Names I like love or just think are cool

One of the new crop of boys' names that manage to be unconventional and macho at the same time — though Blade verges on the threatening.

There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.

Starlet is a feminine English word name that evokes images of both celestial beauty and Hollywood glamour. Derived from 'star' with the diminutive suffix '-let,' it literally means 'little star,' suggesting someone who shines brightly despite being young or small. While the term historically referred to rising young actresses, as a given name Starlet has occasional usage, particularly in the United States since the mid-20th century. This name carries connotations of talent, beauty, and potential for greatness. Unlike the more common celestial name 'Star,' Starlet adds a touch of delicate femininity and charm. It appeals to parents drawn to theatrical or astronomical themes who seek something more distinctive than popular star-themed names like Stella or Estelle.

Tyde is a rare masculine name with oceanic associations, evoking images of the rising and falling of sea levels. This short, powerful name likely derives from the English word 'tide,' representing the natural rhythm of water and suggesting qualities of strength, constancy, and natural force. Though uncommon throughout recorded naming history, Tyde fits with contemporary trends toward brief, nature-inspired names with strong sounds. Its similarity to common names like Tyler or Ty makes it accessible while remaining distinctive. The name may appeal to parents with connections to coastal regions or those seeking a name symbolizing natural power and resilience. Its rarity gives bearers a unique identity with meaningful natural symbolism.

Not quite a nature name and not quite a surname — whatever Laken is or isn't, we know it's definitely a name to watch.

If Erykah Badu can name her son Seven, why can't you name your daughter (or son) this? Eleven has recently gotten a lot of attention via the character on the TV show Stranger Things.

Chaplin carries two very distinctive images: the beloved Little Tramp and a minister, often to the military. It was the baby-name choice of Ever Carridine in 2010.

While we don't see many parents adopting Otter as a name for their own babies, Zooey Deschanel put this one in the lexicon when she used it as a middle name for her adorably-named daughter Elsie Otter. Even in the celebrisphere, Otter is one of the most unique baby names we've heard.

One of the new color names that is catching on, invoking a calm, blue-green-sea feeling.

For 007 fans, a great middle name choice -- or even a first.

The adorable animal name made its way into the baby name pool when Macklemore used it as the middle name for his daughter Colette in 2018.

Gem is a concise, evocative feminine name derived directly from the English word for precious stones. This nature-inspired name conveys qualities of rarity, beauty, and value. As a given name, Gem has never been widely common but has maintained steady, limited usage, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name's brevity makes it distinctive in an era when longer names are often popular. Gem can also function as a nickname for longer names like Gemma, Gemini, or even more distantly related names like Jemima. The name evokes positive associations with brilliance, durability, and natural beauty. Its simplicity makes it easy to spell and pronounce across cultures while carrying rich metaphorical meaning.

Lissy may be this generation's answer to Missy. It's rare to see Lissy on a birth certificate, but if you pay attention, you may notice it as a nickname for names such as the classic Elizabeth or hot traditional choice Felicity.

Carlisle is more popular than Carlyle for both genders, and in both spellings more widely used for boys than for girls. It's a name we see on the rise in either spelling.

Native to America, the coyote has long been associated with danger and independence and with the popularity of Fox, Tiger, and Wolf, plus that cool KAI sound, Coyote might have potential. Possibly still too associated with the film Coyote Ugly and Wile E. Coyote, the Looney Tunes character, it is certainly a strong statement name for American nature lovers.

Rhaegar Targaryen is one of the most glamorous, noble characters in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series... even though he's been dead over a decade when the books begin. The reader first learns about him through Robert and Ned, both enemies, who paint a distorted picture of this striking man.

Miami -- or Florida, for that matter -- hasn't achieved the place-name stardom of southern sisters like Savannah and Georgia. Quincy Jones used it as his daughter KENYA's middle name.