Up my sleeve

One of the coolest of names, thanks to legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk, who inherited this Latin-sounding German name from his father. It has been used very sparingly since the 1960's, with just a sprinkling of baby boys receiving the name each year, though it's one of the unique baby names we predict will get much less unique as more parents embrace its quirky charms.

Classic and elegant but with boyish charm, Theodore has become hit name in recent years, vaulting into the US Top 10 in 2021 for the first time ever and into the Top 5 in 2024. A favorite in English speaking countries, it also ranks highly across the UK and Ireland, and in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

This name of a Roman emperor and of a sedating plant is still used quietly, given to about a dozen baby boys in the US last year. It has a strong, rhythmic sound and could make a modern-feeling honor name for grandma Valerie.

Said to refer to either Jupiter or Venus, either of which would be preferable as a name.

Vesuvius is an unusual masculine name derived directly from Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano near Naples, Italy, known for its catastrophic eruption in 79 CE that destroyed Pompeii. The name comes from Latin, possibly related to an Indo-European root meaning 'to burn.' As a personal name, Vesuvius is extremely rare, projecting powerful, dramatic qualities associated with natural forces. It carries undeniable connotations of intensity, power, and potentially volatile energy. The name might appeal to parents seeking a truly distinctive classical name with strong imagery, though its association with destruction might give some pause. Despite its rarity as a given name, Vesuvius is instantly recognizable due to the volcano's historical and cultural significance.

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.