[name_m]How[/name_m] do you Berries feel about X, Z, Q, and V? I’ve been loving a combination of names with two X’s ([name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]!) and although both names are quite solid, I get the sinking feeling that it’s just tacky to overuse the “eccentric” letters. Why are these letters so seductive? Why are (boys’) names with Xs so trendy right now? Does anyone else out there find the buzzy letters particularly beautiful? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you find them distasteful? A cheap thrill?
I love a bunch of names with X ( [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f], [name_f]Xanthia[/name_f], [name_m]Xavier[/name_m]), Q ([name_u]Quinn[/name_u], [name_u]Quincy[/name_u]) and V ([name_f]Viola[/name_f], [name_f]Valencia[/name_f], [name_f]Violetta[/name_f]). (I don’t really like Y names, like [name_f]Yvonne[/name_f] or [name_f]Yasmin[/name_f] )
It can be a nice break, since most of the popular names start with A, E, or (with tons of abuse) K.
I like the eccentric letters! [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is slightly heavy on the “X’s” for my liking, but it’s pretty and not nearly as egregious as, say, using Beatrixx or Jaxxon or Ezzra, as some tryndee parents seem to be wont to do. 
I can’t say for Q, V, or Z but i have a (totally unscientific) theory about X.
So a friend of mine studies handwriting samples for analysis, and she’s mentioned that you can tell a lot about people based on how they write the letter X, because it’s a letter that is associated with sex. So a small X is very different then a big X in a handwriting sample.
So, in my mind, i think a lot of people think X is much more daring/sexy/exciting letter. I think this is why people seem to love putting Xs where they don’t belong ([name_m]Jaxon[/name_m], or even Jaxxon, instead of [name_m]Jackson[/name_m]).
This could also explain the popularity of the letter K, which is the most visually similar letter to X.
Names with Xs are ok to me as long as they are actual names and not tryndee misspellings. [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] and [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] both work, but [name_m]Jaxon[/name_m] or [name_m]Braxton[/name_m] don’t, to me.
I will say, [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] seems a little x-heavy for me, but then again i like that the Xs are on either end, sort of framing in the name. I think it could work, but if it were me, if probably go with [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f].
Again, my theory about the letter X is just based on trivial details…but to me, it explains why X and K are so popular, while other unique letters (Q, U, V, Z) aren’t used nearly as often. At least that is the case where i live and with the names I’ve observed.
[name_f]Xanthe[/name_f], [name_f]Xandra[/name_f], [name_m]Xavier[/name_m], [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f], [name_f]Zara[/name_f], [name_u]Zia[/name_u], [name_f]Zee[/name_f], [name_u]Quinn[/name_u], [name_f]Yara[/name_f], [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f], [name_f]Bellatrix[/name_f], and so many more are gorgeous. I don’t think [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is too much “x,” as long as you are pronouncing [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] as [name_f]Zee[/name_f]-nee-uh.
I really adore the letter V.
[name_f]Livy[/name_f] gives me chills
[name_f]Geneva[/name_f] makes me smile
[name_m]Levi[/name_m] looks so strong
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m] seems fun and daring at the same time
[name_f]Eve[/name_f] is so clean and classic
[name_f]Nova[/name_f] is pretty and full of light
Verily is a GP that just won’t leave me
I tend to only like Z’s in the middle. I like Zeal a lot as a middle name, but not as a first.
I like [name_m]Zane[/name_m], but there are many I love more as firsts.
I like [name_f]Zara[/name_f], but I prefer [name_f]Darah[/name_f]/[name_f]Daria[/name_f]
I don’t mind [name_m]Quentin[/name_m] and [name_u]Quincy[/name_u], but I wouldn’t use them myself. Something about it always having to be followed by a -u makes it feel to constrained. If that makes any sense.
I can’t think of any other “x” name aside from [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] and [name_m]Felix[/name_m] that I really like. I don’t hate [name_m]Xavier[/name_m], but X just feels like a middle letter to me.
[name_f]Blanche[/name_f], I adore [name_u]Quincy[/name_u] and [name_f]Viola[/name_f]. [name_f]Valencia[/name_f]'s really cool too, and [name_f]Roxanne[/name_f].
[name_m]Eric[/name_m], ha! Jaxxon is hideous. It reminds me of Exxon Valdez. Hm Exxon Valdez - now there’s a stripper name.
