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All in the Name

  1. Alexandre

    • Origin:

      French variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
  2. Alfonso

    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian

    • Meaning:

      "noble, ready"

    • Description:

      Alfonso was a royal name in Spain as far back as the 7th century, but it is rarely heard outside the Hispanic community in the US.
  3. Ali

    • Origin:

      Arabic

    • Meaning:

      "supreme, exalted"

    • Description:

      This is one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah, deemed by Muhammad to be a recommended name for a male child. In this country, it's been primarily associated with boxing immortal Muhammad Ali, known as "the greatest." But Ali is also one of the most popular unisex names for both boys and girls.
  4. Clinton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "hilltop town"

    • Description:

      Like many names that have strong political connotations, the attractiveness of the name Clinton will be affected by your world-view. But, taking politics out of the equation, Clinton has a lovely pastoral meaning, a strong sound and a tremendously wearable nickname - Clint - all which would seem to be in its favor for at least a second thought.
  5. Eliseo

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Elisha

    • Meaning:

      "God is my salvation"

    • Description:

      This Latinate name would have no problem fitting into an American classroom. It has made frequent appearances in the US Top 1000 over the last several decades. Borne by several Spanish saints, it boasts both a rhythmic sound and popular o-ending.
  6. Eliezer

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God helps"

    • Description:

      Eliezer is a Biblical name with an air of antiquity, a distinctive sound, and hint of mystery. The name has been in and out of the US Top 1000 since the 80s, with its most recent appearance being in 2023, when it was given to more than 200 babies.
  7. Clifton

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "place on a cliff"

    • Description:

      A less-used cross between Clifford and Clinton.
  8. Ulises

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Ulysses

    • Meaning:

      "wrathful"

    • Description:

      Although Ulysses is the more recognizable spelling — the Latin name for epic Greek hero Odysseus, as well as the first name of US President Grant — Spanish Ulises is the more popular choice in the US. Ulises was at its highest in the early 2000s, and has since been on a downswing.
  9. Alejandro

    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      Softer and smoother than Alexander, this classic Spanish name for boys has made a seamless transition to this culture. Adding to its current impact: the Lady Gaga song Alejandro .
  10. Alvaro

    • Origin:

      Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "elf warrior"

    • Description:

      Traditionally written with an accent (Álvaro), this is a well-used Spanish saint's name with a lot of flair that could definitely cross over to more general usage. It reached its peak in the United States in 1985, when it ranked Number 456. In Spain, Álvaro is a Top 20 boys' name.
  11. Elvin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "noble friend"

    • Description:

      Elvin had his peak in the 1920s — which was when jazz musician Elvin Jones was born — but parents are still using it for over 100 boys a year. That's less than Kelvin, but more than Delvin.
  12. Elder

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      Anyone who's seen "The Book of Mormon" or visited Utah knows this as the title taken by male Mormon missionaries during their term of service. We'd advise anyone who lives somewhere with any significant Mormon population to avoid it for that reason.
  13. Elam

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "distant"

    • Description:

      Elam is the name of no fewer than eight Old Testament figures. The most notable was a grandson of Noah whose followers were dubbed the Elamites. Elam is commonly used in Amish communities today.
  14. Eliah

    • Description:

      Eliah is a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins. It's a variant spelling of Elijah (Hebrew: Eliyahu), meaning 'my God is Yahweh' or 'Jehovah is God.' This spelling maintains the biblical connection while offering a slightly different visual and phonetic quality. Eliah appears in various cultures, including as a variant in Scandinavian countries. The name carries profound religious significance in Abrahamic traditions, as Elijah was a revered prophet in the Old Testament. While less common than the traditional Elijah spelling, Eliah has gained some popularity in recent decades as parents seek alternatives to popular biblical names. It offers a gentle yet strong sound with its flowing vowels, conveying both sensitivity and spiritual depth.

  15. Eliyahu

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"

    • Description:

      Eliyahu is the Hebrew form of the increasingly popular Biblical prophet name Elijah, also found in forms Elias and Eli. There were 100 boys given the name Eliyahu in the U.S. in 2012. Its upside is that it's one of the most distinctive forms of the name, but that final yahoo may prove difficult.
  16. Alpha
    • Alyan