The girls have Violet and Scarlet and Ruby and Rose, but for the boys there's a much more limited palette of color names. Gray (or Grey), is one exception, which could make for a soft and evocative--if slightly somber-- choice, especially in the middle. Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney recently named their son Leo Grey.

Vladimir is a cultured and deep-rooted Slavic name associated in this country with cultural figures including piano virtuoso Vladimir Horowitz and the author of Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov.

This name of the archangel who protects those born under the sign of Capricorn is one of the most attractive and distinctive December baby names or January baby names. Cassiel is a little-known member of the increasingly popular Cass family, which includes Cassius, Cassian, and Cassia.

Chris is a long-running nickname used almost equally for boys and girls. While past its prime, Chris stands out as sounding completely appropriate for both sexes, perhaps because of its widespread use as a short form of both the popular Christopher and Christine. Chris manages to retain its crisp appeal even though its fashion moment is over.

The association with the infamous Nero, the fiddling Roman emperor, would be unavoidable. But there was also the detective Nero Wolfe, hero of many mystery stories.

The Viktor form of this classic name is widely used throughout Europe and is rising in the US as well.

Castiel, which vaulted into the Top 1000 on the wings of the angel hero of the television show Supernatural, is the name of the Angel of the day Thursday. It may also derive some appeal from the newly-fashionable "Cas" syllable, as in Cassian and Cassius.

Worldly, artistic and attractive Slavic version of the name of the Greek god of fertility and farming.

Common Russian name of one of that country's most beloved saints, known for his kindness and gentility.

The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.

As heavy as a marble bust of Beethoven.

Presidential surname adopted as a first by numbers of midcentury African-American parents.

Piers was the first version of Peter to reach the English-speaking world, via the Normans, but it's never made it in the US, despite its large measure of understated panache. This might change due to the high visibility of TV personality and former news editor Piers Morgan.

While Alucard has the sound of names like Alaric, Arnoud, and Ealdwine, it is in fact literally Dracula spelled backwards. Used in various bits of media over the years, it is perhaps best associated with the character in the Japanese game franchise, Castlevania or with the manga series HELLSING by Kouta Hirano.

A variation of Alex used in a number of languages, Alek has the cool, solid feel of Erik and Axel. It can also be a name of Greenlandic origin, meaning "harpoon line".

Russian names, like Russian supermodels, are hot these days, at least they are when politics alow it. This is a strong way to make Nicholas new. More authentically spelled Nikolai.

Aleksei is a masculine name of Russian origin, representing the Slavic form of Alexius or Alexis, ultimately derived from the Greek 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' This powerful name has been borne by numerous Russian tsars, Orthodox saints, and notable figures throughout history. Common in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other Eastern European countries, Aleksei carries a strong cultural heritage while being recognized internationally. The spelling variations include Alexei, Alexey, and Aleksey, with pronunciation typically emphasizing the second syllable. The name conveys strength and protection while maintaining a classic, timeless quality. In Western countries, it's recognized as distinctively Slavic but still accessible.