Best known as a popular brand of Western hats, this surname gives off rugged, cowboy vibes and a sense of confident coolness. A name on the rise, Stetson entered the US Top 200 in 2023 when it was given to nearly 2000 boys.

Legend joins cousins Story, Saga and Fable in the baby name pantheon of narrative words. Unlike Story and Fable, however, Legend comes with additional weight, being used for fame ("living legend") and to denote a person who is fantastic "what a legend"). Who can live up to that?

Crew is yet another word name that was added to the baby name lexicon when this one was chosen by The Young and the Restless star Joshua Morrow for his son. It debuted on the Top 1000 in 2010. We've also heard spelling variations Cru and Crue.

Ledger, another surname-turned-first name, carries associations of the great and late Australian actor Heath Ledger. It appeared on the US Top 1000 for the first time in 2017, perhaps bolstered by the potential of Lej and Edge as nicknames, and its similarity to Legend.

Halo is a glowing word name that's both cosmic and spiritual, and with its shiny imagery and bright sounds, it was one of the fasted rising names in 2023.

Reminiscent of Puritan and Pilgrim name choices, Sincere is a relatively modern virtue name that has been in the US Top 1000 since the 2000s.

Nathaniel is a wonderful classic name and Nathanael, the ancient Greek or Hebrew form, is as appealing and versatile. Appearing in the Top 1000 in England and Wales and the US, alternative spelling Nathanaël is a top choice in France.

Legacy is proof that any attractive-sounding word can be turned into a name, and this one has the added attractions of an inspirational meaning and a cool creative namesake -- hot young artist Legacy Russell.

One professional surname that won't pass the Bar.

A sweet and rare spice name, which made its first and only appearance on the US baby name charts in 1969 — the year Neil Young's song "Cinnamon Girl" was released.

Dusty first became popular as a girl's name thanks to singer Dusty Springfield - born Mary. She used her childhood nickname professionally, and many parents embraced Dusty as a name for their daughters, especially in the 1970s.

The newest cowboy-cool kid on the block is Dutton, introduced by the hit Western drama series Yellowstone. It's seen as a surname in the series, which follows the Dutton family on their ranch. But Americans' affinity towards surname names and the similarities to Sutton have inspired fans of the show to use Dutton for their sons — so much so that Dutton took the title as the fastest-rising name in 2022, jumping a whopping 986 spots.

Brewer is a surname turned first name that comes from the occupational name for someone who brews beer. Definitely a cool guy name, and one of the fastest-rising boys' names of 2025, when it broke into the Top 1000.

Cathern is a feminine name representing a variant spelling of Catherine/Katherine, which derives from the Greek name Aikaterine, possibly meaning 'pure.' This phonetic spelling reflects how the traditional name sounds when spoken with certain regional accents. While less common than standard spellings, Cathern maintains the elegant essence of its more traditional counterparts while offering a slightly distinctive presentation. The name carries the rich history associated with Catherine, including connections to numerous saints, royalty, and cultural figures throughout Western history. For parents appreciating the classic nature of Catherine but seeking something slightly less common, Cathern provides a recognizable yet individualized alternative with the same timeless quality and feminine strength.

Zev is a short, simple, animal name that may relate to the Old Testament Ze'ev -- except he was a villainous character.

One of the original so-weird-it's-cruel celebrity baby names doesn't sound quite so impossible with the resurgence of virtue names. But be charitable and choose Charity instead.

Finding a really distinctive name is probably a better way to make sure your child stands out, but then again, is choosing Unique really any different to parents choosing Saint, Messiah, Chosen, Dream, Miracle, or Blessing?

Novella is a feminine name with Latin and Italian roots, derived from 'novus' meaning 'new' or 'young.' Beyond its literal meaning, Novella carries literary associations as it refers to a short prose narrative in Italian literature – longer than a short story but shorter than a novel. This connection gives the name intellectual and artistic connotations. While not among the most common names, Novella has maintained a steady presence in Italian communities and has seen occasional usage internationally. The name carries a romantic, melodic quality typical of Italian feminine names, with its soft consonants and vowel ending. Novella offers a beautiful option for parents seeking a name with literary flair and a touch of European elegance.

Rowdy was first famously used as a given name in the television series Rawhide, with the young Clint Eastwood playing Rowdy Yates. More recently, competitive swimmer Rowdy Gaines has been featured in a series of TV commercials, and a new badass baby name is gaining notice.

Alabama is a hot southern place-name, picking up from Georgia and Savannah. This is not a geographical name come lately, though--there have been girls named Alabama dating back well over a century.