You Can Call Me AL

Hello, readers!

Being a fan of 70's singer-songwriters - still debating naming my future child James, just so I can sing "Sweet Baby James" to them - I'm fairly well-versed in Paul Simon hits. He's also a fantastic example of using names in songs! "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" is one great tune, but so is the title of this article - "You Can Call Me Al."

This short nickname-name peaked in 1910, but it was used quite often in the mid-twentieth century. Al is short for a bunch of excellent names with varying styles - let's check out a few!

Alexander

The most popular Al-name, Alexander is a classic with no signs of losing its edge. It's got history, namesakes, and a handsome sound - this pick will age well!

Alan, Allan, Allen

Though Alan's ranked higher in the 1950's and 1960's, the names are still popular. For good reason - Alan is simple, friendly, and accessible to all. 

Alvin

Long on the decline, Alvin got a slight boost in 2007-08, thanks to the Chipmunk films. It's definitely geek-chic, but Alvin is also quirky and adorable. 

Alistair, Alastair

It already ranks in the UK, making this an import we Yanks are excited to receive! The Scottish form of Alexander, Alistair is sophisticated and attractive. 

Algernon

What's not to like about a name whose meaning comes from the French for "mustachioed man"? It may be a bit stuffy, but Algernon could take off with today's creative namers!

Aloysius 

Another bold, old-fashioned choice, Aloysius can be found on Sesame Street, in Brideshead Revisited, and in the names of the saints. Could it return to birth certificates?

Albert

Dignified and durable, Albert has quite a few notable namesakes, from Einstein to Camus to a dozen royals. Some may find it dated, but Albert is bound to persevere through its traditional tone. 

Alaric

A favorite in English literature, Alaric is an ancient name that's never quite become popular. That could very well change, thanks to its unusual sound and refined appeal. 

Alva

While it's primarily known as the middle name of Thomas Edison, Alva hits all the right notes to move to the first name slot. It's short yet resolute, uncommon yet recognizable. 

Alfred

It's incredibly popular in Europe, but Alfred is still relatively under the radar in the US. While Al and Fred(dy) are other traditional nicknames, Alfie is a huge hit in Britain. 

Alphonse

Once well-used, Alphonse has fallen a long way from its rank 100 years ago. But this French choice is now a rare vintage find, perfect for those who love history in a name. 

Albin

Though it sounds like a trendy name, similar to Corbin or Ruben, Albin is actually a Swedish pick that's never taken off in the US. It comes from Latin for "white" - lovely for a winter baby. 

Alonzo

With a zippy sound and remarkable history, Alonzo's have appeared on the basketball court and in Congress. This pleasant choice will work for all kinds of personalities!

Tell me your favorite Al names in the comments!

Vintage Boy's Names Ending in A

Hello, readers,

Names that end in A have long been popular for girls, but it certainly seems like the boys are making an effort to catch up! Choices such as Luca, Joshua, and Ezra manage to balance traditional styles with modern sounds. But which choices err on the side of classic rather than trendy?

Here are some names used as far back as the nineteenth century that maintain a masculine sound with an "A" at the end!

Ira

Once a popular pick among Jewish families, Ira joins Noah and Abraham in transitioning between the ancient and the contemporary. Ira means "watchful one," and has a few notable namesakes. 

Alva

The middle name of inventor Thomas Edison, Alva is another Hebrew choice. It was used for both boys and girls in the nineteenth century, but its attachment to Edison places it more fully in the male category. 

Misha

Originally a pet form of Mikhail, Americans haven't met too many male Misha's. Still, this adorable name shares traits with Marshall and Mitchell, as well as honors familial Michael's. 

Hosea

The name of a biblical prophet, Hosea has also been worn by strong civil rights' activists and leaders. The name means "salvation," a beautiful choice for religious families. 

Dara

Though it's a well-used boys' name in Ireland, Dara has been historically feminine in the U.S. However, its energetic sound, bright vibe, and cultural history could bring it back to the boys!

