Taj is a cool-sounding name reflecting the magnificence of the seventeenth-century Indian Taj Mahal, chosen by Aerosmith's Steven Tyler for his son.

English speakers will think you invented this one, but it's a hidden nature name from the Basque country in present-day Spain. Some may find it too close to "zero" for comfort.

You might think of this as the zesty brother of Cade and Slade. Or Zade might appeal to you as an anglicized spelling of the Arabic Zayd or Zaid, the name of an enslaved man that Muhammad adopted as his son.

A name that feels both lively and serious, Chaim was once more familiar as Hyman or Hymie. Now, the original form is on the rise, ranking in the Top 700 in the US, the Top 30 in Israel, and the Top 1000 in England and Wales in a recent year.

In the Bible, Tabor is the name of the mountain that stood on the border between northern and southern Israel. This biblical place name is similar to the Hungarian name Tibor.

Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive alternative to Levi.

A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.

Derived from the Arabic word sadaga, meaning to "to tell the truth", Sadiq is a name associated with sincerity and honesty. It was most famously borne by the 8th century Muslim scholar and scientist, Ja'far al-Sadiq, who helped to develop an understanding of divine Islamic law, and recorded numerous hadith or accounts of the Prophet Muhammad. More recent bearers include Sadiq Kahn who became the Mayor of London in 2016, and Indian actor, Muhammad Sadiq, known by the mononym "Sadiq".

British filmmaker Hanif Kureishi brought this name to the Western world.

This name of the capital of an ancient Egyptian dynasty makes Lois X-rated.

Talib is a North African name with an admirable meaning, associated with rapper Talib Kweli.

Taran is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Welsh mythology, Taran refers to thunder, and was associated with the Celtic thunder god. In Sanskrit, the name means 'star' or 'protector.' The name also appears in Slavic cultures with connections to meanings like 'youth' or 'vitality.' While traditionally used for boys in many cultures, Taran has gained popularity as a gender-neutral or feminine name in recent decades. Its short, strong sound appeals to parents looking for a name that is both distinctive and easy to pronounce. The name carries an earthy, elemental quality with its mythological associations while remaining contemporary in feel. Its cross-cultural versatility makes it appealing to families with diverse backgrounds.

More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.