Halloween Names

For older generations this still summons silent horror star Chaney; for others it's a pleasant if slight nickname name.

One of the magical words of childhood (and beyond), and associated with actor Treat (born Richard) Williams, whose nickname came from ancestor Robert Treat Williams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

An earthy rock'n'roll name with multiple origins. The Roc was a giant bird in Middle Eastern legend.

Glinda is famous as the name of the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz, invented by author L. Frank Baum. but has there ever been a real life, non-fictional Glinda? Not in the US last year. The name may be related to the Welsh Glenda, itself a 20th century invention.

Of all the astrological names —think Leo, Aries, Gemini— Scorpio probably has the most dramatically potent presence, which could prove something of a burden to a young boy.

The "To Be or Not to Be" jokes, via Shakespeare's tortured prince, will get old by Month Two.

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.

For basketball fans, in honor of Magic Johnson. Or anyone who believes in magic.

A name that's appeared out of thin air, in the same vein as such mystical favorites as Destiny and Nevaeh.

Nickname left over from the last generation.

The charming Hitch played by Will Smith in the eponymous movie put this into the lexicon. Also known as the nickname of director Alfred Hitchcock and writer Christopher Hitchens, who titled his autobiography "Hitch."