I love the name Mara (I pronounce it Mare-uh, but some people pronounce is Mahr-uh). I've never seen/heard it used. It used to be my #1 name a few years ago until my husband vetoed it.

Out of your names I like:
Xander - prefer Alexander though, so he'd have something to lengthen it to
Liam - short for William, same reason as above
Braeden - spelled Braden, Brady for short (loved this one too but my husband hated it )
Aiden

I think Alexander James or William James sounds awesome. I know you like "weird but not too weird" names but you have some great nicknames for these names that fit that category. I just always think ahead to how the person will feel when they're giving out their business cards or something. I like seeing/hearing polished names, like Alexander or William or something that sounds more nicknamey. JMO.


Callista
Maxine

Chloe's cute but I know four dogs named Chloe so for me, it's a dog name.