For Emerson

Aleks is a masculine name representing a streamlined, modernized spelling of Alexander, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of the people.' This simplified variant is particularly common in Eastern European countries, including Poland, Slovenia, and other Slavic regions, though it's growing in popularity worldwide as parents seek shorter forms of traditional names. Aleks maintains the strength and historical gravitas of Alexander while offering a more contemporary, international feel. The name's brevity makes it practical and distinctive in Western contexts while still honoring its classical roots. Notable bearers can be found in sports, arts, and literature throughout Eastern Europe, contributing to its cross-cultural appeal.

Christopher derived from the Greek Christophoros, which is composed of the elements Christos, referring to Christ, and phero, meaning "to bear."

Cole -- a short name that embodies a lot of richness and depth -- has long been associated with the great songwriter Cole Porter. It's quite popular in Scotland.

With its sharp, succinct sounds and cool, laidback style, Eli is a popular choice among parents today. Compact and punchy, it is a Biblical name with plenty of charm.

Finn is a name with enormous energy and charm, that of the greatest hero of Irish mythology, Finn MacCool (aka Fionn mac Cuumhaill), an intrepid warrior with mystical supernatural powers, noted as well for his wisdom and generosity.

Well used in England and Scotland since the fifties, the smooth and sophisticated Graham is catching on here.

Grayson, which you might think of as a Jason-Mason substitute, has been rising through the US Top 1000 since 1984 and has ranked in the Top 100 since 2011.

Simple and universal, Marco is a Latin classic that would make a much livelier namesake for an Uncle Mark. It was used for her son by actress Jill Hennessy and goes well with surnames of any nationality.

Mateo is a Latinate name that like Mia and Luca, is becoming popular far beyond its native Spanish community. With its fresh feel and charm, it made a surprise entrance to the boys' Top 10 in 2023.

The Portuguese word for sapphire was formerly a Top 100 name in Portugal.

See the popularity graph below for the name Theo? It's been heading straight uphill since 2010, when it hopped back onto the Top 1000 after a 60+ year absence.

Xavier originated is use as a given name after Saint Francis Xavier, cofounder of the Jesuit order, who got his name from the Spanish-Basque village where he was born. His birthplace was Javier, the name of which was derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "castle" or "new house."

Zaire was a Central African state from 1971 to 1997 that has recently risen up the charts as a boys name. Deriving from a Congo term meaning "the river that swallows all rivers", it makes a bold and wearable choice for a son.

Zion has taken off in recent years, particularly after singer Lauryn Hill used it for her son back in 1997 and incorporated the it into a hit song. It combines a user-friendly Ryan-Brian sound with the gravitas of religious significance and has that cool, on-trend Z initial. The Hebrew pronunciation is 'tzeeyon', though among English speakers, it will likely be said as ZY-on.