Read or heard 9/25

Although we prefer Drew to the old Raggedy Andy, Andy has overtaken Drew as a name in its own right. About twice as many baby boys are named Andy, just Andy -- though about eight times as many parents go with the full Andrew.

Tim is a boyish short form occasionally given on its own. There were 37 baby boys named Tim in the US last year, versus over 1700 named Timothy.

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.

The classic strong-yet-friendly nickname name, much used for charming movie characters.

Long-standing French name that retains a feminine, fragile, and shell-like image.

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.

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.

An Irish county name almost exclusively used for girls now. Kerrigan would be a more modern and masculine choice.

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.

A short, breezy name with a sophisticated yet upbeat image, that doesn't betray its Irish roots. Bree first came to notice here in 1971 via the complex prostitute character in the movie Klute, which earned Jane Fonda an Oscar. More recently, it was tied to the character of Bree Van de Kamp on Desperate Housewives.

Despite all the "hanging," "dangling," and "pregnant" chad jokes of the 2000 election, this saint's name and remnant of the Brad-Tad era didn't get a boost in popularity. But Chad still holds some surfer-boy appeal for a number of modern parents.

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.

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.

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?

One of the most evenly divided unisex names these days; strong and energetic, if overused, for both genders.

If Destiny is your daughter's destiny, she probably won't be the only one in her school: until 2009, Destiny was in the Top 50, with three of its alternate spellings in hot pursuit. It has since dipped a bit in popularity but is still widely used. Destiny Hope was the birth name of Miley Cyrus and Destiny Jones is the daughter or rapper Nas.

Aly is a feminine name with several origins. As a variant of Allie or Ali, it serves as a diminutive of names like Alison, Alexandra, or Alice. In Arabic contexts, Aly (also spelled Ali) means 'elevated' or 'high.' The name has gained popularity as a standalone name in recent decades, appreciated for its brief, modern sound while maintaining a feminine quality. In Western countries, Aly is often chosen for its simplicity and contemporary feel. The spelling with a 'y' gives it a distinctive touch compared to the more traditional 'Ali' spelling. As a short, two-syllable name, Aly balances being recognizable yet not overly common.

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.

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.