10 X Names You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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I'm not going to lie--this one was hard. It's difficult enough to think of ten X names off the top of my head. To find ten that people would want to use? Oh boy.

Xan- We're starting off mild. Xan is not unheard of as a nickname for Alexander and the like, but I've never seen him used as a full name. He might not have quite enough substance for most parents, but he has a lot of potential for a short middle name.

Xanto- Xanto (ZHAN-tow) is a form of the Greek Xanthos. This Anglicized version would make a subtle way to honor Greek heritage.

Xavi- How many Xavis have you met? I know three, which seems like a disproportionate amount. He can be pronounced (HAH-vie) or (ZHAH-vie), so take your pick (though the former is slightly more popular).

Xavian- Xavian is a big mystery. He doesn't have a known meaning or origin, though we do know that he came into existence sometime in the mid 1980s. Not surprisingly, he follows a population curve similar to Xavier's--the name which he probably stemmed from.

Xaviell- One part Xavier, one part Dashiell--is that a recipe for success? So far, no--but let's chalk it up to lack of exposure. Who knows? Xaviell could be the next big thing.

Xaviero- Xaviero is a form of the Spanish Javier, which means "bright." The beginning in X, ending in O combination certainly packs a punch--making Xaviero a very alluring name.

Xavon- Like many of the others on this list, Xavon comes from the most popular X name, Xavier. He's an intriguing option, but I can't seem to find a definitive pronunciation. (HAY-von)? (ZAY-von)? (huh-VON)?

Xev- You all know how much I love short names, so it should be no surprise that Xev is my favorite of this list. He'd be perfect for honoring a Kevin (which is almost a grandpa name). Possible full name option: Xever.

Xerxes- Go big or go home. If you have that kind of attitude, might I suggest Xerxes for a baby name? This ancient Greek name is not for the faint of heart.

Xion- Xion is a variation of (the much more popular than I thought) Zion (#235). He has Hebrew origins, and means "Heaven." Which spelling do you prefer? I kind of like the X.

10 Names K You Never Thought of Using: Boys

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Here's one thing that irks me about K names: they are often times respellings of C names. I tend to prefer the more traditional form, and I'm not about to put names like Konnor or Kristian on this list just because they're not popular. But! That doesn't mean they're all bad. Not in the slightest. I have found ten great choices that hold up to my (high) standards. So let me know what you think (are there any that I've missed?).

Kano- An interesting name that is a funkier alternative to the more preppy Kane.

Keats- Want a name even preppier than Kane? Keats is your man. This guy is prep-city.

Keefe- Simple and tailored, with a nod to Georgia O'Keefe.

Keir- Masculine and suave, plus, a great way to honor a Keira.

Kellam- More interesting and mysterious than Kellan.

Kelvin- Kevin and Melvin sound dowdy on their own, but Kelvin is totally cool and modern.

Kenyon- Collegiate and on-trend. Kenyon is my favorite from this list.

Kiel- Normally he's a nickname for Ezekiel, but I happen to like him on his own, too.

Killian- This is one case when the K spelling came before the C. Cillian may be softer, but Killian is the way to go.

Kyan- All the Ky- names are pretty trendy, but Kyan hasn't caught on. He's a perfect pick if you want something in-style yet unused.