Rickey is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Richard, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'powerful' and 'ruler' or 'brave.' This friendly, approachable variant gained popularity in America during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Notable bearers include baseball legend Rickey Henderson, which enhanced the name's sporty, energetic associations. While Rickey has declined in usage since its peak, it maintains a casual charm and retro appeal. Many Rickeys may go by Rick or use Rickey as a nickname, appreciating its unpretentious, amiable quality that balances familiarity with a touch of distinctive character.

Keely is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keeley and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie -- though it might ultimately prove to close to one of those trendy names.

The nickname Davie is very hot right now -- for girls. Most Davies these days are female, but this is still a natural short form of the classic David.

Turner is a name that's both preppy and painterly, recalling the exquisite watercolor seascapes of British painter J.M.W. Turner. An occupational name in the Taylor-Carter mold, Turner is a more distinctive choice than many of the usual suspects.

This once-cool nickname-y name now belongs to the grandma generation.

Alison by any spelling is now considered more of a mom name than a baby name. It's been trending downward for more than a decade, though it still makes the Top 1000.

Pitt is the prototypical blond Brad.

Carina is a pretty delicately feminine name whose fall from popularity is not helped by its similarity to hurricane name Katrina or slang victim Karen.

Sky may be a bit hippie-ish, but it's bright and sunny nonetheless. Sky rejoined the Top 1000 in 2013 after spending many years off the list. Sky was the choice of magician David Copperfield for his daughter, born in 2010.

While Rochelle may sound like a twist on Rachel, it has a different origin entirely. Rather than having Biblical and Hebrew ties, it comes from the name of a city on the west coast of France, La Rochelle. Meaning "little rock", it rose to prominence in the 1930s, likely popularized by the actress Rochelle Hudson (though she was born Rachael).

Belinda, cousin of Linda and Melinda, enjoyed a brief return to the Top 1000 from 2005 through 2013, only to fall off again in 2014. A name that some may consider a modern spin on the midcentury popularity queen Linda is in fact a classic with deep and fascinating roots. In Babylonian mythology Belinda was the goddess of heaven and earth, and the name later was used for the heroine of Alexander Pope's satirical poem The Rape of the Lock.

Leigh as a masculine name has Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from the Old English 'leah' meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow.' While Leigh has become increasingly popular as a feminine name in recent decades, it has a long history of masculine usage, particularly in England and English-speaking countries.

Phil is a masculine name primarily used as a familiar short form of Philip or Phillip, though it occasionally stands as an independent given name. Derived from the Greek name Philippos meaning 'lover of horses,' Phil has been used across generations and carries a friendly, approachable quality. It gained particular popularity in English-speaking countries during the mid-20th century. The name has a classic, unpretentious feel and is associated with notable figures like musician Phil Collins and television personality Dr. Phil McGraw. While many Phils formally have the longer version on their birth certificates, the shortened form has a warm, casual charm that has helped it endure as both a nickname and standalone name across different eras.

Kassie is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive or nickname form of Kassandra or Cassandra, which comes from Greek mythology. The original name Cassandra means 'she who entangles men' or 'prophetess.' Kassie offers a more casual, approachable alternative to the longer form while retaining its classical connections. This name gained moderate popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, corresponding with a trend toward friendly-sounding names with the '-ie' ending. Kassie has a youthful, spirited quality that transitions well from childhood to adulthood. While less common today than in previous decades, it remains a recognizable name that strikes a balance between familiar and distinctive.

It may have peaked at #1 for girls in 1991 and 1992 in the US, but Ashley actually has a long history as a male given name, as evidenced by the sensitive Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. It's always been more popular for boys in England and Wales, where it currently ranks at #414.

Odessa, (transcribed as Odesa in Ukrainian) is a Ukrainian port city and was given its name by Catherine the Great, who was inspired by Homer's Odyssey. It would make an original and intriguing choice.

When Gary cracked the Top 10 in 1950, it was one of the first nonclassic boys’ names to do so, largely due to Gary (born Frank) Cooper, who was renamed after Gary, Indiana, his agent's hometown. Now, a 65 years later, Gary isn't particularly high in the charts, and has lost any glitter it had. May we suggest the fuller name Gareth?

While Charlotte and Caroline are considered stylish and classic members of the Charles family, this Germanic form peaked in the US at Number 76 in 1965. It fell out of favor in the 2010s, but recent years have seen it re-enter the Top 1000.

Though not much in use, still retains a cozy Little House on the Prairie-type pioneer feel.