boy's namesJohnny Cash sang famously about a "Boy Named Sue," and while it seems that things have changed a bit, it's still not always easy for a boy with a "girl's" name. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't give them. The fact is: sometimes a "girl's name" is just better on a boy.

My son Alan shares his name with a girl, and while I like it on her, I must say, I prefer it on my little man. I think a name like Sam (my daughter's name) is probably equally good on a girl or a boy, but a name like Avery is just better on a boy.

Obviously, these are my opinions, but here are 15 "girl" names that sound much better on a boy:

  1. Ashley: In Gone With the Wind, the object of Scarlett O'Hara's love is Ashley Wilkes (try to avoid a Southern accent when saying that, I dare you), and while it has become a "girl's" name in recent years, I still far prefer it for a boy. Also, it's my dad's name.
  2. Aaron: Obviously the girl's name is spelled Erin, but I still prefer this name on a boy.
  3. Loren: Again, this is one where the name is spelled differently for a girl. But I happen to think it's a really neat name for a boy.
  4. Adrian: I love this name on both boys and girls, but I think it should be used more for boys.
  5. Andy: Pretty in Pink made me love this on a girl. But generally I think it's a better name for a boy.
  6. Finley: This is just adorable on a boy. I wouldn't like it nearly as much on a girl.
  7. Gray: This works well on a boy. Not so much on a female.
  8. Greer: This seems way more masculine to me.
  9. Kevin: I have only known one girl named Kevin, but I think even she would have said it's a better boy name.
  10. Phoenix: Hippy? Yes. But also really nice.
  11. Sage: Again with the crunchy! Sorry, but I love this male name.
  12. Vick: I can't imagine this working too well on a female. But I love it on a boy.
  13. Ryan: This IS a boy name. Period. Is nothing sacred?
  14. Ellis: Boy's name. Period.
  15. Alex: I have to give the slight edge to boys named Alex, though I do think it works on either sex.

What "girl" name do you like on boys?