Names From My Family Tree-Boys

Wallace

Scottish

"foreigner, stranger"

Wallace is so square could almost be ripe for a turnaround, especially with the hipness imparted by the British Claymation series Wallace & Gromit . And Wally makes an adorable Leave it to Beaver…

Boyd

Scottish

"blond"

Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with.

Cecil

Latin

"blind"

Once a powerful Roman clan name, Cecil has lost much of its potency over the years, though it retains a strong presence in the sports and jazz worlds. Past bearers include film giant Cecil B.…

Clarence

Latin

"bright"

The name of the guardian angel in It's a Wonderful Life is rarely heard the rest of the year because of its studious, near-nerdy image, but this could change in the current naming climate. An English…

Howard

German, English

"high guardian; brave heart"

Howard, once hugely popular in the Top 50 from the 1870s to early 1950s, hitting Number 24 in 1920 -- has been stuck in Dad-Grandad limbo for decades, but is showing some signs of stirring back to…

Jarrett

English variation of Garrett

Got some notice as a Jared alternative, has musical association with pianist Keith Jarrett.

Keenan

Irish

"ancient"

This name of three ancient saints, one Wayans brother, and an NFL wide receiver makes an energetic choice.

Kirk

Norse

"church"

Far more friendly and open than similar one-syllable names like Kent, Kurt, and Karl, it's been associated for more than half a century with actor Kirk Douglas, whose birth name was Issur…