Possible Names

Aedan is a masculine name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning 'little fire' or 'fiery one.' This ancient Celtic name has historical significance as it was borne by several Irish saints and kings, including St. Aedan of Ferns. The modern spelling variants include Aidan, Aiden, and Ayden, which have gained considerable popularity in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century. While the traditional Aedan spelling is less common, it offers authenticity and a direct connection to Celtic heritage. The name evokes qualities of passion, warmth, and spirited energy. Its rise in popularity corresponds with growing interest in Celtic names and culture across the Western world.

Alexander has been in a Top 25 boys' name in the US for 30 years now. But namers are still attracted to its imposing historic pedigree.

Ava is one of the prime examples of a modern classic name, rising thought the course of a generation into the Top 10, where it has lingered for nearly 20 years.

Cadan is an attractive Cornish name that rhymes with Madden. Despite its modern appearance and the recent history of many Cornish names, Cadan is actually one of the older Cornish names in use today.

Camdan is a modern masculine name that appears to be a variation of Camden, which originally comes from an English surname meaning 'winding valley.' This alternative spelling offers a subtle distinction while maintaining the strong, contemporary sound of the original. Camdan emerged in usage primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as parents sought fresh spins on familiar names. The name has a crisp, masculine quality with an appealing rhythm. While less common than Camden, Camdan fits well with the trend of surname-inspired given names. It carries associations with urban sophistication (due to Camden Town in London) while maintaining a versatile quality that works across various settings.

Charlie derives, of course, from the classic name Charles which, in turn, comes from a German word meaning "free man." Charles became very popular in France during the Middle Ages due to the fame of Charles the Great, also known as Charlemagne. Charley is an alternate spelling.

Chase, with its sleek and ultraprosperous aura, is redolent of the worlds of high finance and international banking. Chase has been well used during the last few decades, seen as a character on 24 and on several young-audience shows.

Connor, the appealing name of an early semi-legendary king of Ulster in Irish mythology, sits firmly in the Top 100 and taken together with its alternate spellings would rank even higher. In its native Ireland the Conor version is one of the highest charting boys’ name.

Darren and wife Sharon shop for fifties memorabilia on eBay. The Connecticut place-name Darien might offer an update.

Dylan still feels poetic and romantic after years of popularity. It still ranks highly on the charts, among the top boy names starting with D, so if you choose it, be aware that yours may not be the only Dylan in his class.

What do you do when you love two variations of the same name that also sound quite distinct? One option is to blend them together and keep the best of both. Elizabelle - and Elizabella - have been in use since the 2000s, though they haven't caught on just yet. Possibly divisive, but both are rather pleasing to say.

Evan has a mellow nice-guy image that has kept it popular, while it has been widely used in Wales since the nineteenth century. And interestingly—and surprisingly—enough, Evan charts highly for boys in France.

Renowned English author Evelyn Waugh pronounced his name "EEV-lin" (fun fact: his first wife, also named Evelyn, was referred to as "She-velyn"). But "EV-uh-lin" also works, and is probably the most familiar pronunciation of the name today.

After decades of disuse, soft and feminine Evelyn has returned to the baby name stage in a huge way. It reached the Top 10 for the first time in 2017. Evelyn has now surpassed its former heights, joining a legion of contemporary little Evas, Avas, Eves, Evies, and Evelines.

Gavin, a name with Scottish roots, has stepped into the spotlight, replacing the dated Kevin, thanks in part to pop-rock sensation Gavin DeGraw and Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale.

While Kieran is the class and most-used male form of this name, some people spell it Keiran in keeping with the female Keira, the version popularized by the gorgeous Ms. Knightley.

Mason is an occupational surname that ranked among the Top 10 name for boys throughout the 2010s, after its choice as one of the first Kardashian baby names.

Noah is nearly a patriarch of popular baby names at this point, going from Old Testament graybeard to Top 10 name in 2009, hitting Number 1 in 2013, and now settled into second place in the US for the past seven years.

The Reid spelling is the most popular by half, probably because it feels more like a name than Reed, which looks more like a word. It's used occasionally for girls but this name is firmly in the boys' camp.