Rose and Briar are popular, and Hawthorn is cool – so why not the equally prickly Thorne? The E ending gives it a surnamey spin à la Hawthorne.

Tiernan is the slightly edgier and sharper cousin of Kiernan. This is one Irish surname that is attractive but distinctive; Tierney is another, related, option.

Tierney is a Celtic surname with a definite Irish twinkle, a name just waiting to be discovered. Though now sometimes used for girls (in the US, not Ireland), as in jazz singer Tierney Sutton, it still has plenty of masculine punch.

An interesting and attractive multicultural choice, Tor packs a lot in to three letters. It may be used as a modern form of Þórr (Thor) , the name of the Norse thunder god or as a short form of Victor/Viktor and Hector, giving it the meaning "conqueror, victor" or "holding fast".

As a Hebrew name, it means "turtle-dove" and is a favorite choice for babies born in spring, when turtledoves arrive, especially as a middle, while as an English word name, it may refer to a rocky peak or hill, as in the Glastonbury Tor.

The o ending and the positive meaning in many languages makes this a winner, and with the feminine Vera making a surprise return, and the new love for the letter 'V', this becomes a name that has definite possibilities.

A vireo is a small green bird with a song as melodic as this highly unusual name, but it does sound a touch viral.

Volker is a traditional Germanic masculine name derived from the Old High German elements 'folk' meaning 'people' and 'heri' meaning 'army' or 'warrior.' Historically, it translates to 'people's guardian' or 'defender of the people.' The name appears in the medieval German epic 'Nibelungenlied,' where Volker is a brave knight and skilled musician. Popular primarily in Germany, Austria, and other German-speaking regions, Volker saw its greatest popularity during the mid-20th century. While less common among younger generations today, it maintains an air of classical strength and cultural heritage. The name conveys reliability and service to community, making it a dignified yet increasingly distinctive choice in the modern era.

Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.

Yardley is an English surname with a distinguished vibe, a la Chauncey and Clancy. Extremely rare for either sex, it would make a stand-out choice that still fits in with current trends.

On paper, with its stylish ties to fashion legend Yves Saint-Laurent (born Henri), Yves looks great, but the pronunciation--EVE-- could lead to gender confusion. German variation Ivo might be cooler and clear up the issue.

A popular nickname that, over the past few decades, has acquired enough standing to work on its own, a la earlier equivalents such as Jack and Max; an alternative to Zach/Zack. Actor/singer Zac Efron--born Zachary--is an attractive current bearer.

Zakery represents a creative spelling variation of the traditional Zachary. With Hebrew origins, the name means 'remembered by God' or 'the Lord has remembered.' This alternative spelling maintains the same pronunciation while giving the name a distinctive visual character. Zachary has biblical roots, appearing in the New Testament, which contributes to its enduring popularity across generations. The variation Zakery emerged as parents sought ways to personalize this classic name while preserving its familiar sound and rich heritage. While less common than the traditional spelling, Zakery offers a modern twist on a timeless choice. The name conveys strength and reliability while the unique spelling adds a touch of individuality and contemporary style.

Extreme cool possibilities in either of these modern categories, like a postmodern Linc.