This traditional male name -- a medieval form of Alfred -- has been climbing to an all-time popularity peak for baby boys. The trick is, it's even more common for girls. Once a name starts to turn feminine, parents of boys usually run in the other direction. But lately, favorites like Jordan and Peyton have been bucking the trend. Cross your fingers that elegant Avery joins them as a two-gender standard.

From The Baby Name Wizard by Laura Wattenberg. Buy the book