UK Boy Names

A solid, brief but not brusque single-syllable surname with a presidential pedigree.

One of the most distinguished names in literature could become a hero name in a family of poetry-lovers -- or be seen as a trendy new occupational name.

The mute, horn-honking Marx Brother's real name was Adolph -- so Harpo represented a huge step up. Also, it's Oprah's production company (her name spelled backward).

Fortitude is the kind of virtue name the Puritans favored, but would not be easy for a modern boy to carry. Stick with something a little simpler than Fortitude, like Justice or True.

Alaska's second most populous city makes a baby name with a preppy, even aristocratic, flavor.

Easy (Ezekiel) Rawlins is the hard-boiled detective created by Walter Mosley.

Try Simon. Or Homer.

Surname from a landscape feature, associated with author Gore Vidal and Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore. Its alternative meaning - as in gory - may explain why it's never made it into the charts.

Belden is a little-used surname-name that might work in this age of Belles.

Has diverse links to a Groucho Marx character, a bouncing ball, and late performance artist Spalding Gray.

Some definite downsides: Massive, Messy.

Barker may be appealing to parents looking for a name with many layers - not only does it share a meaning with the more common Shepherd and Tanner, it also brings to mind the bark of a tree, making this a surreptitious choice for nature enthusiasts.

Possibility for fans of science fiction writer Ray.

Associated with archetypal folksinger Pete Seeger.

Strong, friendly surname choice, à la Bailey.

We'll have our sherry in the parlor, please, Bainbridge.

Upper-crusty hotelish surname.