X Factor Baby Names

As long as nobody connects it with xenophobia -- the fear of strangers and the unknown.

As Huxley and Huck become more popular and accepted, so does Hux, either as a full name or a diminutive.

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

Galician form of Joel, in the Top 25 in Galicia and Top 250 in Spain. As with Joel and Noel, pronunciation can sound like one syllable or two.

This name may be related to the Latin Maximus, which means "the greatest," or to a British landowner's name, but for most modern parents, it's one of several ways to get to short form Max.

The second book of the Bible provides a dramatic name that's more distinct than Genesis and simpler than Leviticus.

Lucifer not cool enough for you? Then you might want to pivot to this arguably badder-boy alternative with the X in the middle. Bonus advantage: Nickname Lux.

Lexington is trending as a unisex name, used just about evenly for the genders. For Americans, it's got a patriotic feel, given the importance of Lexington, Massachusetts in the Revolutionary War. Lexington, Kentucky, in horse country, is another well-known city with the name. Short form Lex is user friendly.

This Beatrix alternate could make a good choice for globetrotting parents.

A tad spacy.

Lexington is rising as a place name used just about evenly for the genders. For Americans, it's got a patriotic ring, given the importance of Lexington, Massachusetts in the Revolutionary War. Lexington, Kentucky, in horse country, is another famous place with the name.

Aviator is equally appropriate for a girl, of course, but lovers of Beatrix and Bellatrix might appreciate the spiky sound of this unique occupational name.

After Dallas, Austin, and Houston, the new cowboy on the block. Old-school Western nickname: Tex.

The Basque form of Salvador starts with the intriguing letter X, which is pronounced like a "sh" sound in the Basque language. Xabat is a great Basque heritage choice, but we must note that it sounds almost identical to the word "Shabbat", the Jewish day of rest.

Experience was used by the Puritans but probably too joke-worthy for a modern child...or teenager.

Sex doesn't belong in a baby name.

A bold word name choice for the intrepid baby namer who hopes her son will face the world with a sense of discovery.