20 boys' names on the rise: photos

If you're after a strong boy's name, Lenny might fit. It's a pet form of the German name Leonhard, which means 'brave as a lion'.

The Bodhi tree is a fig tree found in parts of Asia and considered sacred in the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths.

Short for Alfred, Alfie is gaining popularity in the UK and US.

If you're hoping for a peaceful child, try Jonah, which means 'dove' in Hebrew.

Arlo is an Anglo-Saxon name meaning 'fortified hill' and has been steadily climbing in popularity.

If you're anticipating a little Lego-lover in the house, then why not try Braxton? It's from the old English meaning 'from bricks town' (an old place name).

From the Latin 'to conquer', Vincent can also have a softer side: think Vincent van Gogh and his beautiful sunflower paintings.

Theodore is a Greek name meaning 'divine gift'. It's a perfect choice for a cuddly baby: the teddy bear is named after US president Theodore Roosevelt!

This English surname is gaining popularity as a first name. Well-known Harveys include actor Harvey Keitel, a 1950 film starring James Stewart (whose invisible rabbit friend is Harvey), and the cocktail Harvey Wallbanger.

In the Old Testament, Caleb was a friend of Moses. Caleb's Crossing is a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning Australian Geraldine Brooks.

Endow your child with luck by naming him Felix, which is from the Latin for 'lucky' or 'fortunate'. This name is popular in Germany and Austria, and is rising in the UK and US.

A French form of the German name Ludwig, Louis means 'famous in battle', although it's a good name if you want your son to excel more generally: in addition to 14 French kings, several Nobel Laureates, musician Louis Armstrong, chemist Louis Pasteur and Braille inventor, Louis Braille, have all borne this name.

Nathanial (or its charming diminutive Nate) could be a good choice if your son might be a creative soul. Famous Nathanials include writer Nathaniel Hawthorne and singer Nat King Cole.

Jett is a black gemstone, so this might be a perfect name for the precious boy in your life.

Noel Gallagher and Sophie Ellis-Bextor both named their sons Sonny, but for most famous Sonnys, such as singer Sonny Bono, boxer Sonny Liston and Miami Vice character Sonny Crockett, it was just a nickname.

If you're a fan of all things Celtic, but want to avoid the heavily popular Scottish names, try Lennox. Originally a surname, it derives from the Lowland Levenach region and the clan that lived there.

This Scottish form of James has been hovering in Australia's top 200 names for a number of years.

Eric is Old Norse for 'eternal ruler'. Famous Erics stretch all the way back to Viking navigator Erik the Red, through to the more recent, such as musician Eric Clapton and comic Eric Idle, and characters in South Park, The Little Mermaid, That '70s Show and True Blood.

Originally a surname meaning 'dispenser of provisions' in a manor house, Spencer is taking hold as a first name. Celebrities choosing Spencer for their sons include actor Cuba Gooding Jr, skater Tony Hawk and musician Jeff Tweedy.

If you're hoping for a happy baby, Asher might be a good choice. Hebrew for 'happy' or 'blessed', Asher dropped out of favour in the late 1800s only to stage a come-back in the 1990s.