Ilya

This Slavic variation of Elijah is a stylish alternative to the popular Hebrew pick; it reached American audiences recently via a character in The Man from UNCLE. 

Akiva

Possibly related to fan favorite Jacob, Akiva is a more active and attractive pick. A member of The Lonely Island shares the name, but it's still uncommon in the states - only sixty-nine Akiva's were born in 2015. 

Cuba
Despite the appeal of actor Cuba Gooding Jr., this national name hasn't ever been recorded more than nine times in any year. With international relations (hopefully) improving, Cuba could be a cool place-name choice.

Omega
Creative names are increasing in the US, with edgy names like Omega beginning to rise. This pick could get a boost from other trendy O names like Oliver, Owen, and Oscar, too.

Eissa
Janet Jackson brought this Arabic name to American ears this past January; the name Eissa is a form of Jesus, meaning "the Lord is salvation." Let's watch to see how a celebrity namesake impacts this handsome pick.

Koa
What sounds like a combination of Kai and Noah is actually a Hawaiian name meaning "warrior." Koa is bound to jump up popularity lists with its concise tone and tropical origins.

Seneca
With history in both ancient Rome and Iroquois culture, Seneca is a serene multicultural choice that works well for all kinds of families and personalities. It was also promoted recently in the Hunger Games series.

Vanya
Another Slavic nickname, this time for classic Ivan. Vanya is the main character in a Chekhov play, as well. It sounds enough like Van to gain notice, with the -ya ending adding a bit of individuality.

Any great choices I missed? Tell me in the comments!

Barely There N-Z - Boys' Names

Hello, readers!

The list continues! Here are some novel names today that may become tomorrow's top picks!

Navarro
Neeson
Nix

Odie
Osbourne

Pacer
Petie
Petro
Pio
Placido
Portland
Priam

Rainn
Reason
Renegade
Rev
Roam
Romano
Romy
Roux
Ryota

Salinger
Saviour
Sherwood
Silviano
Sosa
Star
Statham
Stellar
Success
Suede

Tedd
Temple
Tenor
Tenzing
Tesla
Topher
Treasure
Triumph

Vali

Win

Yahweh

Zaccheus
Zan
Zavi
Zolton

Barely There A-M - Boys' Names

Hello, readers!

The Social Security Administration draws the line at the number five - that is, a name is only recorded officially if it was given to five or more babies of one gender in one year. Which of these names, barely making it onto birth certificates today, might skyrocket to the top ten someday?

While these are only *my* picks, based on current trends and personal taste, I encourage you to check out the data. What names have I missed?

Abba
Abidan
Admire
Agostino
Aleph
Algernon
Amedeo
Andros
Antonin
Aragon
Arles
Astraeus
Auburn
Aureliano
Axiom
Azar

Barnett
Beckley
Berel
Bertrand
Beto
Bond
Bourne
Brolin
Bronco
Bucky

Caldwell
Cathal
Cathan
Chaitanya
Cherokee
Chesney
Chinua
Christophe
Clash
Coe
Corleone
Curry
Cypher

Daly
Damascus
Dannon
Dartanyan
Day
Deni
Deo
Dermot
Desiderio
Dom
Dragan
Durham
Duvall

Efthimios
Eldridge
Eloi
England
Esley
Ezri

Farren
Fender
Fennec
Forever
Furious
Fyodor

Gadi
Galaxy
Galloway
Garvey
Given
God
Granite

Haji
Haran
Harvest
Hemingway
Holy
Honour
Hopper

Iago
Imre
Ireland
Ives

Jackman
Jaco
Jazeel

Kaiba
Kaire
Keigo
Kel
Kerrigan
Khaleil
Kino
Kinsey
Kipling
Knute
Kostas
Kronos

Lamond
Llewelyn
Logic
Luthor

Majestic
Mali
Manhattan
Mantra
Marios
Moe
Moon
Moritz
Mortimer
Moxley