Jos is a compact masculine name with diverse international roots. It can function as a shortened form of Joseph (Hebrew for 'God will add') or Joshua (Hebrew for 'God is salvation'), giving it biblical connections. In Dutch and Finnish contexts, Jos stands as an independent name rather than just a nickname. The single-syllable structure gives Jos a straightforward, minimalist quality that works well across language barriers. While uncommon in English-speaking countries as a full name, it has greater prevalence in European nations, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. The brevity of Jos makes it practical and unpretentious, appealing to parents seeking simple yet meaningful names. Its international usage provides cultural versatility while maintaining ease of pronunciation across different languages.

Another name for Jupiter, king of the Roman gods, this jovial name is eminently ready for modern use. Feminine variations include Jovita and Jovie.

Poetic and easy to pronounce (it's keets), this is one of many poets' names to consider, such as Auden, Eliot, Frost, Byron, Lorca, Marlowe, Blake, Emerson and Tennyson. Likely meaning "kite", in reference to the bird of the same name, it could also be used as a nickname to Keaton, or as an alternative to vintage Kit.

Keefe is an energetic Irish surname occasionally used as a first. Only caveat: Will people think your little Keefe is a Keith with enunciation problems?

This diminutive of Cornelius (and Cornelis) has plenty of coolness and charm, along with a creative connection to Dutch artist Kees van Dongen. Popular in The Netherlands, it sounds similar to the English Case.

Keir is a single-syllable name that packs a lot of punch, might suggest -- thanks to its similarity to the word care -- a caring person. Sir Keir Rodney Starmer is a British politician and head of the Labour Party since 2020. Keir Dullea is an American actor who starred in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

With an easy-going and interesting sound, the surname-inspired Keyes might fit in with the likes of Hayes, Reese, Kai and Keegan. While Keyes has never appeared in the US stats, Key (perhaps as a variation of Kay or Kai) is given to a handful of boys each year.

Two drawbacks: some unpleasant World War II associations, and the Santa clause.

This royal but common Scandinavian name is, in the US, linked to a single figure -- Notre Dame football coach Knute Rockne. While Rockne's name was commonly pronounced like newt, the correct pronunciation is two syllables, sound the K.

An Asian name that would be easily understood in this country.

Although this is an ancient Old Testament name, it has a pleasant contemporary feel that might appeal to today's parents, who might just as easily use it for a girl. It was one of the fastest rising names for boys in the UK in a recent year.

Laird is a Scottish title for the landed gentry – it ranks just below a Baron – with a pleasantly distinctive Scottish burr that must have appealed to Sharon Stone, who chose it for her son.

In one recent year there were 60 baby girls in the US named Lark....and only eight baby boys. But there's no reason this bird name can't also be masculine, especially given that Robin is making a comeback for boys and Sparrow is a notable starbaby boy (he's Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's son).

The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.

This concise one-syllable name, has two possible derivations and two positive meanings associated with it. In Hebrew, it means "heart", while in Russian it means "lion". So strong and simple Lev has both a soft and a fierce side.

Lir is the Irish god of the sea, the equivalent of the Welsh Llyr which some equate with Shakespeare's King Lear. This is one of those rare names that is simple and has a deep history with an appealing meeting and yet is completely unused in the modern world -- no baby boys were recorded as receiving the name Lir in the US last year. Maybe because it sounds like the unappealing leer?

The longer Lucky has seen increased use in the US, with 100 babies given the offbeat word choice in a recent year. Now, succinct Luck, equally associated with good fortune, blessings, and chance is beginning to see quiet usage. Similar in sound to Luke and Mack, it was given to 5 boys in the latest count. It might be worth bearing in mind the unfortunate rhyme, however.

Maas is a succinct masculine name with Dutch or Germanic origins. As a surname, it's relatively common in the Netherlands, derived from the Meuse River (Maas in Dutch). When used as a first name, it carries a strong, minimalist quality that feels both modern and rooted in tradition. The simplicity of the name—four letters with a straightforward pronunciation—gives it a distinctive presence. While uncommon as a first name internationally, Maas has seen some usage in Dutch-speaking regions. The name may appeal to parents seeking a brief, impactful name with European connections and a contemporary feel.

Mads is a perennial favorite in Germany, the Nordic countries, and the Netherlands, where it is usually to be found in the Top 50. Just remember the D is not pronounced. Famous bearers include Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, the villain of the Bond film "Casino Royale".