By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 139 pages
of 139
Latin
"a spearman, a warrior"
An adolescent boy might have problems with the first syllable.
French variation of Ralph
"wolf-counsel"
Raoul, with its unique three-vowel middle, rolls off the tongue in an appealing way. Raoul is one of the French names that sounds infinitely more romantic and attractive than the somewhat harsh…
Spanish and Portuguese variation of Raymond, German
"wise protector"
Dashing Latin classic, familiar and functional in both English and Spanish or Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Italian variation of Raphael
"God has healed"
More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.
French variation of Reginald
Attractive if phonetically confusing; also pronounced exactly the same as the Renault car.
Italian variation of Romulus
This name taken from one of the legendary founders of Rome suddenly feels more possible for a baby in the English-speaking world, with the rise of many Rome-related names, from Roman to Romy to…
Spelling variation of Rudolph, German
"famous wolf"
You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.
Czech variation of Samuel
Energetic and bouncy, but keep it as a short form.
Italian variation of Samson
"sun"
Strong and rhythmic Italian form of Samson
German variation of Samuel
For Sam-lovers who want to make a slight detour off that well-traveled road.
Spanish variation of Santos
Name of nine provincial Spanish kings, but more likely to conjure up Sancho Panza, the hapless squire of Don Quixote.
English surname, variation of Alexander, Greek
"defending men"
With the new fashion in the US for S-ending surname-names, Saunders could see some use.
Spelling variation of Sergeant, Latin
"to serve"
One of the few military ranks used as a name, as in Kennedy in-law and Peace Corps creator Sargent (born Robert Sargent) Shriver. There's also a more creative, artistic association with painter John…
Spelling variation of Shakir; Arabic
"thankful"
Shaquille O'Neal came almost as close as he could to a Junior when he selected this name for his son.
Welsh variation of James
We don't think a boy would want to be called a sham.
Welsh variation of John
A more authentic -- and difficult -- version of Sean.
Welsh variation of George
A nice beachy name, but one that would require constant explanation.
"from Syria"
This Italian saint's name is one of the most unusual of the o-ending names.
Swedish, German, variation of Severus
A gentle Scandinavian name, soft and sensitive, but with more masculine punch than Loren.
Spanish variation of Constantine
Unusual, with an energetic spirit.
