Crystal

Can Crystal be a boy’s name? Why not?! We’re big fans of naming your baby whatever you choose — and if that’s a name that’s more traditionally associated with one sex than other, so what? The baby name "Crystal" comes from the Greek κρύσταλλος, or "krystallos," and means ice. It’s evocative of the gemstone itself: Think brilliance and clarity, as with diamond.

While Crystal has been a go-to choice for girls for more than a century — and peaked in popularity back in 1982, when it ranked number 9 — you may not be surprised to learn that the name Crystal is nowhere to be found on the Social Security Administration’s Top 1000 baby names list for boys — in any year. That makes Crystal a truly unique choice for parents-to-be who are looking for an unusual moniker for their little man. More traditional variations on the name for boys include Chrystal, Kristall, and Kristol. And while it’s not exactly “Crystal,” another name name to consider that shares Crystal’s Greek origin and “cy” spelling is Cyril.

Curious as to why Crystal was such a popular name choice in the 80s? Just think back to iconic singer Crystal Gayle and ‘Dynasty’ character Krystle Karrington. And of course, Crystal is common as a last name — just think of comedian Billy Crystal!