Exciting X Names

Abraxas is a sci-fi-sounding name with earthly possibilities, but some playground challenges.

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.

Alexandria turns classic Alexandra into a more distinctive place-name, in both Egypt and Virginia, while also giving it a touchy of frilliness. The name peaked in the 90s when it entered the US Top 100 for the first time, but has since been on decline.

Arnoux is a masculine name of French origin, derived from the Germanic name 'Arnold,' which combines elements meaning 'eagle' and 'power.' This distinctive variation maintains the noble connotations of its root name while offering a unique French flair with its unusual ending. Though rare in English-speaking countries, Arnoux has historical significance in France and French-speaking regions. The name carries an aristocratic quality and projects strength and dignity. While not commonly found in contemporary naming statistics, Arnoux might appeal to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical roots and European sophistication.

Lady Aurex is a character in L. Frank Baum's Glinda of Oz, a sequel to The Wizard of Oz.

Axe, spelled like this, is used for a handful of baby boys in the US each year. You can see it as one of the new weapon names, along with Dagger and Beretta, or as an abbreviation of the very popular Axel.

An x makes any name cooler, so that Baxter has a bit more pizzazz than the original Baker. Baxter had some currency as a first name a century ago--it was on the popularity lists sporadically from 1880 till the 1920s, peaking at Number 515 in 1886-- which means it's just about due for a comeback. And we can see Bax as a worthy follow-up to Max and Jax.

Beatrix has a solid history of its own apart from Beatrice, with that final x adding a playful, animated note to the name's imposing history and stately vibe.

J.K. Rowling is a modern master of naming who brought a whole constellation of ancient and celestial names to modern parents. Bellatrix, of one of the stars of Orion, combines fashionable names Bella and Beatrix to make a convivial and original name. The down side: the Harry Potter character Bellatrix, played by Helena Bonham Carter, is a character so evil she's called a Death Eater, killing one beloved character and being murdered by another. And the name Bellatrix is so closely associated with that character that it might be challenging to sidestep the association.

Bijoux is a distinctive feminine name derived from the French word meaning 'jewels' or 'jewelry.' As a personal name, it conveys notions of preciousness, beauty, and value. The unique spelling with the 'x' gives it an exotic and sophisticated flair, while the pronunciation (bee-ZHOO) adds a melodic quality. Though rare as a given name in most countries, Bijoux has occasional usage in French-speaking regions and among parents drawn to names with French origins. Its appeal lies in its combination of delicacy and distinctiveness, offering a rare gem in the world of names. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its artistic associations and the way it suggests something treasured and special.

Calista Flockhart may have made her variation of this beautiful Greek name familiar to modern Americans, but the even-edgier x version was the name of an earlier feminist heroine: a character in Kate Chopin's The Storm.

Calixto is known in Spain as the name of three popes, one of whom was the martyr, Callixtus I, regarded as a saint. Calixto has a lot of energy and futuristic spirit, thanks in part to the attention-grabbing 'x.' He is the main character in the Spanish classic, Fernando de Rojas's Tragicomedy of Calixto and Melibea.

The appealingly energetic Dax, with its trendy X-ending, re-entered the Top 1000 in 2007. Its somewhat sci-fi vibe emanates from his appearance as a fictional being in the Star Trek universe, seen on the TV show "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." The Power Rangers character Dax Lo was the Blue Ranger.

Daxter feels like a blend between Dexter and Baxter. If you like it better than either of those, then go for it.

Swashbuckling name worthy of a hero in a romance novel. Deveraux or Devereaux is drawn from the town of Evreux in France and combined with the prefix de- denoting it likely referred to a noble of that area.

The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism.

Dextra is a distinctive feminine name derived from the Latin word 'dexter,' meaning 'right-handed' or more broadly 'skillful' and 'fortunate.' The ancient Romans associated the right side with favorable omens and positive qualities, giving this name auspicious connotations. Dextra has a strong, modern sound despite its classical origins. It remains quite uncommon as a given name, making it a distinctive choice. The name has a certain scientific or academic quality, perhaps due to its similarity to words like 'dexterous' and 'ambidextrous.' For parents seeking a rare name with positive meanings and classical roots, Dextra offers both uniqueness and substance.

A sassy, spunky, punchy kind of name, Dixie can also be considered a place name, one that has become problematic because of its association with the antebellum South. The Dixie Chicks recently dropped Dixie from their band name because of its association with slavery and white privilege.

A relatively common surname, Dixon would be an inventive way to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, the X form a lot livelier than the Dickson spelling, just as Dix is a more modern short form than Dick; it would be right at home alongside Dax and Jax.