[name_f]Amelia[/name_f]! Interesting theory. I’d like to think there’s more to the X than just sex appeal, but it makes sense. [name_m]How[/name_m] cool that you have a graphologist friend. Yes, I like those bookended Xs in XB. I realize [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is almost a palindrome, soundwise. X, short vowel, EE-sound. EE-sound, short vowel, X. It’s probably not THE one, just trying it on.
[name_m]Rainier[/name_m], I think I’d go for the “kZEH-nee-ah” pronunciation. Pronounced as an X rather than as a Z. I love many from your list, but [name_f]Violetta[/name_f] is especially refreshing. So over-the-top feminine, but fierce. Good one. [name_m]Aurelian[/name_m] and [name_m]Ephraim[/name_m] are also gorgeous and unusual.
Oh my gosh [name_f]Kala[/name_f] that’s brilliant about the Q always feeling constrained by the U. So so true!
[name_m]Calvin[/name_m], [name_m]Levi[/name_m], [name_f]Nova[/name_f]… The vibration of the V cuts like a violin note. It’s almost astringent. Cuts right through the usual sauce of too many vowels and Ls.
I think there’s something percussive about the X. There must be a term for what happens to the sound when you say X and Q. V and Z have a lovely buzz - that’s something else. But X and Q are dry, without a lot of air behind them, know what I mean?
I am a big fan of Z and V. [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] and [name_m]Levi[/name_m] bright and zippy. [name_f]Zara[/name_f]- lush and exotic
Q- I don’t like the shape my mouth takes when I say it… like I’m going to say ewww.
X- unless it’s the middle or at the beginning, I have an irrational dislike of x’s at the end of names…
Dindlee! Hooray for your beautiful sibs-to-be [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] and [name_m]Levi[/name_m]!
I hear you about the X at the end… It can be bossy. [name_m]Felix[/name_m] is unimpeachable, but [name_m]Knox[/name_m], [name_u]Max[/name_u], [name_m]Pollux[/name_m], [name_m]Dax[/name_m], even cool [name_m]Ajax[/name_m] have such an over-the-top macho sound because of that x-ending.
I love all of these, though some lean more to boys and some more to girls on my lists.
X favourites
Girls: [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f], Xylia, [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f], [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f], [name_f]Alexandrina[/name_f], [name_f]Felixia[/name_f] and Tamarix.
Boys: [name_m]Xavier[/name_m], [name_m]Xalvador[/name_m], [name_u]Dexter[/name_u], [name_m]Baxter[/name_m], [name_m]Alexander[/name_m], [name_m]Xenophon[/name_m]. [name_m]Felix[/name_m] is okay but I probably wouldn’t use it, I don’t like it as much as its feminine variants.
Z
Girls: [name_f]Zelda[/name_f], [name_f]Zara[/name_f], Tzvia, [name_f]Zinnia[/name_f], [name_f]Hazel[/name_f], Ezriela, [name_f]Zakia[/name_f], [name_f]Raziela[/name_f], [name_f]Ketzia[/name_f], [name_f]Izora[/name_f], [name_f]Eliza[/name_f], [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f].
Boys: [name_m]Zev[/name_m], [name_m]Zvi[/name_m]/Tzvi, [name_f]Azaria[/name_f], Ezriel, [name_m]Azriel[/name_m], [name_m]Zebulon[/name_m]/[name_m]Zevulun[/name_m], [name_m]Zacharias[/name_m], [name_m]Zechariah[/name_m], [name_m]Ezra[/name_m], [name_m]Ezekiel[/name_m], [name_m]Zachary[/name_m], Raziel, Benzion, [name_m]Jabez[/name_m], [name_m]Reuven[/name_m], [name_m]Uziel[/name_m], [name_m]Uziah[/name_m], [name_m]Lazar[/name_m], [name_m]Eleazar[/name_m].
Q
Girls: Qetsiyah, [name_f]Quintana[/name_f].
Boys: [name_m]Quentin[/name_m], [name_u]Quinn[/name_u], [name_u]Quincy[/name_u], [name_m]Quade[/name_m].
