Badass baby names

Noah is nearly a patriarch of popular baby names at this point, going from Old Testament graybeard to Top 10 name in 2009, hitting Number 1 in 2013, and now settled into second place in the US for the past eight years.

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

With the popular 'ash' sound and a contemporary feel, Cash is a widely used name in the US. Used occasionally before the 2000s, Cash really took off in 2003, following the death of American musical legend, Johnny Cash.

Mitzi is a spunky German nickname name that might appeal to parents drawn to the genre of lively vintage chorus girl names that proliferated in 1930's musicals. Lively entertainer Mitzi Gaynor--who was originally named Francesca Marlene de Czani von Gerber--made the name notable in mid-century America.

Caprice is a word name with an appealing sound and a light-hearted meaning that may well put parents off. While it was given to just 10 girls in a recent year, the name did have a moment back in the late 60s and then again in the 90s. In England and Wales, it even made the Top 400 in 1997.

The French spelling of Lucy feels particularly light and shimmery.

Charli may be the new Charlie, which is the cooler Charlotte. British singer-songwriter Charli (born Charlotte) XCX, creator of the hit album Brat, and TikTok star Charli D'Amelio popularized the Charli spelling.

Kaiah is a modern feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be derived from the Hebrew name 'Kaya,' meaning 'pure' or could be linked to Native American origins where it suggests 'wise child.' Some associate it with Greek roots interpreting it as 'earth' or 'pure.' The name has gained modest popularity in the 21st century as parents seek unique names with meaningful connotations. Kaiah appeals to those looking for a contemporary-sounding name that combines melodic qualities with spiritual or nature-based meanings. Its relatively uncommon status gives it distinction while its pleasing sound makes it accessible. The name's cross-cultural associations add to its versatility, making it suitable for families with diverse backgrounds looking for a name with global appeal.