Names I like

Dashiell, though missing from many other name sources, is among the hottest new names, chosen by such celebs as Cate Blanchett and author Helen (Bridget Jones) Fielding. With its great dash and panache, Dashiell is associated with detective writer Dashiell Hammett (born Samuel, as in Sam Spade, Dashiell being his mother's maiden name). Alice Cooper was ahead of the game: He named his son Dashiell in 1985.

The Welsh form of Tristan, and the name of a counselor to King Arthur.

The patron saint of comedians and dancers (also known as St Vitus) has a name that is both the ultimate everyman, and has a hint of British aristocracy. In the States, Guy was most popular in the 1950s. Now he hovers steadily below the Top 1000, in the sweet spot of familiar but not overused. With the meteoric rise of Kai, Guy may have potential with parents looking for a more classic name with a similar sound.

Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.

Cool and charming, with plenty of flair and sophistication, Julian manages to strike the balance between being a sensible classic and contemporary choice. Appealingly international, it is no wonder Julian is a rising star.

The y makes it seem more like a name and less like an animal, but it's still not as appealing as several Leo choices.

A lot of attention was drawn to this name when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced it as the name of their baby daughter, making it instantly unisex.

Roux is the name of the dashing Johnny Depp character in Chocolat. Roux is French from a Latin word meaning russet or brownish red; it's also a cooking term for a mixture of flour and butter that forms the foundation of many gravies or sauces. Most of today's children with this name, pronounced roo, will actually spell it Rue, for the female character in The Hunger Games.

Wynter is a masculine name representing a modern spelling variation of Winter, one of the English season names that has gained popularity as a given name. This contemporary spelling with 'y' instead of 'i' gives the name a distinctive, stylized quality while maintaining its connection to the cold season. As a masculine choice, Wynter breaks traditional gender associations, as Winter/Wynter has been more commonly used for girls. The name evokes images of snow, resilience, and quiet strength. While still uncommon for boys, Wynter has seen increased interest from parents seeking nature-inspired names with a contemporary edge. The unique spelling adds character to this seasonal name, making it stand out while retaining its natural imagery.

Xavier originated is use as a given name after Saint Francis Xavier, cofounder of the Jesuit order, who got his name from the Spanish-Basque village where he was born. His birthplace was Javier, the name of which was derived from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning "castle" or "new house."