V
Girls: [name_u]Vivien[/name_u], [name_f]Viveka[/name_f], [name_f]Valeria[/name_f], [name_f]Viola[/name_f], [name_f]Veronica[/name_f], [name_f]Aviva[/name_f], [name_f]Livia[/name_f].
Boys: [name_m]Victor[/name_m], [name_m]Vincent[/name_m], [name_m]Levi[/name_m], [name_m]Lev[/name_m], [name_m]Zev[/name_m], [name_m]Zvi[/name_m], [name_u]Avi[/name_u], [name_m]Valerian[/name_m], [name_m]Vasili[/name_m], [name_m]Tuvia[/name_m].
It’s the sounds I like, so I really want to count [name_f]Isidora[/name_f], [name_m]Isaac[/name_m], and [name_f]Niamh[/name_f] too, but I must admit that technically they have no Z or V.
A lot of these are family names for me, so I couldn’t REALLY use all of them. I don’t like mispelled names but these are different to me. Their unusualness is genuine, not a really elaborate way to spell [name_f]Emily[/name_f], you know?
YES!!! I just made this list for another thread - [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is positively enchanting and lovely.
V, X and Z are my favs, but I’ve added some Qs I like as well:
Venture, [name_f]Vashti[/name_f], [name_f]Verity[/name_f], [name_f]Violet[/name_f], [name_f]Viola[/name_f], [name_u]Vivian[/name_u], [name_u]Vesper[/name_u], [name_m]Virgil[/name_m], Verticordia, [name_m]Vail[/name_m], Valhalla, [name_f]Verbena[/name_f], Valkyrie, [name_u]Valentine[/name_u], [name_f]Victoria[/name_f], [name_f]Virginia[/name_f], [name_m]Valor[/name_m], [name_m]Valiant[/name_m], [name_f]Vanora[/name_f], [name_f]Veronica[/name_f], [name_f]Vesta[/name_f], [name_f]Veda[/name_f], [name_f]Vera[/name_f], [name_f]Verena[/name_f], [name_f]Veruca[/name_f], Vivaldi, [name_m]Vance[/name_m], Varen, [name_m]Vaughn[/name_m], [name_u]Vernon[/name_u], Voltaire
[name_u]Quinn[/name_u], [name_f]Quintessa[/name_f], [name_m]Quinlan[/name_m], [name_m]Quest[/name_m]
[name_m]Xander[/name_m], [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f], [name_m]Xerxes[/name_m], Xanthippe, [name_f]Xenia[/name_f], Xalina, Xylia, [name_m]Xenophon[/name_m]
[name_u]Zephyr[/name_u], Zosteria, Zenith,[name_f]Ziva[/name_f], [name_f]Zelda[/name_f], [name_f]Zoe[/name_f], [name_f]Zara[/name_f], [name_f]Zorya[/name_f], [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f], [name_f]Zinnia[/name_f], [name_m]Zachary[/name_m],[name_f]Zafira[/name_f], [name_m]Zane[/name_m], Zerynthia, Zeal, Zarielle, Zemaria, [name_m]Zeus[/name_m], [name_u]Zola[/name_u], Zuriel, Zafara, Zebina, [name_f]Zipporah[/name_f],
I forgot [name_f]Zephirine[/name_f]! weeps
I like [name_f]Xenia[/name_f] [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]. I just don’t know if I’m up for the silliness about Warrior Princesses my friends would bust out. That’s just the [name_f]Xena[/name_f] thing. I had a couple [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] combos on my list though, love it.
I secretly like [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f] and Xantippe but don’t know that I’m brave enough to use them so I didn’t mention them.
Stripe! I’m fanning myself like a scorching hot dumpling over here! That is an amazing list. [name_f]Felixia[/name_f], Tamarix! [name_m]Xalvador[/name_m] and [name_m]Xenophon[/name_m]! [name_f]Zelda[/name_f], Tzvia, [name_f]Hazel[/name_f], [name_f]Raziela[/name_f], [name_f]Ketzia[/name_f], [name_m]Zvi[/name_m]/Tzvi!! [name_m]Azriel[/name_m], [name_m]Zebulon[/name_m]/[name_m]Zevulun[/name_m]!! [name_m]Zechariah[/name_m], [name_m]Ezra[/name_m], [name_m]Ezekiel[/name_m], [name_m]Reuven[/name_m]!!! !!! [name_m]Uziel[/name_m], [name_m]Uziah[/name_m], [name_m]Lazar[/name_m]! Qetsiyah!
