Parents in search of names emblematic of a new masculine image for their sons are also looking toward ethnic choices unknown in the U.S. just a few years ago.

　　The inspiration?  To some extent, it’s celebrities, from actors like Joaquin Phoenix to star dog trainer Cesar Millan to Heidi Klum’s son Johan, Jennifer Connelly’s Stellan, and Madonna’s Rocco.

　　And then there’s simply our widening global sensibility, taking in more and more images and cultural cues from around the world.  When it comes to boys’ names, these names may symbolize a more enlightened masculine image, or at least a fresh one.  Whether the name is Irish or Latino, African or French, we may see that exotic guy as being more stylish and more sophisticated and definitely more worldly than our regular old Bills and Jims.

　　Here, a selection of new ethnic choices for boys on the U.S. popularity list.  And don’t forget to take our poll on the new masculine names at the end of the column!

　　Amari

　　Andre

　　Andres

　　Axel

　　Braydon

　　Cesar

　　Connor

　　Cortez

　　Cruz

　　Declan

　　Enzo

　　Finn

　　Gianni

　　Giovanni

　　Hugo

　　Ivan

　　Jamari

　　Joaquin

　　Johan

　　Jonas

　　Kellen

　　Kieran

　　Killian

　　Liam

　　Luca

　　Malachi

　　Matteo

　　Mekhi

　　Milo

　　Omar

　　Orlando

　　Owen

　　Rafael

　　Raul

　　Rocco

　　Santiago

　　Santino

　　Soren

　　Stellan

　　Valentino

　　Xavier