Bebe Printemps 2020

One of the old-school nicknames -- think Ray, Vince, Frank -- that's on the brink of coming back into style. Name him Stanislav or Constantine and he'll have a groovier long form to fall back on.

Trueman is an English masculine name originating as an occupational or characteristic surname meaning exactly what it suggests – a true or faithful man. It combines the Old English elements "treowe" (faithful, trustworthy) and "mann" (person). As a first name, it emerged following the trend of converting surnames to given names, particularly those with positive character associations. Trueman carries strong connotations of honesty, reliability, and moral fortitude. While never extremely common, it gained modest usage during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable. The name experienced a minor revival in the late 20th century as parents sought names with transparent positive meanings. Trueman appeals to those who value traditional masculine virtues and straightforward English etymology.

For a girl, we'd say Val-en-teen, though many would insist on pronouncing it like the holiday.

Valentine is an attractive Shakespearean name with romantic associations, but those very ties to the saint and the sentimental holiday have sent it into a decline, one which we think may be about to turn around.

Long associated with the Churchill family and common in the West Indies, the distinguished Winston has tended to be neglected here. The exception was during the World War II period, when Winston Churchill was a towering figure and his name reached Number 234. It's now enjoying something of a renaissance.

While Woodrow is too forbidding, its nickname Woody is a bit cartoonish, as in Woody Woodpecker and the animated cowboy character in Toy Story. Woody also has a slang meaning that no teenage boy will thank you for. Woody Allen was born Allen.

On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler and clear up the issue.

Appealingly gentle and romantic French classic--with a lot more charm than Steve.