For the someday baby boy...

Marcus

Latin

"warlike"

Though ancient, Marcus now sounds more current than Mark, in tune with today's trend towards us-ending Latinate names. Marcus, which is thought to be related to Mars, the god of war, was commonplace…

Travis

French occupational name

"tollgate-keeper"

Has a laid-back rural feel some would associate with country singer Travis Tritt; Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon chose it for their son. Travis Scott, born Jacques Webster Jr., a popular rap artist,…

Soren

Danish, Norwegian

"stern"

This gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, is being discovered in a major way by parents in the US. It's most closely identified with the nineteenth century philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, but…

Allen

English and Scottish

"handsome, cheerful"

Allen is the spelling of this name -- other common spellings are Alan and Allan -- most associated with the surname; it might also be the most appropriate if you're trying to steer clear of Al as a…

Garrison

English

"son of Garret"

As Harrison is to Harry, Garrison is to Gary: both of the longer versions sound more modern and appealing. NPR's Prairie Home Companion's Garrison Keillor was born Gary.

Gentry

English

"aristocracy"

A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.

Gannon

Irish

"fair-skinned, fair-haired"

The name of a historic Irish leader, Gannon has a solid, yet spirited feel. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2014, but that trend didn't continue. One pop culture influence was the name of…

Garon

Garon is a masculine name with French origins, possibly derived from the Germanic name Gero or Gerhard, meaning 'spear-brave' or 'spear-strong.' It may also relate to the French word 'garçon' meaning…

Aldin

Aldin is a masculine name with Germanic roots, likely derived from the elements 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise' and 'win' meaning 'friend.' This creates a meaning along the lines of 'old or wise…