Ok I have to stop - I’m just going to retype your entire list. If you like [name_m]Lazar[/name_m], how about [name_m]Laszlo[/name_m]? [name_f]Zephirine[/name_f]… no Y? Surely [name_f]Zephyrine[/name_f]! [name_f]Xena[/name_f] Warrior [name_f]Princess[/name_f] hm. Something to think about. Ok I thought about it. Still love [name_f]Xenia[/name_f]! :-b
Moonie, aw I’m glad to hear a little encouragement for Lady X. [name_u]Vesper[/name_u] is whispery beautiful. [name_f]Vesta[/name_f] is to die for. [name_f]Veda[/name_f], [name_f]Vera[/name_f], [name_f]Verbena[/name_f]!! Funny to see [name_f]Verbena[/name_f] sandwiched between Valhalla and Valkyrie. [name_f]Veruca[/name_f] is a name that I just love. Please rescue her from Wonkaland. The world needs more Verucas. [name_f]Quintessa[/name_f], Xanthippe, [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f], [name_u]Zephyr[/name_u], Zosteria, Zuriel!
Thanks again ladies.
Ok, but [name_m]Reuven[/name_m]! [name_f]Beat[/name_f] still my heart. It’s got the black feathery flash of [name_u]Raven[/name_u] (but without “raving mad”) and the folksy “blueberry” sound of [name_m]Reuben[/name_m] (without the sandwich problem.) It’s awesome.
The only tricky thing about [name_m]Reuven[/name_m] is it’s kind of got a bit of a third syllable compared to the English [name_m]Reuben[/name_m]. Still a lovely name. I heart it.
[name_m]Laszlo[/name_m] is probably easier than [name_m]Lazar[/name_m] (which I grew up saying like l’ZAR, not like “laser tag”) but if I wanted a longer form I think I would go with [name_m]Eleazar[/name_m], [name_m]Elazar[/name_m], or [name_m]Lazarus[/name_m]. I don’t know why I didn’t include [name_m]Lazarus[/name_m], actually.
If you like the sz combo, you might like [name_f]Eszter[/name_f] on the girl’s side. It’s the Hungarian form of [name_f]Esther[/name_f].
Ahhhhh, [name_m]Reuven[/name_m]! I love me some [name_m]Reuven[/name_m]. 
No one has mentioned [name_m]Ozias[/name_m]. That’s one of my favorites.
I think [name_m]Ozias[/name_m] and [name_m]Uziah[/name_m] are the same name?
[name_m]How[/name_m] does Nameberry feel about [name_f]Roxana[/name_f]/Roxelana/Ruxandra?
Edited for privacy.
[name_m]Eric[/name_m] and Stripe, explain the fleeting third syllable thing with [name_m]Reuven[/name_m]. Is it “reOOven?” [name_f]Roxana[/name_f] love. Roxelana sounds garbled to me. Ruxandra makes me think of vampires, but in a good way!
[name_f]Maple[/name_f], [name_m]Ozias[/name_m] is wonderful. Any name that contains [name_m]Oz[/name_m] is alright in my book. [name_m]Frank[/name_m] L. Baum woot woot!
[name_f]Sarah[/name_f], Zorro! Oh no you di’nt. [name_m]Devereaux[/name_m] is dashing. Very cowboy-chivalrous sounding. Iverine Iverine… If you go with D.D. Iverine you can call her Diver. Is that weird?
It’s like Rə-oo-ven, yeah. It’s like a breath between the R and the ooh. Like the difference between [name_f]Katharine[/name_f] and [name_f]Kathryn[/name_f]?
My list was defective because I seem to have lost both [name_f]Raquel[/name_f] and [name_f]Raquela[/name_f], and [name_f]Verity[/name_f]! :o
I do love [name_u]Vesper[/name_u] (I grew up on the [name_u]Vesper[/name_u] [name_f]Holly[/name_f] YA books which probably help) but the locals here hear as “like the motor scooter?” because they say “[name_u]Vesper[/name_u]” and “[name_f]Vespa[/name_f]” the same. I muse on Vespertine though. I know out there but I like it.
I can’t remember if I included [name_f]Dvora[/name_f], probably not because I can’t use it, but I like it.