Names I like

Luis has long been one of the most popular Hispanic names in America — it was in the Top 100 every year from 1980 to 2014, though it's dropped a bit in popularity. It's familiar, yet would add a worldly touch to a basic surname.

More and more frequently heard as the Gallic version of Oliver, Olivier could be seen as a tribute to the great British actor, Sir Laurence O.

Raylan, one of an uncountable number of two syllable, surname-like boys’ names end in n that are in style these days, is inspired by Raylan Givens, the cowboy hat-wearing U.S. Marshall created by writer Elmore Leonard and starring in the television series Justified. The Ray part of the name is of course a traditional choice -- it's usually said to mean "wise" -- but the lan takes it out of Old School Raymond territory. Other variations include Raylen, Raylon, Rayden and so on. The name is also sometimes given to girls, but not nearly as often as it is for boys.

Actor Coby Bell gives this short but sweet name a hefty amount of street cred. Can also be spelled Koby or Kobe, as in Kobe Bryant.

Isis has gone from magical, feminist name on the rise to the forbidden list because of the extremist terror group called ISIS, an acronym for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Unsurprisingly, Isis was one of the fastest-falling names in 2014, dropping 130 ranks to reach #706. Interestingly, however, since 2020, it has begun to see increased use again, and 2023 saw it given to 151 girls.

The K may be trendy, but this spelling variation is much less popular than Marcus.

A sweet and international short form of Catherine, pronounced like Katya and used in various European languages.

Suzannah is a feminine name that represents an elegant variation of Susanna, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' This spelling adds a touch of sophistication to the traditional form. Though less common than Susan or Susanna, Suzannah maintains the same melodic quality with its three-syllable structure. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, making it a distinctive choice. Its biblical roots connect to the story of Susanna in the Book of Daniel's apocryphal sections. Suzannah offers the friendly nicknames Suzie, Zannah, or Anna, providing versatility for different stages of life.

Xaver is a masculine name with German and Bavarian origins, functioning as a variant of Xavier. The name ultimately derives from the Basque place name Etxeberria, meaning 'the new house,' and was popularized by St. Francis Xavier, a 16th-century Spanish missionary. While Xavier (or Javier in Spanish) is widely recognized internationally, Xaver represents a more regionally specific Germanic form, particularly common in Bavaria, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. The name has a strong, distinctive sound and the uncommon initial 'X' gives it a bold, memorable quality. Despite being less familiar in English-speaking countries, Xaver offers an intriguing international alternative with authentic historical usage.

Kailie is a feminine name with multiple potential origins, most likely a modern variation of Kaylee, Kayla, or Kailey. The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining a melodic, feminine quality. Emerging in popularity during the late 20th century, Kailie appeals to parents seeking names with the popular 'lee' sound but with a slightly more distinctive spelling. The name may have Irish connections if derived from Kailey (a variant of Kelly meaning 'warrior'), or it could simply be a creative modern adaptation. Kailie has a friendly, approachable sound while remaining somewhat uncommon. The various spelling possibilities (including Kaylie, Kaley, and Kaily) allow for personalization while maintaining the same pleasant pronunciation. The name balances familiarity with uniqueness, making it recognizable without being overly common.