Read or heard 9/25
- Kent
Origin:
English surname and place-nameMeaning:
"edge"Description:
Kent is a no-nonsense, brief, brisk one-syllable name, almost as curt as Kurt.
- Alex
Origin:
Diminutive of Alexandra or AlexisMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
One of the most evenly divided unisex names these days; strong and energetic, if overused, for both genders.
- Carla
Origin:
Feminization of Carl, German, Carlo, Italian, and Carlos, SpanishMeaning:
"free man"Description:
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.
- Ron
Origin:
Short form of Ronald, NorseMeaning:
"ruler's counselor"Description:
Ron is a masculine name that functions both as a standalone name and as a shortened form of longer names like Ronald, Aaron, or Byron. Ronald, its most common source, derives from the Old Norse 'Rögnvaldr,' meaning 'ruler's advisor' or 'decision maker.'
- Tony
Origin:
Diminutive of AnthonyMeaning:
"priceless one"Description:
Tony, as in classy. Or To-nyyy, as yelled out a tenement window.
- Sky
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
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.
- Chance
Origin:
French variation of ChaunceyDescription:
Once a cavalier Mississippi gambler type name, Chance has entered the mainstream since being endorsed by such celebrity dads as Larry King and Paul Hogan. Chance the Rapper has also boosted the name's popularity.
- Kristen
Origin:
Danish and Norwegian variation of ChristineMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
Kristen may be somewhat past its fashion high point, but it remains forever crystalline clear. Possible problem: confusion with the similar Scandinavian names Kristin, Kirsten, Kirstie, et al.
- Mindy
Origin:
Diminutive of MelindaMeaning:
"beautiful honey"Description:
This sweet nickname style name combines contemporary Indy with vintage Minnie. Popular in the 80s, it fell out of style by the mid-90s, but, with the likes of Annie, Edie, Ellie, Bonnie and Heidi getting more attention, could Mindy make a comeback?
- Kristina
Origin:
Scandinavian variation of ChristinaMeaning:
"annointed, a Christian"Description:
This streamlined form of a pretty and feminine classic may not be as popular as it once was, but it's never out of style. A royal name best used now in its full glory rather than as nicknames Kris or Kristy.
- Mandy
Origin:
Diminutive of AmandaDescription:
Nickname left over from the last generation.
- Rene
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"reborn"Description:
Though it's used for boys, most non-French people would hear it as a girls’ name. Most would be surprised to learn that Rene has always charted in the US Top 1000 for boys.
- Kerry
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark, dark-haired"Description:
An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.
- Rochelle
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"little rock"Description:
Long-standing French name that retains a feminine, fragile, and shell-like image.
- Liz
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Some might think a girl named Liz on her birth certificate would feel deprived of her full identity, but in a time when mini names like Liv, Kit, Tru, Kai, Lou, and Bea are in style, Liz feels substantial enough that its bearer won't feel bereft.
- Greg
Description:
Greg is a masculine name that originated as a diminutive of Gregory, which comes from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert.' While Gregory has been used since early Christian times, Greg gained popularity as a standalone name in the mid-20th century. It reached its peak usage in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Greg has a friendly, approachable quality with a classic yet casual feel. The name's brevity and straightforward pronunciation have contributed to its enduring appeal across English-speaking countries. Though less commonly given to newborns today than in previous decades, Greg maintains a steady presence and is recognized as both a complete name and a nickname.
- Keely
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"slender"Description:
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.
- Robbie
Origin:
Diminutive of Robert, English from GermanMeaning:
"bright fame"Description:
This short form of Robert was borne by famous figures from Robbie Williams to Robbie Coltrane to Robbie Robertson. At one point, Robbie was the cool new Bobby, but now Robbie is cool only for girls.
- Kayleigh
Origin:
Variation of Kaylee, EnglishMeaning:
"laurel, crown"Description:
The -leigh suffix seems to be losing its luster; several names in this category, including Kayleigh, Kyleigh and Ryleigh, peaked in popularity a few years back but have since lost quite a bit of ground.
- Shari
Origin:
Anglicized variation of Hungarian Sari, variation of SarahMeaning:
"princess"Description:
This once-cool nickname-y name now belongs to the grandma generation.
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