

After a long time in limbo, Prudence is now so clunky it'a cool, and it's starting to make a comeback, along with other Puritan virtue names like Mercy, Patience, and Constance.

Tough, cool, and rugged, Ramsey is a Scottish and English surname that has plenty of potential as a given name. Similar in style to Murray, Murphy, and Rafferty, it was chosen for around 90 boys and 70 girls in the US in a recent year.

Sounds like and is often confused with Asia, though it has an air of retro cool via the seminal Steely Dan album. Or, pronounced eye-ah, it can be an alternate spelling of the international favorite Aya.

Rigby is a rather stiff British surname, which might call to mind the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" or, from the recent past, Cathy Rigby, the first American woman to win a medal in World Gymnastics competition. The problem with Rigby may be its similarity to the word "rigid."

Zanthe is a feminine name primarily considered a variant spelling of Xanthe, which derives from the Greek word 'xanthos' meaning 'yellow' or 'blonde.' In Greek mythology, Xanthe was a sea nymph, one of the Oceanids. The Z spelling gives the name a more contemporary and distinctive appearance while maintaining the classical roots. Zanthe has an exotic, lyrical quality that combines ancient heritage with modern appeal. While uncommon in most English-speaking countries, it appeals to parents seeking names with classical origins and unusual initial letters. The name's connection to the color yellow also gives it subtle associations with sunshine and brightness.

A perfectly fine Anglo surname, though we'd prefer Keaton. Oscar-winning writer-director George Seaton (Miracle on 34th Street, The Country Girl) was actually born George Stenius. 

More unique than Cooper, and a favorite among pet parents. Copper was the loveable bloodhound from Disney's Fox and the Hound. Keep in mind that Copper is also slang for a policeman.

Ianna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variant of Iana, which derives from the Roman god Janus, or it could be related to names like Diana or Anna. In some cultures, it connects to the Slavic name Yana, meaning 'God is gracious.' With its melodic flow and vowel-rich pronunciation, Ianna has a gentle, lyrical quality that crosses cultural boundaries. While not among the most common names, it has maintained steady usage in various parts of the world. The name's open vowel sounds and simple structure make it easily pronounceable in many languages, contributing to its international appeal. Ianna offers a balance of uniqueness and accessibility.

Classy-sounding surname name usually bypassed in favor of the simpler Landon.

Spicy.