10 V Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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V names may be getting trendy for girls, but they're far from popular with the boys. The first one on the top 1000 is Victor--and he's only at #101. You won't find many V boy names in use--which could be perfect if you want an uncommon name. Here are my picks for the 10 best V names outside the top 1000.

Van- He's concise, easy to spell and pronounce, and won't be confused for other names. That makes Van perfect, in my book.

Vardon- Vardon is a French surname that would translate easily to an American baby. For those of you who like nicknameless names, Vardon (or the alternate spelling, Varden) is a good option.

Vasco- If you need a name that would work in the United States and Latin America, Vasco tops my list of suggestions. He's got serious swagger and spunk.

Venn- Venn will always remind me of Venn diagrams (maybe because I'm still in high school), but that's not a bad association at all. He makes a great alternative to Ben--though that could be confusing at times.

Vermont- Hands down, Vermont is one of the most beautiful states in America. He would also make an unusual, yet super rad name for a boy. If you have some sort of connection to Vermont, it might be worth it to consider him for a son.

Vero- If you've been reading this series long enough, you know how much I love a short, ends-in-o name for boys. Vero is no exception. He sounds a lot like the slowly rising Vera, but has a more youthful feel.

Viggo- I can't even begin to tell you how much I adore Viggo. I'm definitely a sucker for Scandinavian names. He is modern and unique, yet people are familiar with the name. Viggo's a winner.

Ving- Ving has pizzaz and vitality. Sure, he's originally a diminutive of Irving, but Ving has potential. At the very least, he'd make a good nickname.

Vito- I don't put much stock into the meaning of names, but it can be an important factor for some parents. Vito means "life," which is one of the best meanings out there. Want to make a "life" meaning sibset? Check out this list. Vito and Liv, maybe?

Vlad- Vlad is kind of a tough sell. He's got some rough associations (to be fair, he has some good ones, too) and is rarely used in America. That being said, he has a nice sound, and would be a lovely choice if you have Russian heritage.

State Capital Names

A nice way to honor your roots would be to name your child after where you are from. If you live in the States, you might want to consider your state's capital. Most state capitals (or a variation) work, with the exception of Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.

Expected:
Augusta (ME)- My first thought is golf, but maybe that's just me. Augusta is a beautiful name though.
Austin (TX)- This name definitely reminds people of Texas. It's great if that's what your going for.
Carson (NV- Carson City)- On trend
Charleston (WV)- Comes with the bonus nickname Charlie.
Cheyenne (WY)- Sounds a little dated, but she would definitely work.
Helena (MT)- The capital is pronounced (HEL-en-uh), but many prefer (he-LAY-nuh).
Jackson (MS)- Too common of a name to remind people of the city.
Juneau (AK)- Makes Juno a place name.
Harris (PA- Harrisburg)- He's less common than Harrison, and both are great names.
Lincoln (NE)- Newly gender-neutral, Lincoln is a great name.
Madison (WI)- Like Jackson, she's too common to remind people of Wisconsin.
Olympia (WA)- A beautiful name, and Pia is a cute short form.
Paul (MN- Saint Paul)- Classic.
Phoenix (AZ)- A bold, but not unusual choice for boy or girl.
Pierre (SD)- Don't use it unless you're French.
Raleigh (NC)- This works for a boy or girl (thinking Raleigh St. Clair).

Unique:
Albany (NY)- This place name is way underused.
Annapolis (MD)- Call her Annie, or put this in the middle.
Atlanta (GA)- Super cool for girl.
Boston (MA)- Strong and handsome.
Columbia (SC)- My first though is college, but this would not make a bad name.
Columbus (OH)- Reminds me too much of history class.
Denver (CO)- Just don't name his sister Aspen.
Frankfort (KY)- I prefer just Frank, but this is nice if you come from Kentucky.
Hartford (CT)- Hart is a lovely short form.
Jefferson (MO- Jefferson City)- A bold choice, but I would stay with it, and away from Jeff.
Montgomery (AL)- It's long and the only nickname is Monty. How about as a middle?
Nashville (TN)- Call him Nash.
Richmond (VA)- Great way to honor Grandpa Richard and Aunt Virginia.
Trenton (NJ)- Very hip, and you can call him Trent.

Unheard of:
Bismarck (ND)- Honors a Mark and North Dakota.
Boise (ID)- I think of potatoes, but I've never been to Idaho.
Concord (NH)- If you can get past the grape association, this could be cool.
Des Moines (IA)- It barely works. Better stick it in the middle.
Dover (DE)- I just hope his best friend isn't Ben.
Honolulu (HI)- A little wild, but the nickname Lulu tones her down.
Lansing (MI)- I like it for either gender.
Sacramento (CA)- Long and nicknameless. If you're okay with that, use it!
Salem (OR)- Too witchy. Portland is a better Oregon city name.
Springfield (IL)- This one's a stretch. Make it a middle, or call her Spring.
Tallahassee (FL)- Only if you call her Tally.
Topeka (KS)- Cute and unusual.