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Claudius is one of the most user-friendly of the ancient Roman names – even though it's associated with the villainous character in Shakespeare's Hamlet. But as with feminine form Claudia, the "lame" meaning may stymie the rise of Claudius. Some etymologists theorize that the name may relate to the word for enclosure or clause, an alternate meaning that may appeal to a child with a form of this otherwise-appealing name.

Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.

This lilting Irish saint's name shone in neon lights on Broadway for the classical 1947 musical "Finian's Rainbow," later made into a film starring Fred Astaire as Finian McLonergan, and there was also a character on "General Hospital" named Finian O'Toole. With the growing popularity of Finn and Finlay/Finley--and boys' names ending in 'an'--Finian, which can also be spelled Finnian, seems like a sure-fire winner.

A classic Irish "top-o'-the-mornin' surname with a lot of rhythm and pizzazz.

This musical choice fits right in with all the new hard-working Millers and Gardeners. It's also a Scottish demonym, referring to an inhabitant of the historic Scottish county of Fife.

Occult name for babies born under water signs -- Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio.

Shel is a concise masculine name with multiple origins and meanings. Most commonly, it's a shortened form of Sheldon, which has Old English roots meaning 'valley with steep sides.' It gained notable recognition through American writer and illustrator Shel Silverstein, whose work has been beloved by generations of children and adults. The name can also be a variation of Shelley or a nickname for names containing 'shel' sounds. Shel has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a distinctive character. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce and remember across languages and cultures. Though uncommon as a formal given name, its simplicity and cultural associations give it appeal for parents seeking something short, meaningful, and with artistic connections.