40 Modern Baby Names for Parents Who Want to Stay Ahead of the Trends

Lorenzo experienced a surge in popularity within the past decade, but we're loving the more modern take of Renzo for a boy. Still strong and romantic, Ren makes for an easy nickname.

With French origins, Thierry evokes feelings of strength and power. It's also a decidedly designer name, for the baby who was born stylish.

Zephyr, typically a boys' name, is a take on the Greek word Zephyros, which means west wind. It's cool, it's sleek, and for parents looking for a name that starts with a z, this should definitely be kept in the running.

Slate is a strong unisex name option for those looking for something gender-neutral. Teddi Mellencamp of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills named her daughter Slate, but it has yet to infiltrate the masses.

A little bit edgy and a little bit preppy, Exton is the perfect boy name for parents who want a mix of both. It's a modern baby name at its finest.

Odger is one of those names that sounds old-fashioned but has a modern ring to it. Great for parents with old souls who long for something unusual.

With a Finnish origin this name means "eternal ruler," Eero just sounds like the name of a dude who is calm, cool, and collected. It's also the name of a famous Finnish-American architect.

Another name that has stylish undertones, Lennox could easily be shortened to Lenny or even Nox. It's smooth and strong.

Whether the parents are true music aficionados or simply looking for a name that pretty much ensures their kid grows up to be a rock star, Audio is where it's at.

For those who loved the names Jayden or Aiden before they became hugely popular, Zayden is a great way to put a spin on either one.

Thought of more as a traditional last name, Bellamy makes for one adorably modern baby girl name. Even better? The name is said to mean "good friend."

A beautiful name on its own, after knowing the meaning of Orly, it will be instant love. It means, "You are my light."

Whimsical and girly, Pixie is a cheerful modern option for a baby girl. It has Irish origins meaning fairy.

Considered a form of Alexandra, Zanda means "man's defender." It's strong moniker for a girl who owns her power.

Meaning "younger energy," Chi feels like a force to be reckoned with. This is one baby girl name that's full of life.

Depending on who one asks, Wren can either mean "small bird" or "ruler." Either way, it's a sweet name for a girl whose parents want something a little different.

For the family that loves the outdoors and nature, Aspen evokes images of crisp, clean air and beauty for miles. It's the modern take on city names turned baby names.

Once again capitalizing on Mother Nature, Lake has an elegant beauty to it perfect for a baby girl. Hopefully she'll be as calm and serene as the body of water she's named after.

An updated take on the classic Eve. And Evie means "life," which is kind of perfect for a newborn, isn't it?

With historical roots (Freya is derived from the Norse goddess of love and fertility), this name is experiencing a modern resurgence. And it's almost impossible to find a more feminine name than one that means "lady."

Encourage the LO to travel the world with a name that evokes feelings of adventure and faraway places. Atlas has Greek origins which mean "to carry."

Baby boy may be the sunshine of his parents' life, but the name Solaris is quite literally "of the sun." Full of warmth and strength, it can be broken down into a few different nicknames to shorten.

The parents don't have to be sports fanatics or fans of famed football player Drew Brees to appreciate this adorable baby name. It's light and fun (just like a true breeze) but still strong of character.

Kai and Kaia have had their moments in the sun in terms of baby names, but this take on those has an almost royal quality to it. And, of course, in a pinch, it could be shortened from Kaius to Kai.

The Danish origin of Soren means "stern," but we hardly think that will apply to the cute little bundle. It's also considered a derivative of the family name Severus (which, frankly, just makes us think of Harry Potter.)

If The Chronicles of Narnia was a big part of the parents' childhood, Caspian has to be a name consideration for the little guy. Even though it might feel like a throwback to the story's Prince Caspian, it's having a modern-day renaissance.

According to Our Baby Name, fewer than five boys in the U.S. were named Dries in 2017, certainly putting the name ahead of the curve. Generally used as a boy's name (although occasionally one will come across a girl Dries), it means "strongly, manly, brave."

Perhaps mom and dad are authors, or they just have a love of Guardians of the Galaxy's Peter Quill, but this name holds some vintage feels while also sounding totally modern.

Sometimes traditional last names make perfectly modern first names. Miller hasn't been overdone but also fits right in with some of the classic names that have experienced newfound popularity of late.

As a grownup, Remington sounds like the name of someone who is all business. As a kid, a cute nickname like Remy does the trick.

One more last name that is becoming popular as a first, Monroe makes us think of that famous screen siren Marilyn, but it makes for a sweet moniker for a little girl. And while a few celebs have already picked up on Monroe for their own kiddos, it hasn't gone full mainstream yet, keeping parents ahead of the trends.

DC Comics aficionados have been acquainted with the name Harley for a girl for some time, but the name is picking up steam outside of that universe. Whether parents choose the traditional spelling or make a little more flowery by spelling the name Harleigh, it's a sassy pick.

For something different from the more common Riley and Kylie, Shailee makes for a pretty and more modern upgrade. Pronounced Shy-lee, Shai makes for a great little nickname.

When a girl's name is Clover, how can she not be happy? This sweet, whimsical name is perfect for nature lovers or those who just want something a little different.

Looking for a girl's name that starts with an E but trying to avoid the super popular Emily and Emma? Give Ember a try (and, yes, she can still be called Emmy or Em for short).

If the goal is to keep baby emotionally grounded, it's hard to find a more calming name than Zen. Parents find it edgy and modern, in a totally chill way.

One easy way to modernize a traditional name is to spin it towards the opposite sex. Moms and dads are going gaga over Charley as a potential name for a baby girl and, admittedly, it's pretty darn cute.

Over the years certain types of flower have dominated baby names -- like Rose and Daisy. Today, modern parents are opting to use names that feel a little edgier, like Freesia and Juniper.

When Kelly Clarkson named her daughter River, it was more than just her fans who took notice. The name feels both powerful and majestic.

Move over Madison and Madeline, Madigan is coming for top honors among baby names. It follows along with the increasing trend of using last names as first names but still delivers cute nickname options like Maddie.