International Baby Boy Names (with Meanings & Popularity)

Thierry

French variation of Theodoric

"ruler of the people"

A hugely popular choice in France back in the 60s and 70s, Thierry took the number one spot in 1964,though it has since dropped out of the French Top 500. Derived from the Germanic Theodoric (not a…

Haruki

Japanese

"spring tree"

Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, well known in the U. S. , might inspire some namesakes. Haruki is a popular Japanese name meaning spring tree or bright tree, a lovely nature meaning combined with…

Zevi

Hebrew

"gazelle, roebuck"

Zevi is an alternative transcription of the Hebrew name Zvi or Tzvi, the latter of which is a Top 100 pick in Israel. It's a cool, sharp-sounding name which would make for a great distinctive…

Helio

Spanish

"the sun"

More familiar to English speakers in the Italian Elio form.

Xerxes

Persian

"hero among heroes"

The two X's may be a challenge for even the most intrepid baby namer. Xerxes was the name of two early kings of Persia and the Handel opera Serse or Xerxes is loosely based on Xerxes I.

Nur

Arabic

"light"

Ziv

Hebrew

"brilliance"

Also a synonym for the Hebrew month of Iyar, which usuually falls in May, would work and play well with others like Zev and Lev.

Laurent

French variation of Lawrence

"of Laurentium or bay laurel"

A French accent makes almost everything sound better, especially when attached to a Twilight vampire. Laurent also has a high-style feel via designer Yves St-Laurent. Laurent de Brunhoff is the…

Milos

Slavic

"gracious, dear, beloved"

Milos, typically spelled Miloš, derives from various names including the Slavic element, milŭ , such as Miloslav, Bogomil, or Milrad. Popular in the Czech Republic, the name is also used in Serbia,…

Ikenna

Igbo

"father's power"

Ikenna's meaning makes it a subtle way to honor a father or grandfather. Ikenna is the name of a popular YouTube star.

Kelechi

Igbo

"glorify God"

A common unisex name in Nigeria. Kerry Washington used it as the middle name for her son Caleb.

Didier

French

"desired, beloved"

Didier is kind of a Desiree for boy--a lively, confident name that's widely used in France and has definite possibilities here. It's the name of an early French saint.

Baran

Turkish and Persian, Russian

"rain; ram"

Baran is barely known in the US -- unless it's mistaken for royal moniker and Trump son name Baron -- but it might make a perfect choice for a boy born under the sign of Aries.

Nikos

Greek, diminutive of various names beginning with the element Niko-

Attractive, approachable, and more striking Nick alternative.

Ivo

Germanic, Slavic

"yew wood, archer; God is gracious"

Succinct, stylish, and catchy, Ivo has the energetic impact of other names ending in -o . It is a multicultural choice with two distinct origins, and, as such, is familiar across a variety of…

Misha

Russian, diminutive of Mikhail

Brought into the American consciousness as the nickname of ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov, it more recently took on a unisex air via TV and screen actress Mischa Barton. Could become the next Sasha.

Vasili

Greek

"royal, kingly"

Alternative form of Basil that might suit the adventurous.

Ara

Armenian

"king"

Ara is a unique boys' name that one of the most melodious in the Armenian name pool, familiarized by Notre Dame football coach Ara Parseghian. In Armenian mythology, Ara was a king so handsome that a…

Itamar

Hebrew

"date palm island"

In the Old Testament, Itamar (or Ithamar) was the youngest son of Aaron.

Marceau

French variation of Marcel

"little warrior"

Mime Marcel Marceau actually had two versions of the same name. Marcel, Marceau, Marcella, Marcus, Mark -- all are variation of the Roman mythological name Mars, the god of war.