These 9 Stylish Classic Boy Names on Everyone’s List

Jul 09, 2016

Looking for the middle ground between cool and edgy boy baby names like Axl, Legend and Bodhi, and quiet traditionals like Michael, Joseph and David? You’re in luck! There’s a crop of boy baby names that are bona fide classics with history galore. And they still feel stylish — even fresh — in 2016.

The reigning king of stylish classics for boys has to be Sam. Keri Russell recently shared that she and Matthew Rhys welcomed son Sam in May (Russell is also mom to River and Willa with ex-husband Shane Deary). A few days later, The Bachelor alums Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici Lowe announced the arrival of their first son, Samuel Thomas.

Sam has all the ingredients for a stylish classic name. It’s currently very popular, more popular than in many years past. But while Sam and similarly stylish names are climbing in use, their deep historic roots mean that they can’t be dismissed as trendy or fleeting.

If you’re looking for a name that feels current and classic at the same time, this is the list for you.

1. Samuel: Keri Russell hasn’t shared Sam’s full name, but it almost doesn’t matter. Nearly every Samuel is a Sam, including Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck’s son, born in 2012. Samuel is a perpetual Top 100 name, found in the Old Testament, worn by Founding Father Samuel Adams and actor Samuel L. Jackson, to name just a few. The name currently ranks Number 23 in the US, the perfect combination of traditional, all-boy name and fashionable favorite.

2. Henry: If Sam has a brother, he might be Henry. It’s a white-hot name in Hollywood, chosen by Colin Farrell, Heidi Klum, Rachel Weisz, Minnie Driver, Emily Deschanel, Julia Roberts, Amanda Peet and others. Regal and accessible at the same time, Henry once ranked in the US Top 10. At Number 29 today, Henry might be on its way back to the top of the charts.

3. Jack: Originally a nickname for the enduring John, Jack has long been seen as an independent name. Worn by a president (Kennedy), a poet (Kerouac) and a pirate (Sparrow), it’s a shape-shifting name and a go-to for fictional characters and baby boys alike. Jack topped the charts in England in recent years and remains a favorite there. In the US, Jack stands at Number 40.

4. Oliver: Speaking of England, the current Number One name there is Oliver. It’s a literary choice, from the medieval epic The Song of Roland to the ’70s breakout hit Love Story. It’s also the name of Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas’ older son, Oliver Finlay. The name entered the US Top 100 in 2009, and has rocketed to Number 19 – the most popular Oliver has ever been in the US.

5. Benjamin: Another name reaching new heights is Benjamin. Ben recently debuted in the US Top 10. From Founding Father Franklin to actors Stiller, Affleck, Vereen and Whishaw, there are plenty of high-profile Bens that come to mind. It’s a name that feels capable and Ben is every bit as friendly and down-to-earth as Sam.

6. Luke: The original Star Wars movie debuted way back in 1977, boosting the Biblical Luke as a baby name. The appeal hasn’t faded, and Luke now stands at Number 28. Factor in related names Lucas and Luca and you’ll realize this name can be heard on playgrounds everywhere. With Star Wars back in the spotlight, Luke could continue to climb the charts as a Biblical name at home in the 21st century.

7. Owen: In the space of a decade, Owen entered the US Top 100 and made it all the way into the Top 40. The name currently stands at Number 36. And why not? Owen sounds like all of those new favorites for boys like Logan and Rowan, but has history to spare. There’s a 17-century saint, a medieval king and fictional characters from Boardwalk Empire to Jurassic World who share this name.

8. James: Yes, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds used this name for their daughter and they weren’t the first. But James remains near the peak of popularity for boys in the US, currently at Number Seven. Biblical, regal and very presidential, James hasn’t been hurt one bit by borrowing from the girls and remains a stylish classic choice for boys. One difference from generations past? James is much less likely to answer to Jim.

9. Charlie: Charles is the evergreen name, worn by accomplished men like Darwin and Dickens. But Charlie is the stylish classic – friendly, upbeat and creative – just think Charlie Parker or Charlie Chaplin. In Harry Potter, there’s a Weasley brother by the name, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is an enduring childhood favorite. Charles stands at Number 50 in the US and Charlie at Number 229.

What’s your favorite classic boy name? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

This post was previously published on Nameberry.

(Photos via Getty)

'The White Lotus' Star Aimee Lou Wood Just Addressed All Those Comments About Her Teeth

Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

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8 “Lucky” St. Patrick’s Day Traditions You Should Do On March 17

Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.

Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.

Scroll to see the all the lucky St. Patrick's Day traditions that manifest a little extra fortune!

1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)

RDNE Stock project

One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.

The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.

This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.

2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey

Jill Wellington

In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.

3. Doing An Irish Jig

Darlene Alderson

Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.

The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.

You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!

4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers

MH Shan

Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.

While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!

Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.

5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread

Bijoux and Bits

Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.

This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.

6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash

Brett Sayles

Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.

7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage

Brit + Co

It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.

8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish

RDNE Stock project

Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.

However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.

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Lindsay Lohan & Jamie Lee Curtis Finally Reunite In Epic ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer

I already knew Freakier Friday would be even crazier than the first movie (because the only thing that would make me panic more than switching bodies with my mom is having it happen twice), but Anna (Lindsay Lohan) and Tess (Jamie Lee Curtis) are in for one wild ride in Freaky Friday 2. Because not only are they experiencing a switch, but Anna's daughter and soon-to-be daughter are caught up in it too. Freaky, indeed.

Here's the hilarious Freakier Friday trailer, starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis — and featuring Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO"!

The 'Freakier Friday' trailer is seeing double.

In the Freakier Friday trailer, we see Anna and Tess get their palms read — and when the palm reader sees their life lines have intersected before, and starts teasing they could be in for another adventure, this mother-daughter duo IMMEDIATELY leaves...and then wakes up the next morning in other bodies.

But while the first Freaky Friday saw Anna and Tess switch bodies with one another, this time Anna finds herself trapped in her own daughter's (Julia Butters) body, while Tess and Anna's soon-to-be stepdaughter (Sophia Hammons) swap as well. Talk about complicated!

I was almost more excited to hear Chappell Roan's "HOTTOGO" than I was about anything else. A perfect song choice if you ask me!

And 'Freakier Friday' sees a lot of familiar faces return.

We also get to see Pink Slip reunite in the Freakier Friday trailer! Screenwriter Jordan Weiss teased the band's reunion in our interview for the 2024 rom-com Sweethearts, telling Brit + Co that "I may or may not have gotten to go to set and been around some pink slip energy."

"It may or may not have excited my inner child beyond belief because I was a super fan. I was 10 years old when the first movie came out," she continued. "So 20 years later to get to work on the sequel as part of that team was a dream and, you know, don't meet your heroes unless your heroes are Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, In which case they're amazing. Meet your heroes."

We also see a glimpse of Manny Jancinto and Chad Michael Murray's Jake pull up for a "sexy grand entrance" on his motorcycle. We'll have to watch Freakier Friday when it hits theaters on August 8, 2025 to see how these ladies will work it out!

Are you excited for Freakier Friday? Let us know what you're most excited to see in the sequel on TikTok! And read up on how Chad Michael Murray's Freaky Friday Role Almost Went To Jared Padalecki.

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